The Leon III was the first C-segment SEAT car to exceed one million units built, with a record in 2017 of 170,000 units sold in one year. With the third generation, the Leon was consolidated as one of the undisputed SEAT pillars… (read more)
Launch: September 2012
End of production: 2020
Price: from 15.170 euros
Number built: 1 million +
Petrol, 4 cylinders in-line
Position: At front, transversal
Bore x stroke: 82 mm x 84 mm
Capacity: 1798 cc
Valve gear: DOHC, 16 valves
Fuel system: Direct injection, turbo, intercooler
Max. power: 180 HP at 5100 rpm
Max. torque: 250 Nm at 1250 rpm
Top speed: 226 km/h
Drive: Front-wheel drive
Gearbox: 7-speed automatic DSG
Clutch: Dry single-plate
Front suspension:
Independent, McPherson, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear suspension:
Multilink, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Steering: Rack and pinion, power-assisted
Front/rear: Ventilated discs/discs
225/45 R 17
Body: 5-door hatchback, 5 seats
Length/width/height: 4282/1816/1459 mm
Wheelbase: 2636 mm
Weight: 1263 kg
The Leon III was the first C-segment SEAT car to exceed one million units built, with a record in 2017 of 170,000 units sold in one year. With the third generation, the Leon was consolidated as one of the undisputed SEAT pillars.
The Leon III was launched at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, at the end of September, initially with the standard 5-door body. The new generation Leon was based on the 2010 IBE electric prototype. The result was a very stylized line and a front that conveyed a strong personality.
The new Leon debuted the MQB modular platform, was designed and developed at the Martorell Technical Centre and was also produced at the Martorell factory. SEAT’s bet was very strong, and in 2013 the Leon III got two more bodies: 3-door SC (until mid-2018) and estate ST. From 2015 there was even an all-wheel drive Leon ST Xperience with good off-road capabilities, which anticipated the launch of SEAT's first SUV, the Ateca.
Thus, the Leon became the most recognized and valued SEAT, and reinforced SEAT's strong brand image. So much so that in 2014 it surpassed the Ibiza as the best-selling car in the SEAT range, breaking the hegemony that the latter had maintained in the previous 30 years. Finally, in mid-2019 the Leon III exceeded one million units built, about six months before the current Leon IV was launched.
The Leon offered a very complete range of engines, petrol and diesel, from 86 HP, 1.2 TSI to 184 HP, 2.0 TDI CR, and also a hybrid CNG variant (TGI). In addition, since 2014 CUPRA and CUPRA R versions were added under the three bodies, with all-wheel drive in the ST estate.
Looking ahead to 2017, the Leon III got a slight exterior and interior restyling: new front and rear bumpers, full LED technology headlights and a new 8" screen on the dashboard, in addition to keyless engine start, electric handbrake and new advanced driving assistance systems. All this propelled the León to its sales record in a year.