SEAT León

SEAT León

Second-generation SEAT León
Manufacturer SEAT, S.A.
Production Mk1 (1M): 1998–2006
Mk2 (1P): 2005–present
Assembly Martorell, Spain
Brussels, Belgium
Class Small family car
Body style 5-door hatchback
Layout Transverse front engine,
front-wheel drive or
four-wheel drive
Platform Volkswagen Group A platform series
Related Audi A3
Audi TT
Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen Golf Plus
Volkswagen Bora
Volkswagen Jetta
SEAT Toledo
SEAT Altea
Škoda Octavia

The SEAT León (Spanish pronunciation: [leˈon]) is a small family car built by the Spanish car manufacturer, and Volkswagen Group subsidiary SEAT, S.A. since October 1998.[1]

The two León generations are, or have been built upon two differing variants of the Volkswagen Group A platform, and they also share many other components with the Volkswagen Golf, Volkswagen Jetta, Audi TT, Audi A3 and Škoda Octavia.

Contents


Mk1 (Typ 1M, 1998–2006)

SEAT León Mk1 (1M)
Production October 1998 – May 2006
Assembly Martorell, Spain
Brussels, Belgium
Layout Transverse front engine,
front-wheel drive or
four-wheel drive
Platform Volkswagen Group A4 (PQ34)
Engine Petrol engines:
1.4 L I4 16v,
1.6 L I4 8v,
1.6 L I4 16v,
1.8 L I4 20v,
1.8 L I4 20v Turbo,
2.8 L VR6 24v
Diesel engines:
1.9 L I4 SDI,
1.9 L I4 TDI,
1.9 L I4 TDI PD
Transmission 4-speed automatic,
5-speed manual,
6-speed manual
Wheelbase 2,513 mm (98.9 in)
Length 4,183 mm (164.7 in)
Width 1,742 mm (68.6 in)
Height 1,439 mm (56.7 in)
Kerb weight 1,210–1,628 kg (2,700–3,590 lb)
Related Audi A3 Mk1
Audi TT Mk1
Volkswagen Golf Mk4
Volkswagen Bora
Volkswagen New Beetle
SEAT Toledo Mk2
Škoda Octavia Mk1
Designer Giorgetto Giugiaro

The initial SEAT León (Volkswagen Group Typ 1M), launched in 1999,[2] available only as hatchback, and the relates saloon version was known as the SEAT Toledo. It was based on the Volkswagen Group A4 (PQ34) platform and, as such, shared many components in common with other VW Group models such as the Volkswagen Golf Mk4, Bora and Audi A3. As SEAT's first C-segment model as part of the VW Group, the León Mk1 was marketed as a sportier and cheaper variant of the Golf. To reinforce the sporty image, the vehicle had slightly more aggressive looks. The more expensive versions were equipped with relatively more powerful internal combustion engines, along with firmer suspension to improve handling. In the interior, the dashboard was derived from that of the first-generation Audi A3.[3]

Available engines were the 1.4 litre 16 valve petrol engine which produced a 55 kilowatts (75 PS; 74 bhp), a 1.6 litre 8 valve petrol engine 74 kilowatts (101 PS; 99 bhp) (replaced later with a 16 valve 77 kilowatts (105 PS; 103 bhp) unit), and included two variants of the Volkswagen Group's 20 valve turbocharged 1.8 litre powerplant, (with some countries also getting the 2.8 litre VR6 engine delivering 150 kilowatts (204 PS; 201 bhp). The original "León Cupra" (which later became known as the "Cupra T") had a 1.8 litre Turbo with 132 kilowatts (179 PS; 177 bhp), and the "León Cupra R" 154 kilowatts (209 PS; 207 bhp), later becoming 165 kilowatts (224 PS; 221 bhp).

In some countries, there was also a "Cupra 4"; equipped with a 2.8 litre VR6 delivering 150 kilowatts (204 PS; 201 bhp) and equipped with four-wheel drive (4WD), based on the same Haldex Traction multi-plate clutch as the Volkswagen Golf 4motion.[4]

A range of Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) diesel engines was available, including a 110 kilowatts (150 PS; 148 bhp) version of Volkswagen Group's 1.9 TDI engine, originally sold as a "Cupra 4 TDI", with 4WD, that was sold for one year only, and only in certain countries, then passed to "Evolution" series, then "Top Sport", and later rebranded as the "FR" ('Formula Racing'). Lesser diesel versions were available with 66 kilowatts (90 PS; 89 bhp), 81 kilowatts (110 PS; 109 bhp) and 96 kilowatts (131 PS; 129 bhp) outputs.

All engines over 96 kilowatts (131 PS; 129 bhp) have a standard six-speed manual transmission. Rear suspension was by semi-independent torsion beam for most variants, whilst high-end and 4WD models were fitted with a multi-link independent rear suspension. All versions came with disc brakes on all four roadwheels (the front ventilated, and in some cars the rear too).

In Mexico, the León became a very popular car with upper class young people. The only problem the León has suffered in Mexico is the fact that the sport tuned suspension of the León is not designed to withstand the constant road imperfections such as potholes and speed bumps that abound in Mexican roads.

In Switzerland, there was another official version tuned by Abt Sportsline of the León called "SEAT León Cupra 4 Kompressor". This version had the same 4WD and 2.8 litre VR6 but with 206 kilowatts (280 PS; 276 bhp) and 323 newton metres (238 ft·lbf) of torque.[5][6][7]

Factory production of the Typ 1M ended in May 2006.[1] However, the appreciation for the SEAT León Cupra R Mk1's appeal remained clear - still up to the 'best hot hatchback of all time' poll conducted in 2010 by the British magazine Autocar, in which its readers honoured the Cupra R with the seventh position in the top ten list of hatchbacks of all time in their preferences.[8]

Awards

Engine choices

The Typ 1M SEAT León was available with the following internal combustion engines, with most being shared from other marques of the Volkswagen Group:[1]

engine
designation		 displacement, configuration,
valvetrain, fuel system		 max. motive power
at rpm		 max. torque
at rpm		 engine ID
code(s)		 dates
petrol engines
all multi-point electronic indirect fuel injection
1.4 16v 1390 cc inline-4
DOHC 16v		 55 kW (75 PS; 74 bhp)
@ 5,000		 126 N·m (93 ft·lbf)
@ 3,800		 AHW; APE;
AUA; AXP; BCA		 11/99–
10/05
1.6 1595 cc inline-4
SOHC 8v		 74 kW (101 PS; 99 bhp)
@ 5,600		 145 N·m (107 ft·lbf)
@ 3,800		 AEH; AKL 08/99–
10/05
1.6 1595 cc inline-4
SOHC 8v		 75 kW (102 PS; 101 bhp)
@ 5,600		 148 N·m (109 ft·lbf)
@ 3,800		 BFQ 10/05–
06/06
1.6 16v 1598 cc inline-4
DOHC 16v		 77 kW (105 PS; 103 bhp)
@ 5,700		 148 N·m (109 ft·lbf)
@ 4,500		 AUS; AZD;
BCB		 06/00–
06/06
1.8 20v 1781 cc inline-4
DOHC 20v		 92 kW (125 PS; 123 bhp)
@ 6,000		 170 N·m (125 ft·lbf)
@ 4,200		 AGN; APG 11/99–
10/05
1.8 20vT
Cupra		 1781 cc inline-4
DOHC 20v Turbo		 132 kW (179 PS; 177 bhp)
@ 5,500		 235 N·m (173 ft·lbf)
@ 1,950–5,000		 AJQ; APP;
ARY; AUQ		 08/99–
10/05
1.8 20vT
Cupra R		 1781 cc inline-4
DOHC 20v Turbo		 154 kW (209 PS; 207 bhp) 270 N·m (199 ft·lbf) AMK 05/02–
05/03
1.8 20vT
Cupra R		 1781 cc inline-4
DOHC 20v Turbo		 165 kW (224 PS; 221 bhp)
@ 5,900		 280 N·m (207 ft·lbf)
@ 2,200–5,500		 BAM 05/03–
06/06
2.8 VR6 24v
Cupra 4		 2792 cc 15° VR6
DOHC 24v		 150 kW (204 PS; 201 bhp)
@ 6,200		 265 N·m (195 ft·lbf)
@ 3,400		 AUE; BDE 10/00–
04/04
diesel engines
all direct injected
1.9 SDI 1896 cc inline-4 SOHC 8v,
VP37 distributor-type injection pump		 50 kW (68 PS; 67 bhp)
@ 4,000		 133 N·m (98 ft·lbf)
@ 1,800		 AQM 06/00–
10/03
1.9 TDI 1896 cc inline-4 SOHC 8v,
VP37 distributor-type injection pump		 66 kW (90 PS; 89 bhp)
@ 3,750		 210 N·m (155 ft·lbf)
@ 1,900		 AGR; ALH 11/99–
10/05
1.9 TDI 1896 cc inline-4 SOHC 8v,
Pumpe Düse Unit Injectors (PD)		 74 kW (101 PS; 99 bhp)
@ 4,000		 240 N·m (177 ft·lbf)
@ 1,800–2,400		 AXR 10/05–
06/06
1.9 TDI 1896 cc inline-4 SOHC 8v,
VP37 distributor-type injection pump		 81 kW (110 PS; 109 bhp)
@ 4,150		 235 N·m (173 ft·lbf)
@ 1,900		 AHF; ASV 10/99–
10/05
1.9 TDI 1896 cc inline-4 SOHC 8v,
Pumpe Düse unit injectors (PD)		 96 kW (131 PS; 129 bhp)
@ 4,000		 310 N·m (229 ft·lbf)
@ 1,900		 ASZ 05/03–
06/06
1.9 TDI 1896 cc inline-4 SOHC 8v,
Pumpe Düse unit injectors (PD)		 110 kW (150 PS; 148 bhp)
@ 4,000		 320 N·m (236 ft·lbf)
@ 1,900		 ARL 09/00–
12/05


Mk2 (Typ 1P, 2005–present)

SEAT León Mk2 (1P)
Production May 2005 – present (2009 facelift)
Assembly Martorell, Spain
Layout Transverse front engine,
front-wheel drive
Platform Volkswagen Group A5 (PQ35)
Engine Petrol engines:
1.2 L I4 16v TFSI,
1.4 L I4 16v,
1.4 L I4 16v TFSI,
1.6 L I4 8v,
1.8 L I4 16v TFSI,
2.0 L I4 16v FSI,
2.0 L I4 16v TFSI;
LPG engines:
1.6 LPG
Diesel engines:
1.6 L I4 TDI (planned for 2010)
1.9 L I4 TDI,
2.0 L I4 TDI
Transmission 5-speed manual
6-speed manual
6-speed Direct-Shift Gearbox
7-speed Direct-Shift Gearbox
Wheelbase 2,578 mm (101.5 in)
Length 4,315 mm (169.9 in)
Width 1,768 mm (69.6 in)
Height 1,459 mm (57.4 in)
Kerb weight 1,176–1,375 kg (2,590–3,030 lb)
Related Audi A3 Mk2
Audi TT Mk2
Volkswagen Golf Mk5
Volkswagen Golf Mk6
Volkswagen Golf Plus
Volkswagen Jetta Mk5
SEAT Toledo Mk3
SEAT Altea
Škoda Octavia Mk2
Designer Walter de'Silva

The current León, Typ 1P, was released in 2005, with factory production commencing May 2005.[1] It is based on the Volkswagen Group A5 (PQ35) platform, most notably used by the Volkswagen Golf Mk5. It is built in Spain, and has a sharper exterior look with vertically parked windscreen wipers, and the external rear door handles more integrated, in a similar style to that seen on recent Alfa Romeo models. Design was handled by Walter de'Silva, and the car uses the same design style that started with the SEAT Altea.

The base model on offer is the new 16 valve 1.2 litre TSI petrol engine with 77 kilowatts (105 PS; 103 bhp).[10] In some markets (e.g. Greece), the León is available with a 1.4 litre MPI engine producing 63 kilowatts (86 PS; 84 bhp). The sportier variants begin with the 110 kilowatts (150 PS; 148 bhp) 2.0 litre Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) and the popular 103 kilowatts (140 PS; 138 bhp) 2.0 litre Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) diesel engine. Both are fitted with a standard six-speed manual transmission, with the six-speed or seven-speed Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG) available as an option. A 136 kilowatts (185 PS; 182 bhp) variant of the 2.0 TFSI unique to the León was later introduced, but despite a low list price and rapid performance – attracted only minimal attention and average reviews, so this was later discontinued to make way for the sportier FR variants.

The first real sporty León within the new range is the León FR with twin-exhaust pipes to left rear, sport seats and gear stick with FR logo to distinguish it from lesser models, was introduced in June 2006, when it finally received the 147 kilowatts (200 PS; 197 bhp) 2.0 TFSI engine from the Volkswagen Golf Mk5 GTI, as well as a 125 kilowatts (170 PS; 168 bhp) variant of the 2.0 TDI unit featured in the Golf and Audi A3. Further standard equipment includes climate control air conditioning.

Next in the range is the 2.0 TFSI Cupra model. It features a 177 kilowatts (241 PS; 237 bhp) engine, and a 0-100 kilometres per hour (62.1 mph) time of 6.4 seconds. The Cupra comes with standard 18" 5 twin-spoke alloys, red brake calipers, and the standard Cupra oval exhaust, as well as new, unique paint finishes and bolstered sport seats complete with the Cupra logo. Also standard are drilled-aluminium sports pedals.

At the top of the range is the 2.0 TFSI Cupra R. This uses the same 195 kilowatts (265 PS; 261 bhp) engine found in the Audi S3, Golf R and Scirocco R. Capable of 0–100 kilometres per hour (62.1 mph) in 6.2 seconds and a top speed limited to 250 kilometres per hour (155 mph).

From 2008, the K1 variant of the León Cupra was introduced in the UK, featuring extensively re-worked front and rear bumpers, side skirts, a more pronounced tailgate spoiler. It also gained a unique chrome-tipped, centrally-mounted, oval exhaust. The K1 is considered to be a limited edition model, as production was only for the year 2008–2009 and it only being available in the UK.

In 2009, the SEAT León Cupra was turned into a race car in the 'SEAT Cupra race' mobile game for Apple iPhone/iPod touch available through the iTunes' App store.[11]

Awards

Special editions

Copa Edition

In 2008, SEAT Deutschland announced the production of 55 units of the SEAT León Copa Edition.[20] This limited edition is powered with 2.0 TFSI engine improved to 210 kilowatts (286 PS; 282 bhp) of maximum power, and 360 newton metres (266 ft·lbf). Maximum speed is 255 kilometres per hour (158.4 mph) and 0-100 km/h (62.1 mph) time is 5.9 seconds.[21] The suspension is an Eibach derived from the León Supercopa, and the brakes have been improved to cope with the enhanced performance from the uprated engine. In addition, the car includes xenon HID headlights, 18 inch wheels and a spoiler with larger air intakes.[22] The car colour is white with black stripes.

SEAT México announced the production of 100 units of the Copa Edition in orange colour with black stripes in September 2008.[23] The Mexican version has a sunroof, whilst the European León Copa does not.

Streetcopa and World Champion Edition

At the 2008 Geneva Auto Show, the León Streetcopa limited edition was released. It was a similar edition of León Copa Edition with some changes, designed for the Swiss market and limited to 200 units.[24][25] Lately, after SEAT won World Touring Car Championship, SEAT Schweiz released a facelifted version called León World Champion Edition, also limited to 200 units.[26]

Cupra 310 Limited Edition

SEAT Nederland announces the production of León Cupra 310 Limited Edition, with 2.0 TFSI engine upgraded to 228 kilowatts (310 PS; 306 bhp) of maximum power and 425 newton metres (313 ft·lbf).[27] The production has limited to 100 units.[28]

It comes only in Candy white or Infiri black. The Cupra 310 Limited Edition features beside the OEM Cupra equipment an engine management remapping by Abt Sportsline, black Orion-alloy wheels, an alarm system, bluetooth connectivity and special 310 Limited Edition badges on the sides and the rear hatch. There are also stainless decals inside the front door frames displaying the 310 Ltd logo. A badge on the dashboard displays the serial number, and the car is delivered with a key ring to match. Full factory warranty is retained with the power increase that makes this car 259 kilometres per hour (160.9 mph) fast.

Cupra Pies Descalzos

In 2007, SEAT prepared a sole car customized by Shakira. This car was auctioned, and the benefits went to the charity through Pies Descalzos Foundation. Mechanically, it is the same car as the León Cupra.

Engine specifications

The Typ 1P SEAT León is available with the following internal combustion engines, and like the previous generation, many are shared from other marques of the Volkswagen Group:[1]

all available internal combustion engines are inline four cylinder (I4) four-stroke designs
engine
designation / model		 engine
displacement		 valvetrain,
fuel system		 max. motive power
at rpm		 max. torque
at rpm		 engine ID
code(s)		 dates
petrol engines
all fuel injected
1.2 TSI 1197 cc 8v SOHC
Fuel Stratified Injection		 77 kW (105 PS; 103 bhp)
@ 5,000 rpm		 175 N·m (129 ft·lbf)
@ 1,550–5100 rpm		 CBZ 2010–
present
1.4 1390 cc 16v DOHC
multi-point fuel injection		 63 kW (86 PS; 84 bhp)
@ 5,000 rpm		 130 N·m (96 ft·lbf)
@ 3,600 rpm		 BXW/CGG 2007–
present
1.4 TSI 1390 cc 16v DOHC
Fuel Stratified Injection		 92 kW (125 PS; 123 bhp)
@ 5,600 rpm		 200 N·m (148 ft·lbf)
@ 1,500–4,000 rpm		 CAXC 2007–
present
1.6 1595 cc 8v SOHC
multi-point fuel injection		 75 kW (102 PS; 101 bhp)
@ 5,600 rpm		 148 N·m (109 ft·lbf)
@ 3,800 rpm		 BSE/
BSF/CCSA		 2005–
present
1.8 TSI 1798 cc 16v DOHC
Fuel Stratified Injection		 118 kW (160 PS; 158 bhp)
@ 4,500–6,200 rpm		 250 N·m (184 ft·lbf)
@ 1,500–4,500 rpm		 BZB/
CDAA		 2007–
present
2.0 FSI 1984 cc 16v DOHC
Fuel Stratified Injection		 110 kW (150 PS; 148 bhp)
@ 6,000 rpm		 200 N·m (148 ft·lbf)
@ 3,500 rpm		 BLR/BLY
BVY/BVZ		 2005–
2009
2.0 TFSI 1984 cc 16v DOHC
Fuel Stratified Injection		 136 kW (185 PS; 182 bhp)
@ 5,100–6,000 rpm		 270 N·m (199 ft·lbf)
@ 1,800–5,000 rpm		 BWA 2005–
2006
2.0 TFSI (TSI)
FR		 1984 cc 16v DOHC
Fuel Stratified Injection		 147 kW (200 PS; 197 bhp)
@ 5,100–6,000 rpm		 280 N·m (207 ft·lbf)
@ 1,800–5,000 rpm		 BWA 2006–
2009
2.0 TSI
FR		 1984 cc 16v DOHC
Fuel Stratified Injection		 154 kW (209 PS; 207 bhp)
@ 5,300–6,200 rpm		 280 N·m (207 ft·lbf)
@ 1,700–5,200 rpm		 CCZB/
CAWB		 2009–
present
2.0 TSI
Cupra		 1984 cc 16v DOHC
Fuel Stratified Injection		 177 kW (241 PS; 237 bhp)
@ 5,700–6,300 rpm		 320 N·m (236 ft·lbf)
@ 2,200–5,500 rpm		 BWJ 2006–
present
2.0 TSI
Cupra R		 1984 cc 16v DOHC
Fuel Stratified Injection		 195 kW (265 PS; 261 bhp)
@ 6,000 rpm		 350 N·m (258 ft·lbf)
@ 2,500–5,000 rpm		 CDLA 2009–
present
2.0 TFSI
Copa Edition		 1984 cc 16v DOHC
Fuel Stratified Injection		 210 kW (286 PS; 282 bhp)
@ 6,000 rpm		 360 N·m (266 ft·lbf)
@ 2,500 rpm		 N/A
(EA113)		 2008–
present
2.0 TFSI
Cupra 310 Limited Edition		 1984 cc 16v DOHC
Fuel Stratified Injection		 228 kW (310 PS; 306 bhp)
@ 6,000 rpm		 425 N·m (313 ft·lbf)
@ 3,000–5,000 rpm		 N/A
(EA113)		 2008–
2009
Liquefied Petroleum Gas engines
(LPG)
1.6 LPG 1595 cc 75 kW (102 PS; 101 bhp)
@ 5,600 rpm		 148 N·m (109 ft·lbf)
@ 3,800 rpm		 CHG 2009–
present
diesel engines
all Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI)
1.6 TDI DPF 1598 cc 16v DOHC
common rail		 77 kW (105 PS; 103 bhp)
@ 4,400 rpm		 250 N·m (184 ft·lbf)
@ 1,500–2,500 rpm		 CAYC planned
for 2010
1.9 TDI 1896 cc 8v SOHC
Pumpe Düse Unit Injector		 66 kW (90 PS; 89 bhp)
@ 4,000 rpm		 210 N·m (155 ft·lbf)
@ 1,800–2,500 rpm		 BXF 2007–
present
1.9 TDI 1896 cc 8v SOHC
Pumpe Düse Unit Injector		 77 kW (105 PS; 103 bhp)
@ 4,000 rpm		 250 N·m (184 ft·lbf)
@ 1,900 rpm		 BKC/BLS
BXE		 2005–
present
2.0 TDI 1968 cc 16v DOHC
Pumpe Düse Unit Injector		 100 kW (136 PS; 134 bhp)
@ 4,000 rpm		 320 N·m (236 ft·lbf)
@ 1,750–2,500 rpm		 AZV 2005–
2007
2.0 TDI 1968 cc 16v DOHC
Pumpe Düse Unit Injector		 103 kW (140 PS; 138 bhp)
@ 4,000 rpm		 320 N·m (236 ft·lbf)
@ 1,750–2,500 rpm		 BKD 2005–
present
2.0 TDI DPF 1968 cc 8v SOHC
Pumpe Düse Unit Injector		 103 kW (140 PS; 138 bhp)
@ 4,000 rpm		 320 N·m (236 ft·lbf)
@ 1,750–2,500 rpm		 BMM 2006–
present
2.0 TDI DPF 1968 cc 16v DOHC
common rail		 103 kW (140 PS; 138 bhp)
@ 4,200 rpm		 320 N·m (236 ft·lbf)
@ 1,750–2,500 rpm		 CBDB planned
for 2010
2.0 TDI DPF
FR		 1968 cc 16v DOHC
Pumpe Düse Unit Injector		 125 kW (170 PS; 168 bhp)
@ 4,200 rpm		 350 N·m (258 ft·lbf)
@ 1,750–2,500 rpm		 BMN 2006–
2009
2.0 TDI DPF
FR		 1968 cc 16v DOHC
common rail		 125 kW (170 PS; 168 bhp)
@ 4,200 rpm		 350 N·m (258 ft·lbf)
@ 1,750–2,500 rpm		 CEGA 2009–
present

A flexible-fuel vehicle model is also on offer under the label "MultiFuel", featuring the 1.6 MPI E85 102 bhp engine.[29]

Electric version

SEAT León Twin drive Ecomotive is a series plug-in hybrid, powered by an electric motor, through lithium-ion batteries chargeable at a regular electrical socket, in combination with an internal combustion engine.[30] The Twin Drive Ecomotive project is a first step towards a 100% electric car and is planned to go for production in 2014.[31][32]

See also

Other Twin Drive vehicles

Mk3 (2012-)

The third generation of the SEAT León is expected in 2012, and will be based on the Volkswagen Group's latest MQB platform.[33] Recent "spy shots" of the 2012 León being road tested at night have revealed that, for the first time in the León's history, a three-door model will be launched.[34] According to SEAT sources, not only a three-door but also an estate model too shall be available in the range of the SEAT León's third generation, including Twin drive hybrid powered derivative versions.[35]

SEAT León in motorsport

See also: SEAT León Supercopa

The first generation SEAT León Cupra R was the basis of a one-make trophy, the SEAT León Supercopa. It operated in Spain, UK, Germany and Turkey from 2003. The car was developed by SEAT Sport and power was raised to 184 kilowatts (250 PS; 247 bhp). An "International Masters" final, featuring the best four drivers from each national series, was introduced in October 2005, as a support race for the Spanish GT Championship's final round at Montmeló. A TDI-powered version has raced in the ECTS, an Italian-based endurance series for touring cars.

During 2005, SEAT introduced the second generation León into the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) to replace the Toledo Cupra which it had raced in the early rounds of the title. The car features several modifications, including a racing engine that develops over 191 kW (260 PS; 256 bhp), a Hewland sequential-shift gearbox (unrelated to the DSG), and an aerodynamic package for increased downforce (with its hatchback shape, the León is disavantaged against conventional three-box saloons). Minimum weight is 1,140 kilograms (2,513.3 lb) with driver. SEAT Sport, in partnership with Oreca, runs six cars in the WTCC. Two other cars are run by SEAT Sport UK (Northern South) based in Northampton, UK in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC). A further two cars are run by SEAT Sport Italia in the Italia Superturismo Championship.

In 2006, the Supercopa León was replaced by the new shape León. The car is potentially faster than the WTCC version, as it features a turbocharged 2.0 litre engine, with over 221 kW (300 PS; 296 bhp), increased torque, the DSG gearbox, better aerodynamics (it includes the WTCC car's front and rear spoilers, plus a venturi tunnel under the car, instead of a flat bottom), and 18 inch wheels, instead of the mandatory 17 inch wheels from the WTCC.

For 2007, the SEAT Cupra Championship in the UK (part of the TOCA Package) will run both 'New León' Cupra Race cars with 221 kilowatts (300 PS; 296 bhp), as well as the Mk1 León Cupra R race car with 184 kilowatts (250 PS; 247 bhp).

The SEAT León Eurocup began in 2008 as a support series for the World Touring Car Championship.

In 2008, Yvan Muller won the FIA World Touring Car Championship for Drivers at the wheel of a León TDI, and SEAT won the Manufacturers' title.

In 2009, Gabriele Tarquini became the Drivers' Champion with the León TDI, and SEAT won the Manufacturers' title for a second consecutive year.

Sales and production figures

Since its launch in 1999, more than 1 million SEAT León cars have been produced and sold in its two generations up to the present, made in SEAT's Martorell plant and other Volkswagen Group's factories.

In the year 2009, the total annual retail sales number of SEAT León cars was 64,447 vehicles,[36] while the annual production of vehicles came up to 66,368 units.

The total production per year of SEAT León cars, manufactured in SEAT and other Volkswagen Group's plants, is shown in the following table :

model 1999
[37]		 2000
[38]		 2001
[39]		 2002
[40]		 2003
[41]		 2004
[42]		 2005
[43]		 2006
[44]		 2007
[45]		 2008
[46]		 2009
[47]		 2010
[48]
SEAT León
Total annual production		 6,080 93,123 91,939 93,606 96,536 90,850 98,130 126,511 120,630 96,761 66,368 79,462

References

  1. ^ a b c d e ETKA
  2. ^ "Company History – 1999-1990". seat.com. http://www.seat.com/com/generator/su/com/SEAT/site/company/history/1999-1990/main.html. Retrieved 2010-03-02. 
  3. ^ The cabin is, among others, borrowed from Audi A3 http://www.autozine.org/Graveyard/html/Seat/Toledo.html
  4. ^ "2000 Seat Leon Cupra 4 technical specifications and data – 5 door 2.8 litre (2791 cc) V6 203.8 PS". carfolio.com. http://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=79464. Retrieved 2009-08-01. 
  5. ^ Jérome DAVID – Stéphane DAVID – Christophe PORTAZ. "SEAT León Cupra 4 Kompressor". auto-sport-prestige.net. http://www.auto-sport-prestige.net/php/fiches/fiches.php?OBJ=FIC&ID=SEA004. Retrieved 2009-08-01. 
  6. ^ "SEAT León Cupra 4 Kompressor". rsiauto.fr. http://www.rsiauto.fr/seat/leon-cupra-4-kompressor-302.php. Retrieved 2009-08-01. 
  7. ^ "SEAT León Cupra 4 Kompressor – 2.8 L V6 (1M)". seatcupra.de. http://www.seatcupra.de/seat-leon-cupra-4-kompressor.htm. Retrieved 2009-08-01. 
  8. ^ The best hot hatch ever – result http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/250361/
  9. ^ Os carros vencedores http://aeiou.visao.pt/carro-do-anotrofeu-volante-de-cristal=f523185
  10. ^ New 1.2 TSI engines for Leon|http://media.seat.com/en/seat-news/581-nuevas-motorizaciones-en-la-gama-leon-y-altea.html/
  11. ^ The SEAT León CUPRA joins the SEAT CUPRA Race http://media.seat.com/en/seat-news/2009/506-seat-cupra-race-ahora-con-el-seat-leon-cupra.html
  12. ^ SEAT model awards
  13. ^ "Die Besten Autos 2009: Zeichen der Pracht – auto motor und sport". auto-motor-und-sport.de. http://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/autokauf/die-besten-autos-2009-zeichen-der-pracht-953439.html. Retrieved 2010-02-24. 
  14. ^ "SEAT". site.seat.pl. http://www.site.seat.pl/index.php?str_menu=7. Retrieved 2010-02-24. 
  15. ^ SEAT Leon car of the year 2006 in Denmark http://media.seat.com/en/seat-news/2005/172.html
  16. ^ "They're all winners at motoring's big night | Sunday Mail (Glasgow, Scotland) Newspaper | Find Articles at BNET". findarticles.com. 2006-10-29. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_7994/is_2006_Oct_29/ai_n37952017/. Retrieved 2010-02-24. 
  17. ^ "SEAT Česká republika". seat.cz. 2009-07-23. http://www.seat.cz/tiskove_zpravy/zprava.aspx?id=310. Retrieved 2010-02-24. 
  18. ^ The SEAT Leon receives two prizes in Greece.
  19. ^ "GTi της χρονιάς: νικητής το Seat Leon Cupra – GTi της χρονιάς: νικητής το Seat Leon Cupra – 4TROXOI". 4troxoi.gr. 2007-04-22. http://www.4troxoi.gr/default.php?pname=Article&cat_id=41&art_id=7230. Retrieved 2010-02-24. 
  20. ^ "Limited edition SEAT Leon 'Copa'". motorauthority.com. 2008-04-11. http://www.motorauthority.com/limited-edition-seat-leon-copa.html. Retrieved 2009-08-01. 
  21. ^ "SEAT León Copa Edition lap times and specs". fastestlaps.com. Archived from the original on April 22, 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20080422022001/http://www.fastestlaps.com/car48085b5623403.html. Retrieved 2009-08-01. 
  22. ^ [1]
  23. ^ http://www.seat-mexico.com.mx/seatmx/c/MX/es/home_page/noticias_y_eventos/2007.ModuleColumn.0003.Module.0003.ModuleItem.0003.DocData.tmp/08%2009%2010_Bolet%C3%ADn%20Cupra%20Copa%20Edition.pdf
  24. ^ "Seatclub Zentralschweiz | NEW SEAT León Streetcopa". seatclub.ch. 2008-05-28. http://www.seatclub.ch/web/?section=news&cmd=details&newsid=86. Retrieved 2009-08-01. 
  25. ^ "SEAT Schweiz – Ibiza, León, Altea, Exeo, Alhambra, Cupra Range, Ecomotive Range". seat.ch. http://www.seat.ch/seat/news/sub.jsp?id=2399&source=global&cat=pre. Retrieved 2009-08-01. 
  26. ^ http://pdfserver.datacase.ch/pdf/amag/seat/francais/Liste_de_prix/Leon_WTCC_f.pdf
  27. ^ SEAT Nederland SEAT introduceert 310 pk sterke Leon Cupra 310 Limited Edition in Nederland (Dutch)
  28. ^ CarScoop New SEAT León Cupra Limited Edition with 310HP!
  29. ^ SEAT León MultiFuel http://www.seat.se/se/generator/su/se/newLeon09/site/versions/multifuel/main.html
  30. ^ SEAT IBE concept and Leon Twin drive|http://media.seat.com/en/salones/571-un-deportivo-para-la-era-electrica.html
  31. ^ "SEAT introduces León Twin Drive Ecomotive hybrid concept". autoblogfreen.com. 2009-01-14. http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/13/seat-introduces-leon-twin-drive-ecomotive-hybrid-concept/. Retrieved 2009-08-01. 
  32. ^ "2009 SEAT León Twin Drive prototype debut". pressportal.com.au. http://www.pressportal.com.au/news/933/ARTICLE/4205/2009-01-23.html. Retrieved 2009-08-01. 
  33. ^ MQB: A Key for Higher Margins – The Modular Toolkit Strategy http://www.volkswagenag.com/vwag/vwcorp/info_center/de/talks_and_presentations/2011/05/PPT_FFM.-bin.acq/qual-BinaryStorageItem.Single.File/Deutsche%20Bank%20Presentation%20Handout.pdf
  34. ^ http://www.leonoc.com/main/?p=660
  35. ^ SEAT has also revealed that the new Leon will feature more models than the current five-door. There will be a Vauxhall Astra GTC-style three-door and a five-door estate version. http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/275026/seat_goes_for_hybrid.html
  36. ^ SEAT Annual report 2009 http://media.seat.com/info2010/annualreport/pantallacompleta.html
  37. ^ Volkswagen AG Annual Report 1999 http://www.volkswagenag.com/vwag/vwcorp/info_center/en/publications/2000/03/Annual_Report_1999.-bin.acq/qual-BinaryStorageItem.Single.File/VW_AR_1999_e.pdf
  38. ^ Volkswagen AG Annual Report 2000 http://www.volkswagenag.com/vwag/vwcorp/info_center/en/publications/2001/03/Annual_Report_2000.-bin.acq/qual-BinaryStorageItem.Single.File/VW_GB_2000_e.pdf
  39. ^ Volkswagen AG Annual Report 2001 http://www.volkswagenag.com/vwag/vwcorp/info_center/en/publications/2002/03/annual_report_2001.-bin.acq/qual-BinaryStorageItem.Single.File/20020312_GB_2001_e.pdf
  40. ^ Volkswagen AG Annual Report 2002 http://www.volkswagenag.com/vwag/vwcorp/info_center/en/publications/2003/03/annual_report_2002.-bin.acq/qual-BinaryStorageItem.Single.File/vw_gb_2002_en.pdf
  41. ^ Volkswagen AG Annual Report 2003 http://www.volkswagenag.com/vwag/vwcorp/info_center/en/publications/2004/03/annual_report_2003.-bin.acq/qual-BinaryStorageItem.Single.File/20040309_gb2003_e.pdf
  42. ^ Volkswagen AG Annual Report 2004 http://www.volkswagenag.com/vwag/vwcorp/info_center/en/publications/2005/03/annual_report_2004.-bin.acq/qual-BinaryStorageItem.Single.File/Gbericht_2004_en.pdf
  43. ^ Volkswagen AG Annual Report 2005 http://www.volkswagenag.com/vwag/vwcorp/info_center/en/publications/2006/03/Volkswagen_AG__Annual_Report_2005.-bin.acq/qual-BinaryStorageItem.Single.File/gesch%C3%A4ftsbericht_2005_english.pdf
  44. ^ Volkswagen AG Annual Report 2006 http://www.volkswagenag.com/vwag/vwcorp/info_center/en/publications/2007/03/Geschaeftsbericht_2006.-bin.acq/qual-BinaryStorageItem.Single.File/Annual_Report_2006_e.pdf
  45. ^ Volkswagen AG Annual Report 2007 http://www.volkswagenag.com/vwag/vwcorp/info_center/en/publications/2008/03/Annual_Report_2007.-bin.acq/qual-BinaryStorageItem.Single.File/VW_AG_GB_2007_en.pdf
  46. ^ Volkswagen AG Annual Report 2008 http://www.volkswagenag.com/vwag/vwcorp/info_center/en/publications/2009/03/GB_2008.-bin.acq/qual-BinaryStorageItem.Single.File/Y_2008_e.pdf
  47. ^ Volkswagen AG Annual Report 2009 http://www.volkswagenag.com/vwag/vwcorp/info_center/en/publications/2010/03/Annual_Report_2009.-bin.acq/qual-BinaryStorageItem.Single.File/Y_2009_e.pdf
  48. ^ Volkswagen AG Annual Report 2010 http://www.volkswagenag.com/vwag/vwcorp/info_center/en/publications/2011/03/Volkswagen_AG_Geschaeftsbericht_2010.-bin.acq/qual-BinaryStorageItem.Single.File/GB_2010_e.pdf

External links

Volkswagen Group
marques & companies
see also
current & former Volkswagen
Group SEAT cars (1986 on)
pre-Volkswagen Group
SEAT cars (1953–1985)
SEAT concept cars
SEAT FIA championship motorsport titles
type /
class		 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1
city car Arosa Mii
Panda Marbella
supermini 127 Fura
1200 Sport Ibiza I Ibiza II Ibiza III Ibiza IV
small family car 128 Málaga Córdoba I Córdoba II
Ritmo Ronda León I León II
mid-size car 124
131 Toledo I Toledo II Toledo III
large family car 132 Exeo / Exeo ST
compact MPV Altea
Altea XL
Altea Freetrack
large MPV Alhambra I Alhambra II
panel van Trans Terra Inca
founder: Instituto Nacional de Industria • SEAT corporate website • A marque of the Volkswagen Group • SEAT Cupra Challenge