Following the Geneva debut of its three-door Leon SC model, Seat has released 60 new high-resolution photos and in-depth details of its compact model.
The Leon SC compensates for the 35-mm (1.38 in) shorter wheelbase compared to its five-door sibling with a sportier profile. It is the first time that Seat has offered a three-door version of the Leon, with the five-door model giving up on the hidden rear door handles as a consequence.
While rear passengers may suffer from less legroom and a more difficult access, the boot volume of the Leon SC is identical with the five-door variant – 380 liters. Just like the new VW Golf, Audi A3, Skoda Octavia and many more upcoming models, the Leon SC rides on VW Group’s MQB platform.
On engine versions up to 150 PS (148hp), the rear of the new SEAT Leon SC is equipped with a torsion bar suspension, while the more powerful variants come with a multi-link set-up.
The engines available for the Leon SC are all turbocharged, direct-injection units, both gasoline TSIs and diesel TDIs, spanning from 1.2 to 2.0-liters in displacement. Power ranges from 86 PS (85 hp) to 184 PS (181 hp), at least until the new Leon Cupra is launched.
The most frugal engine is the 1.6 TDI (105 PS – 104 HP) fitted with a start-stop system, which averages 3.8 liters/100 km (61.9 US mpg), equivalent to a CO2 figure of just 99 grams per kilometer. Just like the five-door Leon, the SC variant is offered in three equipment lines – Leon, Reference and Style, as well as the sporty FR.
Equipment-wise, the Leon SC comes as standard with full-LED headlights and is available with optional extras including a 5.8-inch navigation and infotainment system, a drowsiness detection system, Full Beam Assist (automatically switches between full and dipped beam) and Heading Control, a lane-keeping assistant system.
By Dan Mihalascu
PHOTO GALLERY
