The new Seat Leon ST is now available in “4Drive” all-wheel-drive versions. Making its debut at the Vienna Auto Show (January 16-19), the Seat Leon ST 4Drive is offered with two diesel engines: a 104hp/105PS 1.6-liter and a 148hp/150PS 2.0-liter.
The 4Drive system is a permanent all-wheel-drive system that uses a newly developed multi-plate clutch with hydraulic actuation and electronic control – a fifth-generation Haldex clutch.
The AWD system works in conjunction with the four-wheel EDS dynamic control system consisting of electronic differential locks on both axles, the extended electronic differential lock for better traction while cornering (XDS), the electronic stability program and the multi-collision brake.
In normal operation, the clutch sends most of the engine power to the front wheels, but when traction suffers, the torque is diverted to the rear as well.
The two TDI engines are mated to a six-speed manual transmission, with average fuel economy standing at 4.5 l/100 km (52.2 mpg US) for the 1.6-liter and 4.8 l/100 km (49 mpg US) for the 2.0-liter. CO2 emissions are rated at 119 and 124 grams per kilometer, respectively. Both models are fitted as standard with a start/stop system and braking-energy regeneration.
The 2.0 TDI model sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.7 seconds, while the 1.6 TDI does it in 12 seconds. Top speed is rated at 211 km/h (131 mph) and 187 km/h (116 mph), respectively.
The Seat Leon ST 4Drive 1.6 TDI will be introduced in Europe this April, with the 2.0 TDI model to arrive in summer.
By Dan Mihalascu
PHOTO GALLERY
