Seat Leon I (1M) 1.8 T 20V 4 (180 Hp)


Overall Rating

8.2 / 10
Safety 4.0 / 5
Engine 4.5 / 5
Value 4.5 / 5
Performance 4.0 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Seat Leon:

The SEAT León , also spelled Leon in some other languages, is a small family car built by the Spanish car manufacturer SEAT since October 1999. It is named after the city of León.
The first two León generations used two differing variants of the Volkswagen Group A platform, and shared many components with other Volkswagen Group cars. The third and fourth generation use the Volkswagen Group MQB platform, also used by the Audi A3 Mk3 and Mk4, Volkswagen Golf Mk7 and Mk8 and Škoda Octavia Mk3 and Mk4....(Read more on Wikipedia)

I (1M) Overview:

Seat Leon (I (1M)). With 235 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1464 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 7.8 s). The top speed reaches 224 km/h. A compact car with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

1.8 T 20V 4 (180 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Punchy turbocharged power, excellent for spirited driving, AWD provides grip.

Fuel Economy

Higher fuel consumption due to AWD and performance focus.

Best Use Case: Enthusiast driving / Varied conditions

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Wide range of capable engines, from economical diesels to potent hot hatches.
  • • Engaging and sporty driving dynamics, especially in FR and Cupra trims.
  • • Distinctive and attractive styling that has aged well.
  • • Good value for money on the used car market.
  • • Practical hatchback body style with decent interior space.

Cons:

  • • Interior quality, while robust, can feel dated compared to newer rivals.
  • • Some petrol engines can be thirsty, particularly the V6 and higher-output 1.8T models.
  • • Rear legroom is adequate but not class-leading.
  • • Ride can be firm on sportier trims, impacting comfort on rough roads.
  • • Potential for common VW Group issues like coil pack failures on 1.8T engines.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(IV: April, 2021 - January, 2023).

General:
Brand:Seat
Model:Leon
Generation:I (1M)
Modification (Engine):1.8 T 20V 4 (180 Hp)
Start of production:August, 1999
End of production:May, 2005
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Hatchback
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:180 Hp @ 5500 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:101.1 Hp/l [184mm less]
Torque:235 Nm @ 1950 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:APP, AJQ, ARY, AUQ More details about the engine APP, AJQ, ARY, AUQ
Engine displacement:1781
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:5
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Turbocharger
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:4.5 l
Coolant:5 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:81 mm mm
Piston Stroke:86.4 mm mm
Compression ratio:9.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:13 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:7.4 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:9.6 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:7.8 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:7.8 sec
Maximum speed:224 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:8.1 kg/Hp, 123 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.2 kg/Nm, 160.5 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:7.4 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1464
Max. weight:1912
Max load:448
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:656 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:270 l
Fuel tank capacity:60 l
Size:
Length:4184 mm mm [184mm less]
Width:1742 mm mm [58mm less]
Height:1439 mm mm [3mm less]
Wheelbase:2513 mm mm [173mm less]
Front track:1513 mm
Rear (Back) track:1492 mm
Powertrain:
Drive wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears6
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size205/55 R16
Front suspensionWishbone
Rear suspensionCoil spring

If you could change one thing about the Seat Leon, what would it be?