Seat Leon I (1M) 1.9 TDI (130 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 310 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~7 l/100km). Weighing only 1293 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 9.8 s). The top speed reaches 205 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.

1.9 TDI (130 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Very capable, offering strong torque and good acceleration for a diesel.

Fuel Economy

Excellent fuel economy, a highly efficient choice.

Best Use Case: Highway cruising / Daily driving with good performance

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(I (1M): May, 2002 - May, 2003).

General:
Brand:Seat
Model:Leon
Generation:I (1M)
Modification (Engine):1.9 TDI (130 Hp)
Start of production:May, 2003
End of production:June, 2006
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Hatchback
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:130 Hp @ 4000 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:68.6 Hp/l [2mm less]
Torque:310 Nm @ 1900 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:ASZ More details about the engine ASZ
Engine displacement:1896
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Pump-nozzle (Unit Injector)
Engine aspiration:Turbocharger, Intercooler
Valvetrain:SOHC
Engine oil capacity:4.3 l
Coolant:5 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:79.5 mm
Piston Stroke:95.5 mm
Compression ratio:19.5:1
Maximum engine speed:4800 rpm.
Performance:
Fuel Type:Diesel
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:7.0 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:4.3 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:5.2 l/100 km
Emission standard:Euro 3
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:9.8 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:9.8 sec
Maximum speed:205 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:9.9 kg/Hp, 100.5 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:4.2 kg/Nm, 239.8 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:9.3 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1293
Max. weight:1813
Max. roof load:75 kg
Max load:520
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1050 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:340 l
Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%):1400 kg
Fuel tank capacity:55 l
Permitted trailer load without brakes:650 kg
Permitted towbar download:75 kg
Size:
Length:4183 mm [2mm less]
Width:1742 mm [Same width.]
Height:1439 mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2511 mm [2mm less]
Front track:1513 mm
Rear (Back) track:1494 mm
Front overhang:882 mm
Rear overhang:790 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):10.9 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears6
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc [above average]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size205/55 R16
Wheel rims size7J x 16
Front suspensionIndependent type McPherson, Transverse stabilizer
Rear suspensionTransverse stabilizer, Elastic beam

Behind the wheel of the Seat Leon. How does it handle on the road?