SEAT León

SEAT Leon Mk1 (1M)
Overview
Production	October 1998–May 2006
Assembly	Spain: Martorell Belgium: Brussels
Designer	Giorgetto Giugiaro at Italdesign
Body and chassis
Platform	Volkswagen Group A4 (PQ34)
Related	Audi A3 Mk1 Audi TT Mk1 Volkswagen Golf Mk4 Volkswagen Bora Volkswagen New Beetle SEAT Toledo Mk2 Škoda Octavia Mk1
Powertrain
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
Dimensions
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 (2,668–3,589 lb)

Rear view

SEAT Leon Mk1 Cupra R

The initial SEAT Leon (Volkswagen Group Typ 1M), launched in 1999,[4] available only as hatchback, and the related 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. It was mainly produced at SEAT's Martorell plant with a small number of 13,401 cars assembled in 2000 at VW group's plant in Belgium.[5] As SEAT's first C-segment model as part of the VW Group, the Leon 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.[6]

Interior

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 kW (101 PS; 99 bhp) (replaced later with a 16 valve 77 kW (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 kW (204 PS; 201 bhp).

The original "Leon 20VT" (which later became known as the "Cupra" and then the "FR") had a 1.8-litre Turbo with 132 kW (179 PS; 177 bhp), and the "Leon Cupra R" 154 kW (209 PS; 207 bhp), later becoming 165 kW (224 PS; 221 bhp). It became first available in only three body paints (red, yellow, black), picked as an homage to the colors of both Spain's and Germany's national flags referring back to the roots of the joint project the model originally was.[7]

In some countries, there was also a "Cupra 4"; equipped with a 2.8-litre VR6 delivering 150 kW (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.[8]

A range of turbocharged direct injection (TDI) diesel engines was available, including a 110 kW (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'). In other countries the model was badged "Cupra" and then "FR" before a limited number of cars were fitted with the bodykit from the petrol powered "Cupra R" and named the "FR+". Lesser diesel versions were available with 66 kW (90 PS; 89 bhp), 81 kW (110 PS; 109 bhp) and 96 kW (131 PS; 129 bhp) outputs.

SEAT Leon Mk1 instrument panel

All engines over 96 kW (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 wheels (the front ventilated, and in some cars the rear too).

SEAT Leon Mk1 ABT

In Mexico, the Leon became a very popular car with upper class young people. The only problem the Leon has suffered in Mexico is the fact that the sport tuned suspension of the Leon 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 Leon called "SEAT Leon Cupra 4 Kompressor". This version had the same 4WD and 2.8-litre VR6 but with 206 kW (280 PS; 276 bhp) and 323 N⋅m (238 lbf⋅ft) of torque.[9][10][11]

Factory production of the Typ 1M ended in May 2006.[3] However, the appreciation for the SEAT Leon Cupra R Mk1's appeal remained clear, still up to the 'best hot hatchback of all time' poll, conducted in 2010 by Autocar, in which its readers honoured the Cupra R #7, in the top ten list of hatchbacks of all time in their preferences.[12]

Awards

SEAT Leon Mk1 TDI engine compartment

• 'Carro do Ano' (Car of the Year) award in 2001, in Portugal[13]
• 'Most Satisfactory Car of the Year 2007' in Poland, by the Polish magazine Auto Swiat

SEAT Leon Mk2 (1P)
Overview
Production	May 2005–2012 (2009 facelift)
Assembly	Spain: Catalunya, Martorell
Designer	Walter de Silva
Body and chassis
Platform	Volkswagen Group A5 (PQ35)
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
Powertrain
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 DSG 7-speed DSG
Dimensions
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 (2,593–3,031 lb)

SEAT Leon Mk2

SEAT Leon Cupra

The second generation Leon, Typ 1P, was released in 2005, with factory production commencing May 2005.[3] It was based on the Volkswagen Group A5 (PQ35) platform, most notably used by the Volkswagen Golf Mk5. It was built in Spain, and had 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 used the same design style that started with the SEAT Altea.

The base model offered was the new 16 valve 1.2-litre TSI petrol engine with 77 kW (105 PS; 103 bhp).[14] In some markets (e.g. Greece, Romania and Italy), the Leon was available with a 1.4-litre MPI engine producing 63 kW (86 PS; 84 bhp). The sportier variants began with the 110 kW (150 PS; 148 bhp) 2.0-litre Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) and the popular 103 kW (140 PS; 138 bhp) 2.0-litre Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) diesel engine. Both were 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 kW (185 PS; 182 bhp) variant of the 2.0 TFSI unique to the Leon 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 Leon within the new range was the Leon 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 kW (200 PS; 197 bhp) 2.0 TFSI engine from the Volkswagen Golf Mk5 GTI, as well as a 125 kW (170 PS; 168 bhp) variant of the 2.0 TDI unit featured in the Golf and Audi A3. Further standard equipment included climate control air conditioning.

Next in the range was the 2.0 TFSI Cupra model. It features a 177 kW (241 PS; 237 bhp) engine, and a 0-100 km/h (62.1 mph) time of 6.4 seconds. The Cupra came 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 were drilled-aluminium sports pedals.

SEAT Leon Mk2 pre-facelift interior

SEAT Leon Mk2 pre-facelift instrument panel

At the top of the range was the 2.0 TFSI Cupra R. This used the same 195 kW (265 PS; 261 bhp) engine found in the Audi S3, Golf R and Scirocco R. Capable of 0–100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 6.2 seconds and a top speed limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).

From 2008, the K1 variant of the Leon 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 was considered to be a limited edition model, only available in the UK market for the year 2008–2009.

In 2009, the SEAT Leon 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.[15]

Copa Edition

Mexican orange SEAT Leon Copa Edition

In 2008, SEAT Deutschland announced the production of 55 units of the SEAT Leon Copa Edition. This limited edition was powered with 2.0 TFSI engine improved to 210 kW (286 PS; 282 bhp) of maximum power, and 360 N⋅m (266 lbf⋅ft). Maximum speed is 254 km/h (158 mph) and 0-100 km/h (62.1 mph) time is 5.9 seconds.[24] The suspension was from Eibach derived from the Leon Supercopa, and the brakes had been improved to cope with the enhanced performance from the uprated engine. In addition, the car included xenon HID headlights, 18 inch wheels and a spoiler with larger air intakes.[25] The car colour was 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.[26] The Mexican version had a sunroof, whilst the European Leon Copa did not.

Streetcopa and World Champion Edition

At the 2008 Geneva Auto Show, the Leon Streetcopa limited edition was released. It was a similar edition of Leon Copa Edition with some changes, designed for the Swiss market and limited to 200 units.[27][28] Lately, after SEAT won World Touring Car Championship, SEAT Schweiz released a facelifted version called Leon World Champion Edition, also limited to 200 units.[29]

SEAT Leon Mk2 Cupra facelift

Cupra 310 Limited Edition

SEAT Nederland announced the production of Leon Cupra 310 Limited Edition, with 2.0 TFSI engine upgraded to 228 kW (310 PS; 306 bhp) of maximum power and 425 N⋅m (313 lbf⋅ft).[30] The production was limited to 100 units.[31]

SEAT Leon Cupra Pies Descalzos

It came only in Candy white or Infiri black. The Cupra 310 Limited Edition featured 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 were also stainless decals inside the front door frames displaying the 310 Ltd logo. A badge on the dashboard displayed the serial number, and the car was delivered with a key ring to match. Full factory warranty was retained with the power increase that increased the top speed to 259 km/h (160.9 mph).

SEAT Leon Mk3
SEAT Leon Mk3 (Pre-facelift)
Overview
Production	2012—2020
Designer	Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos
Body and chassis
Platform	Volkswagen Group MQB platform
Related	Audi A3 Mk3 Volkswagen Golf Mk7 Škoda Octavia Mk3
Powertrain
Engine	1.2 L I4 TSI petrol 1.4 L I4 TSI petrol 1.8 L I4 TSI petrol 2.0 L I4 TSI petrol 1.6 L I4 TDI diesel 2.0 L I4 TDI diesel
Transmission	5-speed manual 6-speed manual 6-speed automatic 7-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,636 mm (103.8 in)
Length	3-door: 4,228 mm (166.5 in) 5-door: 4,263 mm (167.8 in) 5-door estate crossover (ST X-perience): 4,551 mm (179.2 in) [39]
Width	1,810 mm (71.3 in)
Height	1,446 mm (56.9 in) 5-door estate crossover (ST X-perience): 1,816 mm (71.5 in)[39]
Curb weight	1,193–1,261 kg (2,630–2,780 lb)

Rear (Pre-facelift)

SEAT Leon (Facelift)

SEAT Leon FR Pre-facelift

SEAT Leon FR (Facelift)

Interior

SEAT Leon Cupra 280 (Germany)

SEAT Leon Cupra R (Facelift)

SEAT Leon ST

SEAT Leon ST facelift

The third generation of the Leon is based on the Volkswagen Group's latest MQB platform.[40]

Compared to the previous generation, the Leon Mk3 is shorter by 5 cm (2 in) and lighter by up to 90 kg (198 lb); however, because its wheelbase has been extended by 5.8 cm (2.3 in), it has a roomier cabin with greater shoulder room for the front and rear passengers, more rear legroom and 380 litres (13 cu ft) of boot space. The first official information and pictures of the car were released in July 16, 2012, while it got its public debut only a few months later, at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, in September. That makes Leon the second car to be based on the MQB platform.

It features new safety equipment, such as driver knee airbag, and a number of new safety systems, including (often as standard) a multi-collision braking system to automatically brake the car after an accident in order to avoid a second collision, a lane-keeping assistant, and driver fatigue detection. The braking system includes a hill-start assistant.

In the interior, there is a driver-oriented centre console hosting a 5.8-inch touch-screen infotainment display with some models featuring a proximity sensor, also used in the Volkswagen Golf, as well as ambient lighting.

A new feature available for the first time in its class are the optional full-LED headlamps combined with a full beam assistant. The full-LED headlamps offer numerous advantages over standard halogen bulbs such as improved illumination, a close to daylight colour temperature, lower energy consumption and an extended service life. The front fog lights can include a cornering feature.

The higher specification also have a new "SEAT Drive Profile" system which allows the driver to choose between four different driving settings: eco, normal, sport, and an individual setting. This system controls the behaviour of the engine, steering, and DSG gearbox. Additionally, the 1.8 TSI 180PS and 2.0 TDI 184PS engine-equipped models will vary their engine sound via a sound actuator, as well as their interior ambient lighting between white (normal, eco and individual) and red (sport).[41]

SEAT announced in early 2012 that the range will include for the first time three-door and estate models in addition to a five-door.[42]

In September 2013, SEAT officially unveiled the Leon ST (estate model) at the Frankfurt Motor Show.[43] The Leon ST extends the Leon's maximum load capacity to 1470 litres and is available in Europe in three different versions and eleven different engine options.[44] On 23 June 2014, SEAT revealed an off-road version of the Léon ST called the X-PERIENCE.

In August 2018 SEAT discontinued the Léon SC due to lower demands for three-door hatchbacks.

Safety

In 2012, the SEAT Leon Mk3 was tested for its safety performance under the Euro NCAP assessment scheme and it achieved a 5-star overall rating:[45]

Test	Score	Points
Overall:		N/A
Adult occupant:	94%	30
Child occupant:	92%	40
Pedestrian:	70%	25
Safety assist:	71%	5

Special Editions

A white SEAT Leon CONNECT edition at the Frankfurt Motor Show

Engine specifications

Leon Cupra R ST limited edition

The Typ 5F SEAT Leon is available with the following internal combustion engines all featuring direct injection and turbocharging, and like the previous generations they are shared with other marques of the Volkswagen Group:[3][48][49]

All engines are inline four cylinder (I4) four-stroke designs
Engine designation / model	Engine displacement	Valvetrain, fuel system	Max. motive power @ engine speed	Max. torque @ engine speed	Engine ID code(s)	Dates
Petrol engines, all turbocharged fuel stratified injection (TSI)
1.2 TSI	1197 cc	16v Fuel Stratified Injection	63 kW (86 PS; 84 bhp) at 4,300–5,300 rpm	160 N⋅m (118 lbf⋅ft) at 1,400–3,500 rpm		2012 —
1.2 TSI	1197 cc	16v Fuel Stratified Injection	77 kW (105 PS; 103 bhp) at 4,500–5,500 rpm	175 N⋅m (129 lbf⋅ft) at 1,400–4,000 rpm		2012 – 2014
1.2 TSI	1197 cc	16v Fuel Stratified Injection	81 kW (110 PS; 109 bhp) at 4,600–5,600 rpm	175 N⋅m (129 lbf⋅ft) at 1,400–4,000 rpm		2014 —
1.4 TSI	1395 cc	16v Fuel Stratified Injection	92 kW (125 PS; 123 bhp) at 5,000–6,000 rpm	200 N⋅m (148 lbf⋅ft) at 1,500–3,500 rpm		2012 —
1.4 TSI	1395 cc	16v Fuel Stratified Injection	103 kW (140 PS; 138 bhp) at 4,500–6,000 rpm	250 N⋅m (184 lbf⋅ft) at 1,500–3,500 rpm		2012 – 2014
1.4 TSI	1395 cc	16v Fuel Stratified Injection	110 kW (150 PS; 148 bhp) at 5,000–6,000 rpm	250 N⋅m (184 lbf⋅ft) at 1,500–3,500 rpm		2014 — 2018
1.5 TSI	1498 cc	Fuel Stratified Injection	110 kW (150 PS; 148 bhp) at 5,000–6,000 rpm	250 N⋅m (184 lbf⋅ft) at 1,500-3,500 rpm		2018 —
1.8 TSI	1798 cc	16v Fuel Stratified Injection	132 kW (179 PS; 177 bhp) at 5,100–6,200 rpm	250 N⋅m (184 lbf⋅ft) at 1,250–5,000 rpm		2013 —
2.0 TSI	1984 cc	16v Fuel Stratified Injection	140 kW (190 PS; 188 bhp) at 5,350–6,600 rpm	320 N⋅m (236 lbf⋅ft) at 1,750–5,300 rpm		2017 – 2019
2.0 TSI Cupra	1984 cc	16v Fuel Stratified Injection	195 kW (265 PS; 261 bhp) at 5,350–6,600 rpm	350 N⋅m (258 lbf⋅ft) at 1,750–5,300 rpm		2014 – 2015
2.0 TSI Cupra	1984 cc	16v Fuel Stratified Injection	206 kW (280 PS; 276 bhp) at 5,700–6,200 rpm	350 N⋅m (258 lbf⋅ft) at 1,750–5,300 rpm	CJXA	2014 – 2015
2.0 TSI Cupra	1984 cc	16v Fuel Stratified Injection	213 kW (290 PS; 286 bhp) at 5,900–6,400 rpm	350 N⋅m (258 lbf⋅ft) at 1,700–5,800 rpm	CJXH	2015 – 2017
2.0 TSI Cupra	1984 cc	16v Fuel Stratified Injection	221 kW (300 PS; 296 bhp) at 5,500–6,200 rpm	380 N⋅m (280 lbf⋅ft) at 1,800–5,500 rpm	CJXC	2017 —
Diesel engines, all turbocharged direct injection (TDI)
1.6 TDI	1598 cc	16v	66 kW (90 PS; 89 bhp) at 2,750–4,800 rpm	230 N⋅m (170 lbf⋅ft) at 1,400–2,750 rpm	CLHB	2012 —
1.6 TDI	1598 cc	16v	77 kW (105 PS; 103 bhp) at 3,250–4,000 rpm	250 N⋅m (184 lbf⋅ft) at 1,750–2,750 rpm	CLHA	2012 —
2.0 TDI	1968 cc	16v	110 kW (150 PS; 148 bhp) at 3,500–4,000 rpm	320 N⋅m (236 lbf⋅ft) at 1,750–3,000 rpm	CKFC	2012 —
2.0 TDI FR	1968 cc	16v	135 kW (184 PS; 181 bhp) at 3,500–4,000 rpm	380 N⋅m (280 lbf⋅ft) at 1,750–3,000 rpm	CUNA	2013 —

SEAT Leon Mk4
SEAT Leon Mk4
Overview
Production	2020–present
Designer	Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos
Body and chassis
Platform	Volkswagen Group MQB platform
Related	Volkswagen Golf Mk8 Audi A3 Mk4 Škoda Octavia Mk4
Powertrain
Engine	petrol: 1.0 L EA211 CHYB I3 TSI 1.5 L EA211 EVO Series I4 TSI 2.0 L I4 TSI diesel: 2.0 L I4 TDI diesel Petrol/CNG: 1.5 L EA211 EVO I4 CNG TGI hybrid petrol: 1.0 L EA211 CHYB I3 eTSI 1.5 L EA211 EVO I4 eTSI PHEV: 1.4 L EA211 I4 TSI
Transmission	6-speed manual 7-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,686 mm (105.7 in)
Length	4,368 mm (172.0 in) / 4,642 mm (182.8 in) (ST)
Width	1,800 mm (70.9 in)
Height	1,456 mm (57.3 in) / 1,448 mm (57.0 in) (ST)
Curb weight	1,286–1,426 kg (2,835–3,144 lb)

Rear view

A fourth generation of Leon was presented on January 28, 2020. It shares the MQB-Platform with the Volkswagen Golf Mk8, Skoda Octavia Mk4 and Audi A3 Mk4. It has an all digital cluster, is full LED-Light equipped and will have a wide range of gasoline, diesel, plug-in hybrid and electric engines.

SEAT Leon Mk1 race car

The first generation SEAT Leon Cupra R was the basis of a one-make trophy, the SEAT Leon 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.

In 2006, the Supercopa Leon was replaced by the new shape Leon. 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 Leon' Cupra Race cars with 221 kW (300 PS; 296 bhp), as well as the Mk1 Leon Cupra R race car with 184 kW (250 PS; 247 bhp).

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

The car came top in Class D in the 2014 Liqui Moly Bathurst 12 Hour.

SEAT Leon Super 2000 car

SEAT Leon Mk2 WTCC race car

During 2005, SEAT introduced the second generation Leon 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 featured several modifications, including a racing engine that developed 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 Leon was disadvantaged against conventional three-box saloons). Minimum weight is 1,140 kg (2,513.3 lb) with driver. SEAT Sport, in partnership with Oreca, ran six cars in the WTCC. Two other cars were run by SEAT Sport UK (Northern South) based in Northampton, UK in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC). A further two cars were run by SEAT Sport Italia in the Italia Superturismo Championship.

In mid-2007 SEAT introduced the Leon TDI to combat BMW's dominance. The car did show promise with Yvan Muller behind the wheel and the team was set to score championship win in Macau, but reliability issues caused Muller an retirement in Race 1 and the engine problems weren't solved in time thus not starting in Race 2 and handing the title to Andy Priaulx with BMW 320si.

In 2008, Muller won the FIA World Touring Car Championship for Drivers at the wheel of a Leon TDI, and SEAT won the Manufacturers' title. Leon TDI was also fielded by SEAT UK in the British Touring Car Championship with Jason Plato being the lead driver. Plato finished second behind Fabrizio Giovanardi with Vauxhall in the drivers' championship. At the end of the season SEAT UK withdrew from the series and subsequently this was the only season where Leon TDI competed in the BTCC.

In 2009, Gabriele Tarquini became the Drivers' Champion with the Leon TDI, and SEAT won the Manufacturers' title for a second consecutive year. At the end of the season SEAT Sport officially ended their manufacturer support. Leon TDI cars were entered by Sunred Engineering for the following season and despite not having official manufacturer support from SEAT, in the manufacturers' championship the entity was named SEAT Customers Technology. Tarquini finished second in the drivers' standings behind Yvan Muller with Chevrolet.

For 2011, new rules were introduced in WTCC, incorporating a new engine formula - 1.6 turbocharged engines, similar to those used in the World Rally Championship. In line with the changes Sunred created the SUNRED SR Leon 1.6T, using the then Leon TDI as base. The cars, however, were not ready for the start of the season, and Sunred drivers used the older Leon TDI, which was still eligible to enter thanks to the Jay Ten Trophy, introduced by the series promoter Eurosport for 2010-spec cars.

In 2012, SEAT Sport unofficially returned to the series introducing the SEAT Leon WTCC, effectively replacing the SR Leon from Sunred, to privateer entries. Some drivers like Tom Boardman and Tiago Monteiro started the season using the old Leon TDI. The TDI version was still eligible in the European Touring Car Cup where Fernando Monje won the 2012 championship. For the following season Leon TDI was banned from ETC Cup and with everyone now upgraded to the Leon WTCC 2012 marked the last time diesel car was entered in WTCC and ETCC. The Léon WTCC continued to be eligible until the introduction of TC1 in 2014 (although Leon WTCC was able to be entered in the TC2 class in the same year as TC1's introduction).

Leon Cup Racer and Leon TCR

SEAT Leon Cup Racer race car

Seat Leon TCR race car

Cupra Leon TCR race car

In 2013 SEAT Sport introduced a concept car, based on the third generation of Leon. Initially it was thought that this would be the car in which SEAT Sport would return to the series with full manufacturer team under the new TC1 regulations. However SEAT Sport announced that the car would be part of the revived Leon Eurocup for 2014.

The Leon Cup Racer then formed the base for the newly formed TCR International Series. The TCR regulations use this car as a template for the aerodynamic portions of the cars. In 2016 SEAT Sport introduced a TCR-spec version of the Leon with the original Cup Racer still being eligible in the International Series as well as national and regional championship utilising the TCR regulations.

Since its launch in 1999, more than 2 million SEAT León cars have been produced and sold in its three generations up to the present, made in SEAT's Martorell plant and other Volkswagen Group's factories.

In the year 2011, the total annual retail sales number of SEAT León cars was 77,075 vehicles,[50] while the annual production of vehicles came up to 80,736 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 :

Wikimedia Commons has media related to SEAT Leon.

• SEAT Leon – official SEAT UK website
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