León Mk. I (1999-2005)
The first-generation was the hatchback version of the SEAT Toledo, based on the Mk IV Golf floorpan, and drew from the VW parts bin sharing many components in common with the Audi A3 and Volkswagen Golf. As SEAT's best selling car, the León Mk I was marketed as a sportier and cheaper variant of the Golf. To reinforce the sporty image, the vehicle has aggressive looks and is equipped with firm suspension to improve handling. The more expensive versions are equipped with powerful engines.
Available engines were the 75 PS (74 hp/55.2 kW) 1.4 litre 16 valve petrol, 105 PS (103.6 hp/77.2 kW) 1.6 litre 8 valve petrol (quickly replaced with a 16 valve 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 V6 delivering 204 PS (150 kW). The original León Cupra (which became known as the Cupra T) had a 1.8 litre Turbo with 180 PS (132 kW), and the León Cupra R 210 PS (165 kW), later becoming 225 PS (221.9 hp/165.5 kW). A range of TDI Diesel engines was available, including a 150 PS (110 kW) version of VW's 1.9 TDI engine, originally sold as a Cupra 4 TDi, with 4 wheel drive, that was sold for 1 year only, and only in certain countries, then passed to Evolution series, then Top Sport and later rebranded as the FR (Formula Racing). Lesser diesel versions were available with 90, 110 and 130 PS (128.2 hp/95.6 kW) outputs.
In some countries, a León was available equipped with four-wheel drive, which is based on the same Haldex differential as the VW Golf 4Motion. All engines over 130 PS (96 kW) have a standard manual 6-speed gearbox.
British sales of the Leon were relatively strong, though it couldn't quite match the success of the MK4 Golf upon which it was based - and substantially undercut in terms of value for money.
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 tunned suspension of the Leon is not designed to withstand the constant road imperfections such as potholes and speed bumps that abound in Mexican Roads.
León Mk. II (2005-present)
The New León, based on VW Golf V platform, has a sharper exterior look with vertical 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 uses the same design style that started with the SEAT Altea.
In spite of its sporty image, the engine range is more limited when compared with the Golf's. The base model on offer in the United Kingdom is the old 8-valve 1.6 L engine with 102 PS (75 kW). In some markets (e.g. Greece), the Leon is available with a 1.4 liter MPI engine producing 63 kW/85 hp. The sportier variants begin with the 150 PS (110 kW) 2.0 FSI and the popular 140 PS (103 kW) 2.0 TDI Diesel. Both are fitted with a standard 6-speed manual with the DSG semi-auto gearbox available as an option. A 185 PS (136 kW) variant of the 2.0 TFSI unique to the León was later introduced, but despite a low list price and rapid performance attracted only minimal attention and average reviews, so this was later taken off sale to make way for the sportier FR variants.
The first real sporty León within the new range is the León FR with rear twin-exhaust pipes to one side, sport seats and gear stick with FR logo to distinguish it from lesser models, was introduced in June 2006, when it finally received the 200 PS (147 kW) 2.0 TFSI engine from the Volkswagen Golf GTI, as well as a 170 PS (125 kW) variant of the 2.0 TDI unit featured in the Golf and Audi A3. While both models retained the 6-speed manual, only the petrol variant can be fitted with the DSG. Further standard equipment includes climate control for the front passengers.
The range-topping model in the León range is the 2.0 TFSI Cupra model. Boasting 240 PS (177 kW) and a 0-100 km/h time of 6.4 seconds, this model will be the fastest and most powerful SEAT ever. The Cupra comes with standard 18" 5 twin-spoke alloys, red brake callipers and the standard Cupra oval exhaust, as well as new, unique paint finishes and heavily bolstered sport seats complete with the Cupra logo. Also standard are climate control for the front passengers, bi-xenon headlights with AFS (adaptive front lighting system) and drilled-aluminium sports pedals.
