SEAT’s best-seller, the five-door Leon family hatch, is getting a new engine, a hi-tech 1.4-litre TSI petrol unit.
The new engine is an addition to the existing powerplant line-up – which ranges from a 102 bhp 1.6-litre petrol right through to a 240 bhp 2.0-litre turbo.
Despite being smaller than the 1.6 engine it is most closely allied to in the price list, the new petrol unit still manages to be more potent, more frugal and more environmentally friendly. Direct injection fuelling and an ultra-efficient single turbocharger boasting a more capable water- rather than air-chilled intercooler enables the 1.4 TSI to deliver its impressive figures.
Fitted with the new unit, the Leon gets significantly quicker in the 0-62 mph dash, with a time that drops from 11.7 seconds to just 9.8 seconds. Top speed is 122 mph. While its new economy and emissions ratings will b particualrly attractive to buyers. A combined cycle figure of 44.1 mpg compares favourably with the 1.6’s 37.2 mpg, while the all-important CO2 figure drops from 180 g/km to 155 g/km – shifting the Leon from Vehicle Excise Duty Band E to Band D and shrinking Road Tax from £170 to £145 a year.
The new SEAT Leon 1.4 TSI, offered in lively Reference Sport and luxurious Stylance trim, is available to order now priced from £13,755.
