The Seat Leon ST (SportTourer) is nothing new. Next year there will be a new model. What is new and exciting about "my" Leon ST is the latest engine series with ACT (Active Cylinder Technology).
The first series (CZEA 1.4 TSI ACT 150 HP) – was developed by Skoda, and has been in production since 2014. It was installed in the Skoda Superb, Seat Leon and Ateca, among others. Now the engine volume has been increased to 1,5, while performance, consumption and emissions are almost identical to the predecessor. Audi logically calls the engine COD (Cylinder on Demand), while Volkswagen uses designations such as ACT and EVO.
First, let's take a closer look at the Leon ST
The Leon ST went on sale from the 2014 model, 2 years after the hatchback. Although it is not new, it is experienced as new on Norwegian roads. As far as I know, Møller has not previously taken in any station wagons of the Leon 3. LED lights and digital instrument panel also make "my" Leon look even younger. Equipment level "Style" is not as exciting as "FR". What I miss most are seats with marked side rails. I still find an alright driving position. The standard seats have normal height adjustment at the rear edge of the seat cushion and the steering wheel is of course adjustable. I don't know if it's the kinship of Volkswagen and Audi that does it, but I certainly feel a good portion of "feelgood" behind the wheel. Not luxury and premium feeling, but everything is practical, beautiful and intuitive.
No surprises
I know the Seat Leon well from the past. I like this model, without being able to put my finger on it what. It does not send any special signals. It is thought anonymous. "Look and feel" is exactly like the base version of the Golf or A3. I quite like the fact that it doesn't offer any surprises - but at the same time realize that it can also be a negative feature. In Norway, Leon is only sold with one drive unit – 1.5 TSI 150 HP with 7-speed DSG. It is an excellent engine option. Abroad, you can order the downsized 3-cylinder 1-litre TSI engine of 115 HP. It would be useful as an affordable means of getting around, but would be a big yawn.
On the road
Technically, the Seat Leon is identical to the Golf 7 - which is now also offered with the same engine. This is perhaps the best petrol engine option for the Golf class in terms of performance, consumption and engine characteristics. Good torque in normal traffic. Approaches to the motorway and overtaking are quick and effortless. I like that the powers are delivered without stress and fuzz. The sound from the engine is otherwise absolutely perfect. New downscaled petrol engines often lack the "correct" engine sound. Should I put my finger on something, I noticed that the car jerked a little when I set off with a cold engine. This can perhaps be explained by the fact that the car was brand new and had only driven a couple of kilometres.
Noise level
The Leon is very well soundproofed from the engine compartment. You rarely hear anything about the engine. On the other hand, I thought the tire noise seemed louder than what I have experienced on European roads. "My" Leon was on standard 205/55R16 tires, Continental EcoContact. The Seat I drove earlier this year on Spanish and French roads had Hankook tires in the same dimension. The noise picture is not just about decibels, but about how the sound is perceived. Subjectively, I thought the Continental tires made more noise on dry roads than on rain-soaked asphalt. I only mention it as a note in the margin. Noise is not a serious problem in the Seat Leon.
Daytrippers
After a trip from Bærum to Nes in the Roman Empire, I took the route around Eidsvoll. I had seen on social media that the Veteran VW Klubben had a mini meeting at one of the Nebbenes taverns. At about the Samvirkelaget in Hammerstad, the floodgates of heaven opened. Driving rain! When I blinked into Nebbenes, I met a red air-cooled bubble and an Opel Rekord A that had packed up and headed home. Public carriages in summer rain wake up good memories. I took a few quick "shots", dried the lens and glasses and started on my way home. First past the old Nebbeneskroa, then the Eidsvoll building. Then I took the west side road south via Brårud. An ideal touring route for both Golf-based Leon and air-cooled people cars. The village road with its dashed edge runs through beautiful woodlands and fields, - along well-tended farms. The DSG gearbox kept the rpm at the bottom of the good torque range around 1500 while we cruised around 70-80 km/h.
Removable cylinders in several models
The last time I drove with replaceable cylinders (ACT) was in a Seat Ateca with 1,4 TSI ACT 150 HP. Seat has had this technology since 2014 – long enough to be able to detect any problems. On an online forum page, an "inside" mechanic claims that the ACT engines have worked fine - without any problems. So one might ask why the Volkswagen group chose a different/changed engine when the ACT technology is being rolled out in even more models? The outgoing and new engine have almost identical specifications - also with regard to consumption and emissions.
The 1,5 TSI differs from the 1,4 TSI in that it has a timing belt instead of a chain. This hopefully eliminates early problems with the TSI engine's timing chain/tensioner - problems that have led to many engine failures. 1,5 TSI with switchable cylinders - or "Cylinders on Demand" is currently offered for the following models: Volkswagen Golf, T-Roc, Tiguan, Touran and Arteon. Skoda Octavia. Audi A3. Seat Leon and Ateca.
How 2 cylinder mode works
ACT kicks in when the engine is working at low load, for example when the engine is spinning without pulling the car forward. The text "2-cylinder mode" is then displayed in the instrument panel. During normal driving - without focus on ACT - the cylinders are switched out for very short periods, for example while you pick up the revs again after letting off the gas on a downhill. If you are careful with the throttle as the revs reach car speed, you can keep the engine longer on 2 cylinders. With a little practice, it is possible to maintain speed on gentle downhills and on flat roads, although it only takes a breath of wind before the economy mode disappears. The engagement and disengagement of cylinders takes place completely without vibrations or sound. It is only the text in the instrument panel that tells what is happening.
Not ideal together with cruise control
Adaptive cruise worked perfectly. It should also just be missing, since all the components are sourced from Volkswagen. But with the cruise control engaged, the cylinder deceleration was not utilized as optimally as when I adjusted the speed myself with an eco-friendly gas pedal. Old fashioned as I am, I believe that we humans can still drive more sparingly than computers, at least as long as we can read and adapt our driving to the topography of the road. There is still no doubt that tomorrow's cruise control should be able to work more effectively with ACT.
Real consumption
I don't know what effect ACT has on consumption. When two cylinders are switched off, fuel consumption is halved. But if there is to be any measurable effect, surely at least 10% of the driving should take place on 2 cylinders, or something like that? In daily driving without focus on the ACT system, I think the savings are barely measurable. My drive started at 0,58 liters per mile at highway speed, measured on the car's trip computer. The average ended up at a decent 0,51 as I became more conscious of driving economically and cutting cylinders. 0,51 is in line with stated EU consumption. You have to be extremely light on the throttle to keep the engine in economy mode.
Place
Interior space is exactly like the Volkswagen Golf. Subjectively, the Leon feels a little bigger, but that's just imagination. The luggage compartment has a good length (1 meter) with a pass-through hatch. The space is easy to use. There are 587 liters up to window height, and 1470 liters with the seats folded down. There are separate handles for folding down the seats from the luggage compartment. The seat backs do not lie completely flush with the floor in the cargo area - only almost. A nice detail is that the boot lid can be used as a dividing net with the rear seats folded down.
Conclusion
"EVO", "COD" or "ACT". Dear child has many names. The Volkswagen group has decided that engines that cut 2 cylinders will no longer be reserved for Seat and Skoda. They are now being rolled out across the entire Golf family. With the 7-speed DSG, it is a perfect drive for all Golf-based cars, not least the Seat Leon ST.
It is unknown how much you actually save on replaceable cylinders. Strictly speaking, the cylinders don't come out very well either or to or particularly for a long time. Whether that entails truth is not known - but could the purpose of ACT have been to achieve good emission and consumption results in the new EU-based driving cycle NEDC? It affects car taxes in countries like Norway and looks good for all car buyers who want to make environmentally friendly choices. Win-win for all parties, as long as it is possible for you and me to achieve the same results.
With a little practice, I think it will work.
In any case, I can only recommend the Seat Leon ST. Skoda Octavia costs, of course as much, is supplied with same drive unit, has 23 litres bigger trunk and may be easier to sell as used because it has been a big seller for many years. Skoda Octavia or Seat Leon basically don't play a big role. I would choose Seat because it is just as good like Skoda, not as widespread on the road – and because it reminds me of Catalonia.
- Summer vacation coming soon, guys!
Facts
Drivetrain
1.5 TSI EVO. Turbocharged, 16-valve inline-four with (ACT) Active Cylinder Technology.
Horsepower: 150 HP at 5000 rpm.
Engine code: DADA
Torque: 250 Nm between 1500 and 3500 revolutions.
7-speed DSG automatic transmission, front-wheel drive.
Performance and consumption
Max speed: 213 km/h
0-100: 8,3 seconds
Stated consumption city: 0,65 litres/mile
– highway: 0,44 litres/mile
– overall: 0,52 litres/mile.
Measured overall consumption: 0,51 litres/mile
Weights and Measures
Length, width, height in cm: 455, 182, 144
Wheelbase in cm: 263
Petrol tank: 50 litres
Boot space up to window: 587 litres
Luggage compartment with rear seats folded down: 1470 litres
Own weight: 1271 kg
Max trailer weight w/brakes: 1400 kg
– without brakes: 630 kg
Max roof load: 75 kg.
Tires
Continental EcoContact 205/55R16
Speed marking: V
Price:
Purchase price: NOK 355 including winter tires and trailer hitch
Price leasing including VAT: 54 lump sum, 000 fee, 5300 monthly cost, 3012 years
Terjes Biler's analysis of leasing offers (seat.no):
Sum to be amortized: 300
Assumed interest rate: 2-5%
Estimated residual value: 290-000 (depending on interest)
About the car
Mileage at start: 25
Kilometers covered: 190
Source: Seat.de
Owner: Harald A Møller (Seat.no)
Rented through Hyre.no
The car-sharing service Hyre has now received several brand new Seats for hire. Contact Seat.no for a test drive, or do like me, - use the app and rent when you need one, or want to get to know it better.
Pictures
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