active cylinder technology

act — The Seat transformed into a "manor wagon" when we parked in front of the Eidsvoll building itself.

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.

act — Infotainment system with the option to retrieve navigation and music from Apple and Android.

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.

act — The ST is 26 cm longer than a combi-coupe - over the rear axle.

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.

act — Good distribution of seating and luggage space for a 4,5 meter car.

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.

seat-leon-st-boot — Good cargo space. 587 liters up to the windows.

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.

PHOTOS

Click on the images to see them in a larger format!

seat leon 1,5 tsi act — Digital instruments.

seat-leon-st-rolfstangen — Right now there are 2 Seat Leon ST for rent here at Rolfstangen. Just run and rent!

See

Driving pleasure on the altar of downsizing?

The Seat Ateca has arrived in Norway. It is a model that shares a platform, drivetrain and components with other SUVs from the Volkswagen group.

I borrowed "my" Seat Ateca FR from Hyre.no, a new car-sharing service that has placed brand new Seats in strategic locations in the center of Oslo. If you want to test drive, you can borrow the car for free. It is Sunday, glorious April sun and summer heat. The car looked great in the pickup lot. First a couple of errands, then up to Exporama to visit Oslo Motor Show. Finally, a couple of detours on the way home. The daily rental includes 150 km. It's just to enjoy yourself.

First meeting

The FR is the top model. It says "FR" in the grill, on the steering wheel and the tailgate, so no one can avoid noticing what this is. In Norway, the variant FR+ is also sold, which includes a panoramic sunroof and premium sound system. All models are delivered with four-wheel drive and automatic transmission.

The seats look and feel like Volkswagens. Alcantara/fabric surfaces and electrically adjustable driver's seat in all directions. With the adjustable steering wheel, I find a perfect sitting position. Look-and-feel is roughly on a par with the Tiguan, but lower than a well-equipped Q3, without being able to put my finger on anything special. The Ateca seems larger than the Q3 inside, although on paper they are the same size. Still, I'm sure you can stow more luggage in the Ateca's square shape than under the Q3's sloping rear window. I easily found the driver assistance functions. I turned off "Active Lane Assist" but kept the others.

Cuts 2 cylinders

The small 1,4 liter TSI engine produces 150 horsepower and a torque of 250 Nm between 1500 and 3500 rpm. The special thing about the engine is that it has so-called Active Cylinder Technology (ACT) which cuts 2 of the cylinders when the engine is running without load. It affects fuel consumption, but requires some getting used to in order to drive properly economically.

Measured at relatively short 2-3 mile intervals, I was able to achieve an average consumption of less than 0,5 litres/mile on country roads and motorways. Then I had to make sure that the engine stayed on two cylinders for as long as possible, even with weak throttle input. You do not hear the engine cutting cylinders, but a text appears in the instrument display. Great for eco-nerds like me. The factory figures are respectively 0,74 litres/mile for city driving and 0,61 litres/mile on country roads. My numbers for city driving matched the factory numbers. The car is fun to drive in the city, and I think it will be difficult to get below the factory numbers. On country roads, it is easier to utilize the engine's economy function.

Sporty

Although it is possible to cut back on consumption, the Ateca FR undoubtedly appears sporty. Fat 19-inch wheels, paddle shift and responsive engine contribute to that. On the road, the suspension feels tight, - a thought for sporty in terms of comfort. You can choose different driving modes, including Eco, Normal and Sport. In sport mode, steering movements and throttle input are tightened, while the chassis seemed equally tight the whole time.

On winding back roads, the car was well on the road. But when the asphalt along the edges began to bear the impression of telehive, the sporty character clearly outweighed the comfort. The big rims didn't help make it much better. Winter tires in size 245/40 R19 are also far from silent. Like the Leon, the Ateca is well soundproofed from the engine compartment. The engine is practically inaudible. The only thing audible, apart from the radio, is the tire noise. The problem is not primarily the noise level, but that the sound can be quite annoying. A kind of shrill noise of the same type as truck tires make. I wonder what the soundstage will be like with summer tires? Normally, sporty summer tires make more noise than soft, studless winter tires, but if the sound had been more low-frequency it would have been less bothersome. I wouldn't go for 19-inchers on the winter tires anyway, even though they look great.

Is there room for the Ateca in Volkswagen's SUV range?

Space and safety in the Ateca are on the same level as its group brothers Q3, Tiguan and Karoq. The Ateca holds 510 liters up to the hat shelf and 1604 liters with the rear seats folded down. The tailgate is electrically operated. The four-wheel drive steals a few liters from the boot, but it's the same for the other SUVs here too.

The Audi Q3 and Volkswagen Tiguan are already established models in the market. The question is where does the Seat Ateca fit in? In Europe, Seat's have the edge for equipment, a price advantage that does not come to light in Norway because of the taxes. If Seat is to have a chance on the Norwegian market, it must be well-equipped cars - cars that are as good as the Audi Q3 and Volkswagen Tiguan. The comparison here can be difficult because the various models do not match each other in terms of drivetrain and equipment level. I will try to value the Ateca in relation to the others.

Seat Ateca FR 1,4 TSI 150 HP 4DRIVE DSG costs 507. It is then fully equipped. The only things you need in addition are paint additives and winter tires. It's not particularly cheap, but also no bargain compared to its group brothers. The closest Audi Q500 Quattro comes with the 3 TFSI 2,0 HP S tronic. It costs 180 without extras. The Volkswagen Tiguan with the same engine as the Ateca, plus 560Motion and DSG, costs 000 as Highline, or promotional price 4 in Business line. But one has to add a lot of expensive accessories to match the Seat Ateca FR. The Skoda Karoq currently offers no models with four-wheel drive and a petrol engine.

Buy it online!

One factor that can determine which of the SUVs one chooses is which dealer is closest to where you live or work. Seat may have an advantage here as it is only sold via the Internet. Book a test drive online, pick up a car nearby, or rent one for the whole weekend. Then you can sit in your own living room and order online.

FACTS

Engine:

Designation: 1,4 TSI 150 HP with Active Cylinder Technology (ACT).
Torque: 250 Nm between 1500-3500 revolutions.
Series: EA211
Engine code: CZEA
Gearbox: 6-speed DSG
Four-wheel drive system: 4Drive (Haldex 5)

External dimensions (cm):

Length: 436
Width: 184
Height: 161
Wheelbase: 263

Luggage volume (litres):

Up to the hat shelf: 510
With rear seats folded down: 1604

Weight (kg):
Net weight: 1476
Trailer with brake: 1900
Trailer without brake: 750

Consumption (litres/mile with 19″ wheels):
City driving: 0,74
Road: 0,61
Combined: 0,65

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