seat leon

Seat Leon ST 1,5 TSI ACT

Posted 09/07/2019 by Terje Bjørnstad

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?

Driving pleasure on the altar of downsizing?

Posted 13/05/2019 by Terje Bjørnstad

I like Volkswagen's 1,2 TSI engines. They are a good example of successful downsizing. But Volkswagen has moved on. By going down to three cylinders, both consumption and CO2 emissions are reduced. The new 1-litre engines have even got more horsepower and higher torque, but not the same driving pleasure.

Seat Leon is not a bad car. It is as big as the Volkswagen Golf and more beautiful than the Audi A3 (in my own humble mind). Leon is a lot of car for the money – a car for sensible people. Maybe not in Norway, but in the rest of Europe. In the last five years I have spent many miles in Seat Leon, - as rental cars. NOK 1 for 740 days with unlimited mileage is very affordable.

Widespread engine

My car this time is relatively simply equipped. The engine is the well-known 1,2 TSI with 110 horsepower. This engine is found in a wide range of models, including the Volkswagen Polo, Golf, Golf Sportsvan and Touran, Audi A3, Skoda Fabia, Rapid, Octavia and Yeti. How the 1,2 liter is experienced in the Seat Leon could just as well have been conveyed from one of the other models on the same platform, for example the 2018 Volkswagen Golf 1,2 TSI.

Lower consumption and CO2, but...

In 2019, the Volkswagen group chose to replace the four-cylinder 1,2-liter with a three-cylinder 1-liter. The new engine uses less petrol, has lower CO2 emissions and weight - and consequently lower taxes. On the road, the two engines have a lot in common, especially in the way the power is delivered. With a 6-speed gearbox, the revs can be kept down to around 1500 revs in quiet city traffic, and then you don't hear the engine as much. It is only when you need to go a little harder that the engine is heard. The 1,2 engine, with its slightly high-frequency hum, undoubtedly sounds like a small engine. Nevertheless, I think it sounds better than the three-cylinder 1-litre engine, where the sound image lies in a lower pitch, but with the unmistakable sound you get from three cylinders. It's a sound that reminds me of an outboard I had a few years ago. If it had only been the sound image that had been sacrificed, I should not have said anything. But the 1-litre engine doesn't feel as responsive when we move up from the very lowest rev register. It feels like a slight turbo lag. In addition, I sense vibrations and roughness through the driveline at low revs.

Good torque

The 1,2 engine gets a maximum torque of 175 Nm already from 1500 revolutions. Then the curve is flat until 4000 revolutions. Then you have a good torque throughout the rev range you use during daily driving. The 1-litre engine gets a maximum torque of 200 Nm first from 2000 revs up to 3500. But already at 1500 revs the torque is as high as in the 1,2 engine. The curve makes a small crack at 1500 revs to give extra boost at low revs. On paper, everything looks very promising.

Alright "Golf engine"

On the road with "my" 2018 Seat Leon, with the four-cylinder engine, I can pick up the revs carefully from 1200 revs completely smoothly, without vibrations. There is no noticeable turbo lag at startup. The turbo kicks in so early that you rarely notice it. As long as the turbo is on, the 1,2 engine seems very responsive. This is what makes the drive more fun than other similar drives.

After 860 km, the average consumption ended at 0,54 liters per mile measured on the car's trip computer. It's not bad for a car in the Golf class on southern European motorways and traffic that occasionally requires hard use of the gas. Based on previous experiences with the 1 liter engine, I would hardly have saved more than 0,04 - 0,05 liters per mile with the new engine option.

Consider going up an engine size

Regardless of whether you drive the 1-litre engine or the 1,2 engine, there is no denying that it is about the basic engine. You can buy much more exciting engines for the Seat Leon, for example the 1,4 engine with 150 horsepower and Active Cylinder Technology (ACT) which cuts 2 cylinders when the engine runs effortlessly. It is this engine that sits in the cars that are brought into Norway. The Norwegian tax system means that these cars then end up in a price gap where the car buyers choose other cars that are more widespread than the Seat Leon. Both Golf and A3 offer similar engine solutions for those who do not want the 1-litre engine.

Conclusion

The point of comparing the two base engines from the Volkswagen group is that base engines don't have to be boring. The 1,2 TSI is not experienced as a boring engine. The 1-litre TSI engine provides both better performance and lower consumption (win-win), but it feels less engaging to drive. As a "keen driver", I conclude that the Volkswagen Group's downsizing has been more successful on paper than in reality.

If you are considering buying a used Golf, A3 or Octavia, don't worry that you will get the 1,2 engine instead of the new 1-litre engine. On the contrary. I promise you will like it.

Seat Leon

The Seat Leon comes every moment in a completely new edition. Today's model was presented in 2012 and received a small facelift in 2017. Life with "my" Leon's over several years has been good. Super noise isolation – better than its brother Audi A3. The design still keeps up with the times. The driver's seat feels like other cars from the same group and the space conditions are identical to the Golf. So is the technique.

Should you come across a newer Seat Leon on the second-hand market, just go for it. Then you get a car like few others. Don't listen to the advertising. Seat does not make you younger, more attractive or more urban. It's just a sensible everyday car.

Facts

Consumption and benefits

	1,2 TSI 110	1,0 TSI 115
Consumption l/mile (combined driving)	0,49	0,44
0-100 in seconds	9,9	9,6
Top speed	194	198
Emission standard	Euro 6	Euro 6
CO2 emissions g/km	114	102
Horsepower	110 at 4600-5600 rpm.	115 at 5000-5500 rpm.
Torque (Nm)	175 at 1400-4000 rpm.	200 at 2000-3500 rpm.
Net weight	1138	1127
Trailer weight w/brakes	1300	1000

About the test car
Seat Leon 1,2 TSI Style 6-speed manual
Year Model: 2018
Mileage: 24340
Km driven: 864
Owner: Europcar.es

Source
AUTO-DATA.net

PHOTOS

See photos of the Seat Leon around France, 20 miles from Seat's production site. The town is called Céret and here the cherries are just ripe. They are sold from everywhere - from private gardens - and sales stalls have been set up everywhere. Every year the mayor of this small town sends a box of ripe cherries to the French president in Paris.

See

Those who actually drive Seat

Posted 09/04/2018 by Terje Bjørnstad

Seat is back in Norway. It will fill a need among young, urban people. But who actually drives Seat today?

The country's first online car shop?

Møller, who now calls himself Moller Mobility Group, Seat is testing through a new sales channel. This could become the country's first functioning online car shop. I have previously written about car sales online. One of the problems is the test drive. In the past, you couldn't take a test drive without going to a car salesman, who will certainly do everything he can not to miss out on his commission by letting you order online yourself. Now you can test drive for free via Hyre.no, - a car rental concept that will take on the competition with Nabobil.no. Afterwards, you can choose the model and color at your leisure, and order it via "Click, click. Go".

As made for car sharing

The collaboration between Møller, Hyre.no and the online store "Click, click. Go" can make many people get to know a Seat more closely. If you need an extra car, just order online - preferably just for one trip. Car rental and car sharing are gaining momentum as an alternative to owning. It opens up a market for anyone who doesn't need a car 24/7, but can share it with others. Then others pay for the car while you don't need it yourself. If you choose leasing, you can get a clear car finance.

Draws a wrong picture

If you are going to rent out your leasing car, you should live in an urban area where there are residents who find it profitable to leie instead of owning. According to Møller's marketing people, Seat is well suited to this arrangement. I believe in that. But it becomes difficult when the models are described with phrases such as: "The urban car" - "the stylish car" - "created in Barcelona" - "the car for the big city".

Seat is no more urban and stylish than other cars from the Volkswagen group. Barcelona's urbanites rather whiz around on scooters. Maybe a Fiat 500, if they can afford it. Seat is chosen by people who are guided by reason, almost bordering on common sense. They want the most - and best - possible car for the money. Seat is cheaper than similar brothers from Audi and Volkswagen with which they share a platform and drivetrain. The lower prices reflect that Seat does not offer the same premium feeling as Audi and Volkswagen. If I were to describe Seat in one word, it would have to be "reliable".

Spanish and Spanish, Mrs. Blom?

Today's Seats share platforms and technology with corresponding Volkswagen models. They were designed by Volkswagen's German design department. The factory is located at Martorell outside Barcelona. The robots inside are set up and programmed by Germans. There is nothing wrong with the German car industry. It works just as well in Spain as it does in Mexico, Slovakia, Hungary and Germany. But Seat is no more Spanish than the Volkswagen Polo, which is produced a few miles away, in Pamplona, - or the Audi Q3, which is produced together with the Seats.

Seat Leon

I currently drive around in a Seat Leon. I've had it for a couple of weeks. Like most Norwegians, my experiences with Seat are exclusively as rental cars. I have driven the Leon before as well. If I lived in one of Barcelona's suburbs, I might own a Seat. I like Leon a lot. In my eyes the best Seat, especially the station wagon, Leon ST.

"Seat Leon is a good-looking A3!"

The quote is taken from a web comment. The Leon is technically similar to the Audi A3 and Volkswagen Golf. Of the two, I think the Leon is most similar to the A3. I have previously driven an Audi A3 with the same TDI engine that is in "my" Leon, - 1,6 TDI 110 HP. Then I could ascertain that the rough diesel sound was audible all the time. The Leon is actually much better soundproofed from the engine compartment than the A3. With the 6-speed gearbox, the engine is almost inaudible, even on the motorway. The Leon TDI 110 is available with both a 5- and 6-speed gearbox. The 5-speed gearbox works well for Norwegian speed limits, but the needle shouldn't go much above 100 km/h before you start looking for a 6th gear.

The fuel gauge hardly moves

The TDI engine has surprisingly low consumption. If I hadn't driven the Leon earlier, I would have thought the fuel gauge had died. It is no art to achieve a consumption below 0,4 liters per mile. Without resetting the trip computer, my average consumption stabilized at around 0,44 liters per mile in southern traffic. The A3 with S tronic used around 0,6 on the same type of driving.

Feelgood

The feelgood factor is the same in the Seat Leon as in the Audi A3 – in standard design, of course. I find the same driving position and feel that the cars are the same on the road. However, it is not unusual to add 100 in extras to a new Audi, including driver assistant functions, sports seats, leather/Alcantara, infotainment, sound system and so on. Unfortunately, you cannot freely choose additional equipment on Seats bought via Møller's online store. Sin. Probably only stock models are sold. If I compare the standard Leon with the full-spec A000, of course the balance falls heavily on Audi's side.

Facelift

Inside, the Seat Leon feels somewhat larger than the Volkswagen Golf. But it is an optical illusion. Golf and Leon have almost exactly the same goal. The same applies to luggage space. "My" Leon was produced before the facelift for the 2018 model year. Then Leon got a different pattern in the grill and a small change in the air intake under the bumper. Almost impossible to see. Inside, it received a long-awaited upgrade to the infotainment system with a larger screen. In addition, modern safety equipment such as adaptive cruise control and emergency stop became available. "My" 110-horsepower TDI engine has gained more horsepower. Now with 115 HP.

The rental car favourite

I chuckle a little when I think of Møller relaunching Seat through a new sales channel based on online sales and rental based on the sharing model. Those of us who have lived for a while still remember Seat when they produced it Fiats under own model names? These were cars that we Norwegians liked to rent in the south, and which were often in poor condition. I recently had a flashback to the 80s when I saw a Seat Marbella - Seat's "Fiat Panda".

"My" blue Seat still looks new, even though it has over 57 km on the odometer, big-city scratches in the bodywork and a clutch that sings on the last verse.

Seat is still a rental car favorite on the continent. It is not always an advantage for the car brand's reputation, as the cars are often subjected to reckless and unkind treatment. I hope the cars that will be rented out here at home will be loved by everyone who drives them.

Facts

Seat Leon is offered in the following versions:
Style: NOK 345
FR: NOK 372
FR+: NOK 401

Audi A3 e-tron (for comparison).
Sports: NOK 360

No hybrid model yet

All Leon variants have Volkswagen's 1,4 TSI 150 HP and DSG automatic transmission. This drivetrain fits this model well. However, if you are considering buying the Seat Leon, you should consider the Audi A3 e-Tron. In Norway it costs about the same as the Seat Leon. In Barcelona, however, the Audi A3 e-tron Sport costs twice as much. From a financial point of view, it is therefore difficult not to choose the Audi A3 over the Seat Leon, especially considering the second-hand value. Then you get a plug-in hybrid 1,4 TFSI 150 HP, 54 HP electric motor and S tronic. A total of 204 HP. Remember that the Audi e-Tron can also be leased under similar conditions as the Seat, and you can rent it out at Hyre.no - or Nabobil.no.

What speaks in Seat's favor is that you get the car almost immediately, and that you can drive in a car that is not as common as the Audi A3.

Sources:
www.seat.no
www.audi.no