Click either image for hi-res gallery of the SEAT Leon Linea R
Volkswagen makes some pretty enticing hot hatches, but as we discovered when driving the Leon Cupra, sister-brand SEAT is where it's at. The Spanish subsidiary's hot hatches typically offer more power for less money in a more exciting package than their German counterparts. Now SEAT has widened the gap – on that last category, at least – with a new package for the Golf-based Leon.
Called the Linea R, this newest variant draws inspiration from SEAT's championship-winning touring cars, and you can plainly see the association with the gaping air intakes cut into the body like an 80's slasher flick. The package also includes up-rated brakes, 225/40 R18 rubber and revised aero trim, plus a unique central grille, chrome mirror casings and the requisite boxful of badges. The interior is treated to some sporty touches as well, and the Linea R package is available with a range of powerful engines, including a 170hp 2.0-liter turbodiesel and 1.8-liter 160hp and 2.0-liter 200hp gas-burning turbo fours. The GTI's hot Spanish cousin just got that much hotter, evident in the gallery below and the press release after the jump.
[Source: SEAT]
PRESS RELEASE
SEAT LEÓN LÍNEA R
It keeps getting better
- Sportier, more imposing, more seductive design
- Extensive equipment for safe, efficient driving
- 160 hp 1.8 TSI, 170 hp 2.0 TDI and 200 hp 2.0 TSI engines
There are two petrol and one diesel engine versions responsible for powering the new León version. The first is the efficient 170 hp 2.0 TDI diesel which, mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, delivers exceptional performance and provides reduced fuel consumption figures, making it an extremely interesting choice.
The SEAT León Línea R petrol engine range includes none other than the 160 hp 1.8 TSI and the 200 hp 2.0 TSI units, the latter with either a manual or DSG twin clutch automatic gearbox for outstanding safety and driving comfort.
The SEAT León Línea R adds an extensive list of standard equipment to its spectacular design and appealing engine range, including ABS and TCS, ESP, low tyre pressure warning, double front airbag, side front airbags and headbags, foglights, dual zone climate control, cruise control, CD MP3 radio and aux-in, and 8 speakers, among others.
Imposing, seductive design
The exterior looks of the Línea R are immediately visible, including the spectacular new bumpers, the oversized honeycomb design air intake and stylised side vents, which contribute to enhancing the car's sportiness.
Still at the front, the exclusive central grille features a honeycomb arrangement and chrome surround.
The side view reveals exclusive, five double-spoke 18 inch "Supercopa" wheels with their visible enormous disc brakes. The large discs and four-pot callipers provide immediate response to match the most demanding sports driving habits, while the special metal brake lines guarantee a faster, safer response to the system. The wheels are shod with 225 /40 R18 tyres.
The side view would not be complete without the chrome encased door mirrors, which personalise and identify the car from a distance, as well as the door sills and the "Línea R" logo on the B pillars.
Finally, the rear end also distinctly sets the SEAT León Línea R apart. An innovative spoiler at the top of the rear hatch strengthens its sporty looks and at the same time enhances its already excellent dynamical performance.
The rear bumper plays an important part by increasing the car's beefy looks. It is wider than on the rest of the versions thanks to the addition of distinct side ventilation slats and a twin tailpipe at either end which has been personalised by SEAT Sport. The polished steel twin tailpipe not only provides a whole new look to the car, but it produces an unmistakeable sound that will send chills down the driver's spine as if he were competing at the World Touring Car Championship.
Every detail on the inside has been carefully chosen to reflect the car's sporty identity, featuring a new leather steering wheel, a round leather gearknob embossed with the "SEAT Sport" logo, a chrome surround joining it to the console and a cross-stitched gaiter in SEAT red.
No car such as the León Línea R could lack sporty pedals and footrest. Made of aluminium, they adapt comfortably to the driver's feet, as on competition cars. Driving is also made more comfortable by the snug front seats that provide firm support.
Powerful, efficient engine range
The León Línea R version is available with three engine variations - the 160 hp 1.8 TSI Sport-up and the spectacular manual or DSG 200 hp 2.0 TSI and 170 hp 2.0 TDI FR versions.
The 160 hp (118 kW) 1.8 TSI engine is mainly characterised for its elasticity and economy. Featuring direct injection technology, this engine delivers 250 Nm of torque between 1,500 and 4,200 rpm, resulting in excellent in-gear acceleration - from 80 to 120 km/h in fifth gear in 9.3 seconds and 11.8 seconds in sixth.
Top speed is clocked at 213 km/h, with 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 8 seconds and 0 to 1000 metre acceleration in 29.1 seconds; while the combined fuel consumption figure is 7.4 litres per 100 km and CO2 emissions are registered at 176 g/km.
The new SEAT León Línea R is also available with the 200 hp 2.0 TSI, mated to either a six-speed manual or DSG automatic gearbox, which is one of the most effective on the market, featuring steering wheel shift paddles for greater shifting ease.
Mated to the DSG gearbox, the León delivers performance levels worthy of a competition vehicle. It reaches a top speed of 229 km/h, accelerates from 0 to 100 in only 7.2 seconds, and covers a standing kilometre in only 27.5 seconds, (both figures a tenth of a second faster than the manual). The León delivers in-gear acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h in fifth gear in 7.8 seconds and 9.7 seconds in sixth, with a moderate fuel consumption rate for such sporty performance - an average of only 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres.
The 170 hp 2.0 TDI diesel engine is equipped with the DPF particulate filter and is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox that develops 125 kW (170 hp) at 4,200 rm. Engine torque stands at 350 Nm from 1,800 to 2,500 rpm.
With this engine, the SEAT León reaches a top speed of 214 km/h, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in only 8.2 seconds, from 80 to 120 km/h in fifth gear in 8.2 seconds and 10.5 seconds in sixth gear. The combined fuel consumption figure is only 6 litres for every 100 km of driving, and at 159 g/km, this engine complies with the strict Euro IV emissions norms.
Effective, agile chassis
The SEAT León Línea R chassis is no different on all trim levels, with the same independent suspension arrangement - MacPherson with lower wishbone on the front shaft and multilink at the rear. The front stabiliser bar measures 23.6 mm and the rear bar 21.7 mm.
The 160 hp 1.8 TSI engine version comes with 288 mm front ventilated brake discs and 255 mm solid rear discs; 312 mm and 255 mm discs on the 170 hp 2.0 TDI version and 312 mm and 286 mm discs on the 200 hp 2.0 TSI version.
The brake system on the León Línea R is equipped with ABS and electronic braking distribution, as well as ESP electronic stability, which can be disconnected, and TCS traction control.
Complete equipment
The outstanding equipment level on the new SEAT León Línea R is built on essential aspects such as safety and passenger compartment comfort.
Passengers receive protection from up to eight airbags - two in the front, two at the side in the front and a front and rear headbag, all standard, while two further side rear airbags are optionally available. The rear window seats are also equipped with the Isofix anchoring points for child seats.
Other active safety features include ABS, TCS and ESP while anti-theft protection is provided by a movement sensing volumetric alarm. Besides, the León Línea R is also equipped with further electronic devices such as cruise control and a driver-defined excess speed warning.
This car can also be equipped with AFS sweeping bixenon headlights, which resort to several turning and speed sensors located on the vehicle to adapt the headlight beam direction for the best visibility at the front of the car. These headlights also modify their beam height automatically depending on the car's load weight, which is more convenient and more precise than adjusting it manually.
The León Línea R offers several on-board plug and play solutions, such as an iPodâ connection or a specific slot for other USB type memory devices and MP3 music players. These connections can be found on the León range beneath the passenger seat.
Furthermore, the sophisticated SEAT Mediasystem navigator can also be installed, which features a VGA resolution (800x400) 6.5 inch colour touch screen, as well as a 30 Gb hard disc that enhances route calculation speed.
The standard equipment on the new SEAT León Línea R is the following for the Spanish market: ABS and TCS, ESP with EBA emergency braking, low tyre pressure warning, double front airbag, front side airbags and head airbag, Isofix anchoring points, front power one-touch anti-trap windows, front floor mat fasteners, CD radio with MP3 and aux-in, 8 speakers, volumetric alarm, foglights, two zone climate control, rear power windows + heated parking position door mirrors, cruise control, trip computer, coming and leaving home function, and sporty suspension and seats, among others.
Available options
| SPORT-UP | FR | |
| Passenger airbag disconnection | O | O |
| Rear side thorax airbags | O | O |
| Dark glass | O | O |
| Leather upholstery | O | – |
| 6.5" colour touch screen navigation system, DVD player and 30 Gb hard disc, Bluetooth connection and steering wheel controls (includes DVD mapbase) | O | O |
| Rain sensing wipers with automatic anti-dazzle rear-view mirror | O | O |
| Electric glass anti-trap sunroof | O | O |
| Heated headlight cleaner nozzles + headlight wipers + heated front seats | O | O |
| Bixenon headlights + AFS | O | O |
| Bluetooth phone installation + anti-theft aerial (8 speakers). Includes steering wheel mounted controls | O | O |
| USB connection beneath passenger seat (replaces AUX-in connection) | O | O |
| iPodâ connection beneath passenger seat (replaces AUX-in connection) | O | O |
| Metallic paint | O | O |
| Emoción red paint | O | O |
| Custom Color paint | O | O |
All the information and equipment mentioned in this press kit is valid for the Spanish market only. Technical specifications may vary between countries. Fuel consumption according to MVEG figures. SEAT reserves the right to modify this information.
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