The second generation of the SEAT Leon was launched at the 2005 Barcelona Motor Show, just one month after the unveiling of the Leon Prototype in Geneva, and went on sale in the summer. Sportiness and innovative design were taken to their highest level in the brand's latest launch... (read more)
Launch: March 2005
End of production: End of 2012
Price: £14,995
Number built: 675,915 (total Leon II)
Diesel, 4 cylinders in line
Layout: Front transverse
Bore x stroke: 81 mm x 95.5 mm
Capacity: 1968 cc
Valve gear: Double overhead camshaft, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel system: Direct injection, turbo
Max power: 140 HP at 4000 rpm
Max. torque: 320 Nm at 1750 rpm
Top speed: 205 km/h
Type: Front-wheel drive
Gearbox: 6-speed manual, plus reverse gear
Clutch: Dry single plate
Front suspension:
McPherson type, with anti-roll bar and coil springs
Rear suspension:
Multi-link, with coil springs
Steering: Rack and pinion, power-assisted
Front/rear: Ventilated discs/Discs
205/55 R16
Body: 5-door hatchback, 5 seats
Length/width/height: 4.315/1.768/1.458 mm
Wheelbase: 2.578 mm
Weight: 1.334 kg
The second generation of the SEAT Leon was launched at the 2005 Barcelona Motor Show, just one month after the unveiling of the Leon Prototype in Geneva, and went on sale in the summer. Sportiness and innovative design were taken to their highest level in the brand's latest launch.
The silhouette of the Leon II was derived directly from the Salsa concept car designed by Walter de Silva. The car was very attractive, partly thanks to the rear door handles hidden in the door frame, a detail that accentuated the sporty image of the Leon II, making it look more like a coupé than a 5-door hatchback.
Based on the new Altea platform, the León II took a step forward in terms of road handling, as the entire range was fitted with a fully independent multi-link rear suspension, which in the León I was only available on four-wheel drive versions. This was one of the new features of the Agile Chassis concept developed at the Martorell Technical Centre.
The initial engine range consisted of two petrol and two diesel engines. The former were the 1.6 with 102 HP and the 2.0 FSI with 150 HP, while the latter were a 1.9 TDI 105 and a 2.0 TDI 140. The latter was fitted with a 6-speed manual gearbox and could also be combined with the 6-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. The following year saw the arrival of a 170 HP version of the 2.0 TDI.
The Leon II featured electromechanical steering, ABS and TCS traction control. It also had a state-of-the-art ESP electronic stability programme, enhanced with new systems that improved braking and steering in emergency situations. In terms of passive safety, it had six airbags as standard (front, front side and curtain), which could be supplemented with rear side airbags. The trim levels were Reference, Stylance, Sport and Sport-up.
The dynamic qualities of the Leon II meant that SEAT wasted no time in putting it to the test in the racing world. The creation of the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) coincided with the launch of the Leon II, so SEAT developed the Leon WTCC on this basis, initially with a naturally aspirated petrol engine. Before the end of the year, Jordi Gené secured the Leon's first victory in the WTCC.
SEAT's next step in the WTCC was a bold one, as the brand decided to develop a racing version of the Leon powered by the 2.0 TDI engine. It made its debut in mid-2007 and scored three victories that same season. The following two years, 2008 and 2009, saw the SEAT Leon TDI WTCC win all the world titles for drivers and manufacturers. SEAT's success was historic, as it was the first time a diesel-powered vehicle had won an FIA world championship.
The SEAT Leon TDI is therefore a symbol of the brand's technical audacity and the star of the greatest international racing success in SEAT's history.