page_title: SEAT León
section_title: First generation (Typ 1M; 1998–2005)
hierarchical_section_title: SEAT León / First generation (Typ 1M; 1998–2005)
caption_attribution_description: Gray's got a new motor
context_page_description: The SEAT León is a hatchback compact car built by the Spanish car manufacturer SEAT since October 1998.
  The first two Leon generations used two differing variants of the Volkswagen Group A platform, and shared many components with other Volkswagen Group cars. The third and fourth (current) generation use the Volkswagen Group MQB platform, also used by the Audi A3 Mk3 and Mk4, Volkswagen Golf Mk7 and Mk8 and Škoda Octavia Mk3, Mk4.
context_section_description: The initial SEAT Leon (Volkswagen Group Typ 1M), launched in 1999, available only as hatchback, and the related saloon version was known as the SEAT Toledo.  It was based on the Volkswagen Group A4 (PQ34) platform and, as such, shared many components in common with other VW Group models such as the Volkswagen Golf Mk4, Bora and Audi A3.  It was mainly produced at SEAT's Martorell plant with a small number of 13,401 cars assembled in 2000 at VW group's plant in Belgium. As SEAT's first C-segment model as part of the VW Group, the Leon Mk1 was marketed as a sportier and cheaper variant of the Golf.  To reinforce the sporty image, the vehicle had slightly more aggressive looks.  The more expensive versions were equipped with relatively more powerful internal combustion engines, along with firmer suspension to improve handling.  In the interior, the dashboard was derived from that of the first-generation Audi A3.
  Available engines were the 1.4-litre 16 valve petrol engine which produced a 55 kilowatts (75 PS; 74 bhp), a 1.6-litre 8 valve petrol engine 74 kW (101 PS; 99 bhp) (replaced later with a 16 valve 77 kW (105 PS; 103 bhp) unit), and included two variants of the Volkswagen Group's 20 valve turbocharged 1.8-litre powerplant, (with some countries also getting the 2.8-litre VR6 engine delivering 150 kW (204 PS; 201 bhp).
  The original "Leon 20VT" (which later became known as the "Cupra" and then the "FR") had a 1.8-litre Turbo with 132 kW (179 PS; 177 bhp), and the "Leon Cupra R" 154 kW (209 PS; 207 bhp), later becoming 165 kW (224 PS; 221 bhp). It became first available in only three body paints (red, yellow, black),  picked as an homage to the colors of both Spain's and Germany's national flags referring back to the roots of the joint project the model originally was.
  In some countries, there was also a "Cupra 4"; equipped with a 2.8-litre VR6 delivering 150 kW (204 PS; 201 bhp) and equipped with four-wheel drive (4WD), based on the same Haldex Traction multi-plate clutch as the Volkswagen Golf 4motion.
  A range of turbocharged direct injection (TDI) diesel engines was available, including a 110 kW (150 PS; 148 bhp) version of Volkswagen Group's 1.9 TDI engine, originally sold as a "Cupra 4 TDI", with 4WD, that was sold for one year only, and only in certain countries, then passed to "Evolution" series, then "Top Sport", and later rebranded as the "FR" ('Formula Racing'). In other countries the model was badged "Cupra" and then "FR" before a limited number of cars were fitted with the bodykit from the petrol powered "Cupra R" and named the "FR+". Lesser diesel versions were available with 66 kW (90 PS; 89 bhp), 81 kW (110 PS; 109 bhp) and 96 kW (131 PS; 129 bhp) outputs.
  All engines over 96 kW (131 PS; 129 bhp) have a standard six-speed manual transmission. Rear suspension was by semi-independent torsion beam for most variants, whilst high-end and 4WD models were fitted with a multi-link independent rear suspension.  All versions came with disc brakes on all four wheels (the front ventilated, and in some cars the rear too).
  In Mexico, the Leon became a very popular car with upper class young people.  The only problem the Leon has suffered in Mexico is the fact that the sport tuned suspension of the Leon is not designed to withstand the constant road imperfections such as potholes and speed bumps that abound in Mexican roads.
  In Switzerland, there was another official version tuned by Abt Sportsline of the Leon called "SEAT Leon Cupra 4 Kompressor".  This version had the same 4WD and 2.8-litre VR6 but with 206 kW (280 PS; 276 bhp) and 323 N⋅m (238 lbf⋅ft) of torque.
  Factory production of the Typ 1M ended in May 2006.  However, the appreciation for the SEAT Leon Cupra R Mk1's appeal remained clear, still up to the 'best hot hatchback of all time' poll, conducted in 2010 by Autocar, in which its readers honoured the Cupra R #7, in the top ten list of hatchbacks of all time in their preferences.
caption: SEAT Leon Mk1 Cupra R
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