Seat Leon ST 4Drive – Permanent all-wheel drive

The most beautiful station wagon in its class is now even more versatile. Thanks to the electronically controlled permanent all-wheel drive, the new Seat Leon ST 4Drive can now handle even the most demanding operating conditions with maximum traction and safety.

Leon with all-wheel drive will come to the market with two TDI engines with an output of 77 kW/105 hp , or 110 kW/150 hp . In addition to superb performance, these units also boast exceptional economy. Average fuel consumption values of 4.5 l/100 km , or 4.8 l/100 km , are exceptionally low for this type and size of vehicle (all figures are preliminary).

Leon ST 4Drive celebrates its exhibition premiere at the Vienna Motor Show in January. The 77 kW/105 hp version will be launched in April 2014, while the 110 kW/150 hp version will follow in the summer.

"The Leon ST 4Drive with new all-wheel drive proves that expressive design, captivating sporty character and exceptional everyday usability are not mutually exclusive. 4Drive builds on the success of the new Leon model range," says Jürgen Stackmann , President of Seat SA "With its dynamic appearance, remarkably high level of functionality and state-of-the-art technology, the Leon ST 4Drive defines new standards in the compact station wagon segment – and at very fair prices. "

In addition to the latest generation of TDI engines and permanent all-wheel drive with intelligent electronic control, the Leon ST 4Drive offers a wide range of state-of-the-art technical solutions. Maximum safety is provided by the EDS electronic differential lock system on both axles, the extended function of the electronic differential lock for better traction when passing a corner ( XDS ), an electronically controlled stabilization system and a multi-collision brake. Other optional features from the world of high-tech include front LED headlights , ACC adaptive cruise control with City emergency braking, driver fatigue monitoring and lane keeping assistant.

"The Leon ST is the perfect combination of dynamism and versatility, " says Dr. Matthias Rabe , Vice President of Seat , responsible for research and development. In the 4Drive version with permanent all-wheel drive, it not only offers reliable traction and optimal safety, but also guarantees driving pleasure in every situation and under all conditions. "

4Drive has a long tradition at Seat. The Leon 1.8 20V T 180 hp 4×4 from 1999 already had the perfect combination of a powerful engine and excellent traction of all-wheel drive.

The latest generation of all-wheel drive

The permanent all-wheel drive in the new Leon ST 4Drive is one of the most modern and efficient systems of its kind in the world. Seat uses a newly developed hydraulically operated and electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the form of the fifth generation Haldex clutch . It reacts extremely quickly to all imaginable driving situations, thereby providing significant advantages in terms of active safety and dynamics.

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In order to distribute the weight between the axles as best as possible, the clutch is located at the end of the connecting shaft in front of the rear axle differential. The slats rotate inside in an oil bath. The metal friction plates are arranged in pairs alternately behind each other – one plate of each pair is permanently connected to the clutch housing, which rotates with the coupling shaft. The second plate rotates with the output shaft to the rear differential.

Under normal operating conditions, most of the engine's driving force is transmitted to the front wheels . If their traction drops, the torque is transferred to the rear axle smoothly and within milliseconds . For this purpose, a set of lamellae is compressed by a piston. The new clutch generation does without a pressure reservoir, making it significantly more compact and 1.4 kilograms lighter than the previous generation of this clutch.

Powerful and very economical TDI engines

All-wheel drive can be combined with two TDI engines in the Leon ST model, which are powerful and economical at the same time. In both cases, a six-speed manual transmission is part of the drive chain. The common rail four-cylinders provide the highest output of 77 kW/105 hp , or 110 kW/150 hp, and consume only 4.5 or. 4.8 liters , diesel for 100 kilometers. This corresponds to CO 2 emissions of 119 , respectively 124 grams per kilometer. The set of measures for economical operation also includes the standard start/stop system and kinetic energy recovery .

The 2.0 TDI unit with an output of 110 kW/150 hp and a maximum torque of 320 Nm is the source of impressive dynamics in the new Seat Leon ST 4Drive model. Acceleration from rest to 100 km/h takes 8.7 seconds , while the top speed is 211 km/h . The four-cylinder 2.0 TDI belongs to the latest generation of engines with intelligent cooling system management and reduced friction. Even quieter running is ensured by two balancing shafts . The Leon ST 4Drive model with the 1.6 TDI engine also has a convincing temperament thanks to the maximum torque of 250 Nm . The values of acceleration and top speed in this case are 12.0 seconds and 187 km/h .

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Space and versatility

The third member of the Leon family combines, even in the 4Drive version, the precise handling of its siblings with an exceptionally high level of versatility. Like all Leon models, the ST boasts excellent craftsmanship and premium materials. The estate's 4,535-millimetre luggage space is in no way limited by the all-wheel drive system. It offers a high level of variability and first-class functionality down to the last detail. The volume of the luggage compartment of 587 liters can be increased up to a maximum of 1,470 liters with the rear seatbacks folded down and the use of the entire height of the interior up to the ceiling. In order to transport extremely long objects, the backrest of the passenger seat can also be folded down in some equipment lines, resulting in a maximum loading length of 2.5 meters . Thanks to this, the Leon ST 4Drive model can also transport larger things that everyday life brings.

The latest generation of information and entertainment systems

The new Seat Leon ST comes to the market with a wide selection of the most modern information and entertainment systems. The basis is the Seat Easy Connect control system for controlling the functions of the entertainment and communication systems, as well as a whole range of other vehicle functions, via a 5.8" touchscreen on the dashboard. There is also a Seat Media System in several variants, as well as a navigation system and a Seat Sound System .

The Leon ST 4Drive is offered with an output of 77 kW/105 hp in the Reference and Style equipment lines and with an output of 110 kW/150 hp in the Style and FR equipment lines. All versions of the Leon ST 4Drive model have extensive standard equipment, which includes, among others, Radio Entry , air conditioning and electric control of the side windows and exterior mirrors. The Style version also has 16" light alloy wheels, Radio Entry Plus , a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cruise control. The FR equipment line emphasizes the sporty character of the Leon ST 4Drive model with an even more impressive front and rear design, 17" light alloy wheels and a sports chassis . The driver can use the Seat Drive Profile drive mode selector to adjust the vehicle settings according to the driving conditions. The quality sound of the Rádio Entry Plus entertainment system is provided by eight speakers .

Source: Seat