As SEAT's best selling car, the León Mk I was marketed as a sportier and cheaper variant of the VW Golf. The first-generation was the hatchback version of the SEAT Toledo. To reinforce the sporty image, the vehicle has aggressive looks and is equipped with firm suspension to improve handling. The more expensive versions are equipped with powerful engines.Available engines range from 1.4 L and include two variants of the Volkswagen Group's 20 valve turbocharged 1.8 L powerplant, or a 2.8 L V6 delivering 204 PS (150 kW). The León Cupra has a 1.8 Turbo with 180 PS (132 kW), and the León Cupra R 225 PS (165 kW). A 150 PS (110 kW) version of VW's 1.9 TDI engine is also available, originally as a Cupra, but later downgraded to the FR (Formula Racing) version.
Some Leons are equipped with all wheel drive, which is based on the same Haldex differential as the VW Golf 4Motion. All engines over 130 PS (96 kW) have a standard manual 6-speed gearbox.