Seat is now taking orders for the low-CO2 Ecomotive models in the new Leon range with prices starting at £19,360 on the road.

The Ecomotive variants will be available in SC, hatchback and ST body styles with CO2 emissions of 87g/km and fuel consumption of 85.6mpg on the combined cycle.

The car’s CO2 emissions figure is a full 12 g/km lower than that of the outgoing, second-generation Leon Ecomotive, despite being more powerful, helped by 90kg weight reduction and a 10% improvement in aerodynamic efficiency.

Power comes from a 1.6-litre TDI diesel engine, mated to a six-speed manual gearbox whose ratios are spaced for optimum efficiency; the transmission is a fundamental difference between the Leon Ecomotive and the standard Leon 1.6 TDI, which itself emits 99 g/km, equipped with a five-speed manual gearbox.

Other changes over the standard Leon 1.6 TDI include a higher engine output, up from 105hp to 110hp, and the fitment of low rolling resistance tyres. To improve aerodynamic performance there’s a body package comprising rear and side spoilers, and the suspension is lowered by 15 mm, while the radiator grille is unique to the Ecomotive.

These changes help the Leon Ecomotive travel 11.3 miles further per gallon of fuel than the standard Leon 1.6 TDI, according to their respective combined consumption ratings.

As with every other model in the Leon range, the Leon Ecomotive comes with an energy recovery system and a start/stop system, the former to capture and store brake energy otherwise lost as heat, which can be used to power electrical systems, and the latter to shut down the engine when the car is at a standstill, preserving fuel.

The Leon Ecomotive comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights with cornering function, cruise control, a leather steering wheel and gear knob, air conditioning, electric windows all around (aside from SC versions), Bluetooth hands-free phone system, SEAT Easy Connect multimedia system, and a front armrest/storage box as standard; the Leon Ecomotive is based on SE specification.

And until at least the end of 2013, the Leon Ecomotive is eligible for SEAT’s free Technology Pack offer, which endows the car with full-LED headlights (including their distinctive strip-LED daytime running lights), satellite navigation and a DAB radio – so every medium-wave radio talk show rant can be enjoyed in crystal clear digital quality.

Steve Mirfin, Seat Leon Product Manager, said: “This Leon Ecomotive really moves the game forward for us. Not only is it a lot more efficient than the outgoing car, it’s one of the most efficient medium-sized cars on the market and offers outstanding fuel economy. 

“We benchmarked the car against the most popular models in the segment to make sure we’re right at the cutting edge on real-world fuel economy, but also on value, performance and quality. And with the Ecomotive available in all three Leon body styles, its appeal extends to a huge customer base – not least the fleet market, where practicality and running costs are paramount.”

First deliveries of the Leon Ecomotive begin January 2014, priced at £19,360 for the SC, £19,660 for the hatchback and £20,485 for the ST.

 

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