SEAT Leon Ecomotive
Spanish model also joins the stop-start club.
With fuel prices creeping up again, cars such as the incredibly efficient Leon ECOmotive are increasingly appealing. The new diesel in this latest model is super-smooth, offering excellent economy and low emissions without compromising the driving experience. Add style, comfort and kit, and this well priced model is one of the best in its class.
The Focus isn’t the only model to get stop-start for the first time, as SEAT’s Leon is now fitted with it, too. This new Ecomotive variant has similar enhancements to those of Ford’s latest ECOnetic.
The Spanish firm claims returns of 67.2mpg combined for its model, while CO2 emissions of 109g/km make it eligible for £35 road tax.
Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the SEAT Leon
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The impressive figures are possible thanks to automatic stop-start, lengthened gear ratios and an energy recovery system. There’s also a new 104bhp 1.6-litre common-rail TDI diesel to replace the 1.9 unit. The whole system is very effective; the engine switches off and on again smoothly in stationary traffic and the motor is refined.
On the road, the new engine is very flexible in the mid-range, its 250Nm of torque easily overcoming the long gear ratios. When things get twisty, the Leon retains the sporty character we’ve come to expect with a firm ride, accurate steering and decent agility. And the good news is there will be two Ecomotive models to choose from in spring. The Technology variant shown here is the flagship.
It features some equipment you might not normally expect to see on a car with such green credentials, including 18-inch alloys not shown in our pictures.
The Technology also features sportier tyres than the entry-level model, which is badged simply Ecomotive. It is fitted with low-rolling resistance rubber for optimum fuel economy. However, thanks to some aerodynamic adjustments, it costs even less to run than the higher-spec version, returning 74.3mpg combined and emitting only 99g/km of CO2, making it exempt from road tax.
Rival: BMW 116d
The 116d five-door is great to drive and boasts 64.2mpg combined thanks to a range of eco tweaks including stop-start. But the cheapest version costs £18,135.
