Seriously Economical Automotive Transport
Motoring is a guilty pleasure these days. Environmental concerns have not only made enjoying driving seem about as socially acceptable as a chain smoking, alcoholic fund manager, but it has also given the government supposed justification in increasing motoring taxes. The problem facing manufacturers is that people want to be environmentally responsible and save money, but don’t want to compromise on performance and comfort. SEAT has tried to meet these requirements with the new Leon Ecomotive. Weight has been cut, the tried and tested 1.9 TDI PD engine’s ECU has been programmed for maximum efficiency and 3rd, 4th and 5th gear ratios have been made longer. Add low rolling resistance tyres and a diesel particulate filter, and you have a car with a combined economy of 62.8mpg and CO2 emissions of just 119 g/km meaning vehicle excise duty is just £35 a year. On the road, the acceleration is brisk enough from rest, however those higher gear ratios do have an effect on in gear flexibility. The engine struggles in 4th at anything below 40mph and you can forget selecting 5th at less than 60. This means that you have to build up momentum using plenty of revs in the lower gears and motorway overtaking and inclines require a down change to fourth and plenty of welly. Once up to speed, the Leon will cruise in comfort and relative silence, pulling just 2,000 revs at the legal limit. This translates into exceptional economy on a run, the car easily averaging over 60mpg on a 120 mile journey.
Get off the motorway and the Leon proves a fine B road companion, the long wheelbase, multi link rear suspension and wide track giving the
RIVALS: Ford Focus ECOnet ic 1.6 TDC i, Renault Megane Express ion dCi 106, VW Golf BlueMotion S 1.9 TDI
Drive Time
- Engine: 1896cc, 4 cylinder,turbodiesel
- Gearbox: 5-speed manual
- Max Power: 104bhp at 4,000rpm
- Max Torque: 184 lb ft at 1,900rpm
- Max Towing Weight: 1,400kg
- Combined Consumption: 62.8mpg
- CO 2 Emissions (taxband): 119g/km (B)
- 0-62mph: 10.9secs
- Max speed: 114mph
- Insurance group: 6
Pros
Economical, solid build quality, good value, sharp handling
Cons
Overgeared, questionable dashboard plastics, occasionally obstructive gearchange
