Here at the Geneva Motor Show, the exciting innovations are coming thick and fast but one may just be described as a show stealer – the Leon Ecomotive Concept from SEAT.
This high economy family five-door holds appeal across the spectrum with outstanding performance and exceptional economy. It features a host of new technologies including an all-new 1.6 litre TDI engine with state-of-the-art common rail fuelling and class-leading CO2 emissions at a mere 99g/km. Fuel economy is outstanding too at 74.3mpg.
These improvements over the current Leon Ecomotive, which has emissions of 119g/km and fuel efficiency at 62.8mpg, come via the 105PS turbo-diesel engine with particulate filter and a number of fuel-saving innovations such as an auto start/stop function which switches off the engine when a car comes to a halt and restarts it as the driver depresses the clutch.
The vehicle also boasts a form of brake energy recovery which harnesses energy generated during the braking process to save fuel. It also includes many of the existing fuel saving techniques that were employed in the current Leon Ecomotive model such as lengthened gear ratios, optimised aerodynamics and low rolling resistance tyres.
The latest unveiling from SEAT follows hot on the heels of the Leon Twin Drive Ecomotive prototype which made its debut in Matorell in January. That concept showcased SEAT’s work towards producing electric cars for urban areas that can switch seamlessly to conventional petrol or diesel for longer trips.
