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SEAT’s Leon Ecomotive showcases cutting edge engineering, including SEAT’s use for the first time of Start/Stop technology and Brake Energy Recovery. The sleek new five-seater underlines the Spanish brand’s determination to make itself a leader in the area of environmentally responsible motoring.

Photo: 2011 SEAT Leon Ecomotive -

It’s perhaps no surprise, then, that the latest Leon sees its CO2 emissions slashed to just 99 g/km (the same as the original Ibiza Ecomotive) while its combined fuel economy figure of 74.3 mpg gives the Leon a range of almost 900 miles between fill-ups.

Photo: 2011 SEAT Leon Ecomotive

Even in town, with an official urban figure of 60.1 mpg, new Leon Ecomotive owners can look forward to far less frequent refuelling stops.

Among the features key to the car’s improved economy and emissions performance, compared with the already frugal outgoing Leon Ecomotive, are its use of a new 1.6-litre TDI engine with the latest common rail technology and DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter), new Start/Stop technology and SEAT’s new Brake Energy Recovery system.

Photo: 2011 SEAT Leon Ecomotive

A recommended gear indicator helps the driver select the optimum ratio for economical motoring, while low rolling resistance tyres on the new Leon further boost economy. Subtle but important aerodynamic tweaks to the Leon’s already slippery shape complete the Ecomotive treatment.

Photo: 2011 SEAT Leon Ecomotive

Despite a drop in cubic capacity, the Leon’s new EU5-compliant powerplant still offers up 105 PS – exactly the same power output as the previous 1.9-litre turbodiesel – yet thanks to its new technology the car’s emissions have plunged from 119 g/km previously to that VED-busting figure of just 99 g/km today.

Photo: 2011 SEAT Leon Ecomotive

Sacrificing performance in the quest for out-and-out economy has never been SEAT’s way, of course, so it’s perhaps no surprise that the new Leon Ecomotive’s 0-62 mph time remains a sprightly 11.5 seconds while the top speed is an entirely ample 118 mph.

Driving the front wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox with ratios precisely attuned to the needs of economical yet involving motoring, the Leon Ecomotive’s engine is now even more refined, too.

Photo: 2011 SEAT Leon Ecomotive

The Leon is, however, sharing its place in the spotlight this week with other Ecomotive-badged newcomers as both the new Altea Ecomotive and Altea XL Ecomotive make their debuts, too.

Boasting the same powertrain as their slightly less capacious cousin, the Altea models do without the aerodynamic adjustments that help the Leon to its exceptional stats. As a result their economy and emissions figures can’t quite match the Leon’s – although 119 g/km of CO2 from both cars is hardly profligate. Combined fuel economy of 62.8 mpg for both cars is not to be sniffed at, either.

All three cars are available in both S and SE specifications, and all boast a dizzying array of standard equipment to give the lie to the idea that ‘economy’ and ‘luxury’ are somehow mutually exclusive.

Air conditioning, stylish 16-inch alloys, one-shot electric windows all round, ESP, ABS, TSC, Hill Hold Control, tyre press monitoring, six-speaker stereo radio/CD with MP3 compatibility and AUX-in – these are not the hallmarks of an ‘economy’ car.

An extensive options list lets Ecomotive customers further personalise their luxurious surroundings with the likes of bi-xenon headlights with AFS, auto dimming rear view mirror, auto lights and wipers, SEAT’s Optical Parking System and DAB radio tuner all available.

Prices for the new models start at £16,840 RRP (SEAT Leon Ecomotive S) and, with the Spanish brand’s current Eco-nomics offer that drops to as little as £15,090 – subject to availability, terms and conditions apply.

Welcoming the showroom arrival of the new models SEAT UK Product Marketing Manager Andy Medcraft said: ‘Ecomotive is a strong and growing strand of the SEAT story in the UK

Photo: 2011 SEAT Leon Ecomotive

‘With these great new models joining the already successful Ibiza Ecomotive and Alhambra Ecomotive, I’m confident that more and more business and private buyers will be turning to these impressive SEATs.’

New 2011 SEAT Leon Ecomotive specifications, review, photos and images courtesy of SEAT.