Leon king

Economical, well-equipped and nicely built. SEAT’s Leon Ecomotive has more than a handful of jewels in its eco car crown

Almost every eco car buyer would have heard of Volkswagen’s ‘BlueMotion’ name for the most efficient cars in its model ranges, but far fewer may know SEAT’s ‘Ecomotive’ badge. To all intents and purposes, the same technology underpins the Spanish company’s most miserly vehicles.

The Leon is SEAT’s Golf equivalent, built on the same chassis, and therefore, the Leon Ecomotive is the Spanish Golf BlueMotion. Armed with efficiency‑improving technology, all Ecomotive models include a Stop/Start system and Energy Recovery System. The Leon Ecomotive also gets an aerodynamic package to reduce drag and lower emissions still further, to a near‑Golf BlueMotion rivalling 87g/km.

The Leon Ecomotive is powered by the same 1.6 TDI engine as the Golf BlueMotion, but Volkswagen has kept its hatchback more economical, squeezing 3mpg more from each gallon. But at 85.6mpg, the Leon’s official combined figure isn’t to be sniffed at either. In the real world, 64mpg is easily attainable.

SEAT has a reputation for being the ‘sporty’ arm of the Volkswagen Group, and the Leon, even in eco guise, looks the part. Sharp creases along the body sides give the side profile some character, while front and rear spoilers help add some visual punch, as well as helping the Leon slip through the air more easily. Our test car came with the optional Technology Pack which features LED headlights, giving the car a distinctive front end. Currently free, it is usually a £1,075 option, but also includes a navigation system and DAB radio.

Punchy
Even though the six‑speed gearbox has longer ratios for improved economy, the Leon Ecomotive is punchy, with 184lb ft of torque developed between 1500-3000rpm. It’s quiet, too, the aerodynamic tweaks proving their worth on longer higher‑speed runs, with only slight road noise intruding into the cabin.

The cabin itself is as beautifully-built as a Golf, and has some stylish touches. Triangular shapes echo some of the exterior styling, while comfortable seats and a media system borrowed from VW (with very subtle rebranding) aid long-distance driving. The central display gives fuel economy, media, navigation and car information read-outs.

Eco car royalty
Enjoyable to drive, the Leon has nicely‑weighted controls. Well-judged suspension and 16‑inch wheels give a good ride, and there is some keenness for the more enthusiastic driver.

So, it drives nicely, is well-equipped, economical and beautifully built. A standard Leon 1.6 TDI is £990 less, and only sips marginally less fuel. But fleet buyers can save on company car tax by opting for the Ecomotive tested here. The Spanish car is also £675 cheaper than a Golf BlueMotion. Welcome to the latest member of eco car royalty

SEAT Leon SE Ecomotive
ENGINE: 1,598cc, four-cylinder diesel
CO2: 87g/km
MPG (combined): 85.6
VED: Band A, £0
BIK: 13%
PRICE (OTR): £19,660 (incl
VAT, £20,705 as tested