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Seat has done a great job of embarrassing larger rivals with its ever expanding Ecomotive range.
Having delivered really low CO2 emissions they could have sat back, but instead the second generation models are already available and are moving the benchmarks once more.
We feel a bit sorry for Seat as they seem to be constantly reinventing themselves. With the ‘value’ niche filled by Skoda they are now the edgy/sporty/value arm of VW Audi Group. We think the results are a little confused. The Leon is distinctive, but the interior isn’t and whilst it is sporty it also has a mini MPV roofline.
Thankfully the Ecomotive team seem to have a much clearer brief and the results are impressive.
In addition to the 1st generation technology there is now a 1.6 litre common rail engine, Start/Stop, energy recuperation, a revised gearbox and new low rolling resistance tyres which all adds up to a reduction of 20 g/km.
The Leon largely sells itself on style but there is some substance too. Its best qualities are to be found in the handling department where there is some fun to be had. However styling does take priority over practicality and the interior is a drab affair and a bit of a let down given the bold exterior design.
The Seat Leon Ecomotive isn’t a class-leading package but it offers a distinctive alternative to the mainstream. Where it does stand out is in Ecomotive guise where its CO2 emissions are a credit to Seat’s engineers. If you are looking for something a bit different which is also solidly built and has really low CO2 emissions then the Leon might just be it.
