An expanded Seat Ibiza line – the model was recently fully redesigned – to be shown at the Paris motor show next month will include the latest ‘ultra-green’ model from a European automaker – the Ecomotive version.
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Many brands now offer at least one version of a model line with a low-CO2 engine and there was already one in the previous Ibiza range.
The new Ecomotive, like the outgoing version, has ‘official’ carbon dioxide emissions figure of just 99 g/km. Here in the UK that is currently the joint lowest figure for any internal combustion engined-car sold and again qualifies the model to be exempt from annual road fund licence costs.
Available in both three- and five-door hatchback forms, the Ibiza Ecomotive has an 80PS 1.4 TDI engine with diesel particulate filter. Its low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are achieved through engine software modifications, as well as revised gearbox and final drive gear ratios, 175/70 R14 low rolling-resistance tyres and the substitution of a puncture kit in place of a spare wheel.
Aerodynamic modifications include a new closed front grille and revised rear spoiler which combine to reduce air resistance.
At the other end of the scale, Seat is launching a sporty new Cupra three-door model with a new front bumper and air intakes surrounding the grille, 17″ alloy wheels, a rear diffuser incorporating a centrally-placed trapezoid exhaust pipe, Cupra sports seats and aluminium pedals.
This one also has a 1.4-litre engine but it burns petrol and develops 180PS with help from both a turbocharger and a supercharger – it’s the motor branded TSI in parent Volkswagen’s models.
This engine comes with a seven-speed DSG (direct shift gearbox) sequential automatic transmission with steering wheel manual shift paddles.
