SEAT is exhibiting new ECOMOTIVE versions of the recently-revised Altea, Altea XL and León at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. The three newcomers are the latest products of the Spanish maker's strategy to manufacture environmentally responsible vehicles. Importantly, all three feature significant economy-minded improvements to further boost their frugality and reduce harmful exhaust emissions.

The ECOMOTIVE versions of the new Altea and Altea XL on show in Germany join the SEAT Ibiza , León and Alhambra ECOMOTIVE line-up for the first time. And they have a lot to live up to as the three existing ECOMOTIVE models are among the ‘greenest' cars in their respective classes. Today's Ibiza ECOMOTIVE, for instance, emits just 98 g/km of CO2, the León ECOMOTIVE, presented in concept form at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, records only 99 g/km in official tests while the capacious and ultra-practical seven-seat Alhambra ECOMOTIVE registers a remarkable 159 g/km of CO2.

The new ECOMOTIVE range is fitted with the very latest 105 hp 1.6 TDI CR engine, and boasts both a DPF particulate filter and cutting edge common rail fuelling technology as standard. Together, these features help to considerably lower both fuel consumption figures and emissions levels.

The new Altea and Altea XL ECOMOTIVE register emissions of only 119 g/km, while the figure on the new León ECOMOTIVE is only 99 g/km, making them among the most environmentally responsible models in their segment. The León ECOMOTIVE's emissions figure has been reduced by a whopping 20 g/km compared to the 105 hp 1.9 TDI engine thanks to the addition of the Auto Start/Stop and  energy recuperation functions, allied to the engineering advances provided by the 1.6 Diesel common rail engine.

Lean, mean and green driving

The new ECOMOTIVE range includes SEAT's new Auto Start/Stop function, which helps save a considerable amount of fuel without requiring the driver to do anything.

When the car comes to a halt, at a red traffic light for example, the driver selects neutral and lifts his foot off the clutch. At this point the Start/Stop system kicks in and automatically switches off the engine. When the driver steps on the clutch again, the engine quickly and automatically starts up, and when the gear is engaged, he can drive off as usual.

The new ECOMOTIVE versions are also equipped with SEAT's energy recuperation function, which recycles energy coming from the alternator when the driver takes his foot off the accelerator or steps on the brake. The engine work is reduced, so fuel consumption decreases. At the same time modifications made to the five-speed gearbox of SEAT's greenest new models also contribute to lowering the fuel consumption figures still further in both city and motorway driving.

All three new cars are also fitted with the handy recommended gear indicator device, which displays the most appropriate gear to engage depending on the driving conditions. The indicator is located in the instrument panel.

Furthermore, the ECOMOTIVE versions are equipped with special low friction tyres that contribute to their remarkable performance in terms of top speed and 0 to 100 km/h acceleration.

Complete equipment line-up

The ECOMOTIVE ranges will be available in both Reference and high spec Style trim levels.

The Reference version offers an extensive list of standard equipment including ABS and TCS, ESP + EBA, driver and passenger airbags, side and head airbags, rear seat Isofix anchoring points, tinted glass, 15-inch steel wheels, double headlights, trip computer, CD radio + MP3 + six speakers + AUX in, low tyre pressure warning and air conditioning, among others.

The Style trim builds on the Reference and adds some particularly luxurious features not often associated with economy-minded cars. Among the standard-fit luxuries on board are  cornering fog lights, three-spoke leather multi-functional steering wheel, leather gearknob, electric heated folding door mirrors, cruise control, Coming Home function, climate control, combined USB + AUX in connection, height adjustable driver and passenger seat with lumbar control and 16-inch alloy wheels.

With such a broad offering of green cars now available, SEAT is confident buyers easily find a car in the new ECOMOTIVE range to suit their needs. The new León version features a distinctly sporty body coupled with extremely low fuel consumption figures and emissions levels, while the new Altea and Altea XL ECOMOTIVE feature outstanding driving comfort combined with a spacious, practical yet stylish and sporty look.

Rear seat passengers enjoy ample legroom, with the option of sliding the Altea seats forward or folding them down for added cargo space. The seats can slide forward up to 14 cm on the Altea, and 16 cm on the Altea XL as standard, giving the Altea a 510 litre boot volume. The larger Altea XL offers up a cavernous 732 litres of cargo space.