Model tested: Seat Altea Ecomotive 1.6 TDI
Date tested: December 2009
Road tester: Andy Goodwin

You can read about Seat's new Leon Ecomotive elsewhere on the Auto Trader website, but launched at the same time and offering an even bigger CO2 drop is the new Altea Ecomotive. Now producing 119g/km, it's 20g/km cleaner than the old 1.9TDi variant.

The tweaks echo the work carried out to bring down the Leon's emissions and boost its mpg to 62.7mpg. A more efficient engine and five-speed manual gearbox with a top gear ten per cent longer than standard account for a 13g/km drop in CO2 alone. Stop and start and energy regeneration account for an extra 7g/km saving.

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With the same power output of 105bhp, the Altea is slightly slower to 62mph than the smaller Leon, taking 12.2 seconds and reaching a 114mph top speed.

Over a 48-mile economy route specially set out for journalists to compete in an eco-test, we managed a winning fuel consumption figure of 63mpg at an average speed of 32mph.

On the downhill stretches, the ability to carry momentum through bends and up the next incline was essential, and the grip and stability of the Altea makes it easy to drive with confidence.

The Altea is a tall car, so the lack of lean in bends is a welcome trait and one back seat passengers will appreciate.