Model tested: Seat Leon 1.6 TDI CR 105 Ecomotive
Price: £16,840
Date tested: June 2010
Road tester: Rhian Angharad Jones

The new Seat Leon Ecomotive takes a sporty-looking hatchback and crams it full of 'green' technology, from stop-start and brake energy recovery to a gearchange indicator, which helps the driver choose the most efficient gear for each situation.

Throw in different gearing, special low-resistance tyres and an aerodynamic pack to boost efficiency and cut through the air more cleanly, and the result is a powerful and spacious hatchback that does 74.3mpg and is free to tax.

The outgoing model's somewhat noisy 1.9-litre turbodiesel engine has been replaced by a new ultra-efficient 1.6-litre TDI, mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. The longer gearing means you have to change up a little earlier than usual but does cut emissions by a huge 9g/km.

The result is a family car which is capable of emitting just 99g/km of CO2 - the same as the original Ibiza Ecomotive and a 20 per cent improvement on the model it replaces. This means the new car is capable of doing 900 miles between refills.

Despite its green credentials, the Ecomotive is not slow. Seat claims it can accelerate from 0-62mph in a respectable 11.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 117mph.

Behind the wheel, the Leon Ecomotive feels just like any other Leon. The ride is still a little firm but engine noise is minimal and the steering is responsive and controlled. At speed it feels smooth but during our test drive in the capital the Leon didn't ride as smoothly as some of the market leaders.

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The styling changes are there for a reason and include a new aerodynamic package - incorporating a closed front grille, front spoiler and wind deflectors - and low-rolling tyres, which reduce drag and save an extra 3g/km. On the inside, everything's well laid out but the materials can feel a little flimsy.

As always, equipment levels are high and a three-year warranty is included in the price. The Leon Ecomotive is available in S and SE trim and features 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning and MP3 connectivity as standard. For a £1,300 premium, SE adds dark tinted rear windows, dual-zone climate control and all-round electrics.

For those who feel this is too much of a compromise, Seat is also offering an Ecomotive Technology version. This car benefits from the same efficient engine, gears, stop-start and energy regeneration as the Ecomotive model, but goes without the aerodynamic tweaks and special tyres.

The Ecomotive Technology has emissions of just 109g/km and can be fitted with 18-inch alloys with sports tyres - which should keep even the most image conscious of buyers happy.

The Eco-factor is all well and good but with the entry-level model priced at £16,840, it costs £1,000 less than its cheapest rival the C30 DRIVe and almost £3,000 less than a five-door Golf Bluemotion or Focus Econetic. This alone makes the new Seat Leon Ecomotive a seriously tempting proposition for even the most diehard of gas-guzzler-loving drivers.