THE real selling point behind this particular model hits you smack between the eyes the second that you turn the key in the ignition.

Bang in the middle of the dashboard is a large digital read-out of the distance remaining until you need to fill up – 620 miles. That is Oxford to Inverness with 100 miles left in the tank.

It is the diesel-sipping economy of the Ecomotive, the lowest emission car that SEAT has ever produced, that makes it such a compelling car for long-distance drivers.

The lack of any vehicle excise licence fee to pay is another alluring attraction to a well-built, quiet, smooth riding and taut handling hatchback.

Power comes from a 1.6-litre TDI diesel engine, mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, whose ratios have been spaced for optimum efficiency. Other changes over the standard Leon 1.6 TDI include a higher engine output, up to 110 horsepower, and the fitting of low-rolling resistance tyres.

Subtle changes have also been made to the bodywork, with new rear and side spoilers, to improve the car’s aerodynamic performance. The suspension has also been lowered by 15mm, while the radiator grille is unique to the Ecomotive.

As with every other model in the Leon range, the Leon Ecomotive comes with an energy recovery system and a start/stop system, the former to capture and store brake energy otherwise lost as heat, which can be used to power electrical systems, and the latter to shut down the engine when the car is at a standstill, preserving fuel.

Oxford Mail:

Economical and stylish

Added to that, the dashboard flashes up a range of ‘eco-tips’ that digitally nudge you into driving more economically if, for example, you are a little tardy on changing up a gear, or fail to put the car into neutral in stationary traffic to allow the start/stop system to kick in.

The fact that this is such a frugal vehicle does not mean that the equipment level has been pared down. Based on the SE specification, the Ecomotive comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights with cornering function, cruise control, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gearknob, air conditioning, electric windows all around, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, a multimedia system and a front armrest/storage box.

And the Leon Ecomotive is eligible for SEAT’s technology pack, usually priced at more than £1,000, which gives the car full-LED headlights (including their distinctive strip-LED daytime running lights), satellite navigation and a DAB radio.

The Ecomotive is available in three body styles – five-door, three-door SC and ST estate – with prices from £19,660.

If marathon motoring is high on your agenda, the Ecomotive should be on your must-drive list.

AT A GLANCE

  • Cost £19, 660
  • Insurance group: 14E (1-50)
  • Fuel consumption (Combined): 85.6mpg
  • Top speed: 122mph
  • Length: 426.5cm/168in
  • Width: 181.6cm/71.5in
  • Luggage capacity: 13.4 cu ft
  • Fuel tank capacity: 11 gallons/50 litres
  • CO2 emissions: 87g/km
  • Warranty: Three years/60,000 miles