SEAT's 'green' champion, the new Ibiza Ecomotive, is one of the few four-wheeled winners in Alistair Darling's first Budget as, despite significant increases in Vehicle Excise Duty, it remains road tax-free.
The ultra-low emission supermini, which produces just 99 g/km of CO2 and is capable of a pound-stretching 88.3 mpg, is one of a tiny handful of conventional-engined cars to entirely escape the Chancellor's grasp.
While Band G cars now face a withering £400 annual road tax fee, the Ibiza Ecomotive's ongoing position in the lowest Band A category sees it continue to duck the taxman.
In fact when it comes to affordable, 'green' driving, the Ibiza Ecomotive is hard to beat. Offered in three- and five-door bodystyles, it is among the least expensive low emissions models on the market today.
But the frugal Spanish supermini, priced from £10,995 RRP and arriving in showrooms in the next few weeks, doesn't cut comfort as it slashes emissions. A generous complement of standard specification includes goodies such as manual air conditioning, electric front windows, steering wheel-mounted audio controls for the MP3-compatible single-disc CD/radio and speed-sensitive electro hydraulic power steering.
Based on the already clean, economical Ibiza Reference Sport 1.4 TDI, the Ecomotive uses a variety of clever developments to make small but important incremental improvements in economy and emissions which, together, add up to a road tax-busting car.
New software is added to the characterful three cylinder powerplant's ECU, while particulate emissions are further reduced thanks to the addition of a state-of-the-art Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). Ratios in the Ecomotive's slick five-speed manual gearbox are lengthened, too, making for both more relaxed cruising and improved economy.
This Ibiza is also more slippery through the air, with a Cd (coefficient of drag) figure of 0.30, compared with Cd 0.315 for the standard 1.4 TDI model. And special low rolling resistance 14" tyres from Dunlop help reduce road friction.
With the Ibiza Ecomotive also now confirmed as being London Congestion Charge-exempt, from 27th October, it can rightfully claim the title of 'economy champion'. |
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