SEAT Ibiza ecoMOTIVE Details Released in Paris

Featuring an impressive combined fuel economy rating of 76.3 mpg

SEAT Ibiza ecoMOTIVE
by Michael Gauthier
October 2, 2008 10:20 PM
Filed Under: European, Green, Paris Motor Show, Seat

Eco-friendly vehicles were a big part of the Paris Motor Show this year, and Spain’s SEAT used the show to introduce the new Ibiza Ecomotive.

The new car features an impressive combined fuel economy rating of 76.3 mpg and CO2 emissions of 98 g/km, the lowest amount in its segment. Power is provided by a 1.4 TDI engine which produces 80 PS.

Updated engine software, revised gear ratios, and low rolling resistance tires were all critical in getting the impressive green credentials for the Ibiza. Even aerodynamics were also taken into consideration when engineers began working on the new model, as the ecomotive features a redesigned front grille and a new spoiler in order to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. Other changes include new seat upholstery, body color door handles and mirrors, and double parabolic headlights.

The new Ibiza Ecomotive will be offered in both five door and SportCoupe, and reach the UK during the first half of next year.

Source: SEAT
Press Release (Click to expand)

PARIS: NEW SEAT IBIZA ECOMOTIVE BREAKS COVER

*CO2 emissions reduced again; now down to just 98 g/km 
* Headline-grabbing fuel economy of 76.3 mpg (combined)* 
* 80 PS 1.4 TDI engine with DPF diesel particulate filter

The third strand of SEAT’s exciting array of Parisian debuts is the world premiere of the car that will instantly becomes the Spanish car maker’s cleanest, greenest production model when it goes on sale in the UK next year. The all-new Ibiza Ecomotive, unveiled at the Paris Motor Show, will also become the leading vehicle in its segment thanks to reduced CO2 emissions confirmed at only 98 g/km.

This great-looking, ultra-economical addition to the new SEAT Ibiza range stands out by virtue of its exceptional fuel consumption and emission figures, and its generous standard equipment roster.

Little green giant

The newcomer becomes the only model on the market to feature both air conditioning and an 80 PS turbodiesel engine producing emissions of just 98 g/km.

Available in both 5dr and SportCoupé (SC) versions, the new generation Ibiza Ecomotive features SEAT’s familiar 80 PS 1.4 TDI powerplant, with the added environmental benefit that comes from a standard-fit DPF diesel particulate filter. Like its predecessor, the new Ecomotive limits key emissions to below 100 g/km, but also further improves fuel consumption, in this case to more than 76 mpg (combined)*.

Updated engine software contributes to these impressive results while revised gear ratios, as well as the car’s overall dimensions, all contribute to the Ecomotive’s class-leading environmental performance. Key CO2 emission levels, at 98 g/km, compare with 114 g/km for the standard version.

Thanks to the efficient DPF technology, the vast majority of soot particles emitted by the diesel engine are filtered out. The engine control unit continuously checks the state of the maintenance-free filter, activating regeneration in order to burn off the accumulated soot particles when required.

Gear ratios have again been carefully revised to maximise the opportunity for economical driving with special attention paid to third, fourth and fifth. The idea, naturally, is to allow the engine to spend as much time as possible operating in its most fuel efficient rev range.

Add the beneficial effects of new low rolling resistance 175/70 tyres, which provide less surface friction, and 14” steel wheels with aerodynamically efficient wheel trims, and the new Ecomotive’s green credentials are clear.

Slippery customer

Vehicle aerodynamics have obviously been carefully scrutinised in the SEAT engineers’ relentless quest to reduce fuel consumption and improve emissions figures. Thus, this new Ibiza variant features a newly-designed front grille and new rear spoiler. Wind resistance is cut and fuel economy boosted as a result. The car’s slightly reduced width (compared with the outgoing Ibiza Ecomotive) also has a streamlining effect.

The car’s maximum weight has also been reduced through the careful choice of equipment and by eliminating certain options, and working on the base model to keep it comfortably within the engineers’ desired weight range.

Economy meets luxury

The new Ibiza Ecomotive is equipped with the same comfort and safety features as the rest of the Ibiza range in ‘S’ trim level, with the addition of exclusive new seat upholstery, body-coloured door handles and mirrors, and double parabolic headlights.

Standard equipment is generous and features among other things, ABS, driver and passenger airbags, head-thorax airbag, MP3 audio equipment plus Aux-in and six speakers, electro-hydraulic power steering, 175/70 tyres on 14” steel wheels, anti-theft roof aerial, steering column audio controls, air-recirculation and pollen filter, remote controlled central locking, front seatbelt reminder, rear seat Isofix anchoring points and Top Tether preparation, height adjustable driver and passenger seat, and three height adjustable rear head restraints.

Depending on market, an extensive variety of options is also available on the new generation Ibiza Ecomotive, bringing ‘big car’ comforts such as rear parking sensors, cruise control, air conditioning, and cornering fog lights, among others.

UK prices and precise specification details will be announced closer to the new model’s launch during the first half of next year.

*NB: All figures related to performance, consumption and emissions are pending homologation.

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Comments

archytype
October 3, 2008 3:03 AM
I am astonished. 76mpg from a diesel car, possible from software revisions and a feable study of aerodynamics.

My guess is 45 or 41 mpg from the diesel car, unless it's a gocart.

archytype
October 3, 2008 3:04 AM
FIX THE MISPRINT OR SUE THE MANUFACTURER

CH
October 3, 2008 10:53 AM
Check this article, the current Ibiza Ecomotive won the eco tour with an astonishing 3.8L/100km or 62 MPUSG or 74 MPUKG

http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/09/26/the-seat-ibiza-ecomotive-wins-the-eco-tour-2008

These are actual figures and not Manufacturer claims (even though the manufacturer really does claim that combined consumption is 3.8L/100km)

BabyMilo
October 3, 2008 5:43 AM
i dont undertsnad why eco cars are always lower spec... or they atleast look it

salival
October 3, 2008 7:30 AM
damn, who needs those hybrid now...

joelynn
October 3, 2008 3:49 PM
They look lower spec because big alloys and bodykits spoil aerodynamics, and they lack heavy luxury equipment to keep weight down.

fusion01
October 4, 2008 10:38 AM
All true. Large alloys also add weight. My guess though is 14" alloys are lighter than steel wheels. Wondering why steel with mag covers used on this model. Maybe I'm wrong?

BemWee
October 3, 2008 5:22 PM
Look at that interior! One other reason why eco cars sucks:(

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