SEAT Ibiza Ecomotive achieves 120 mpg

A SEAT Ibiza Ecomotive has achieved an average fuel economy of more than 120 miles to the gallon on a 1,186-mile tour of 12 European countries.

Austrian economy driving specialist Gerhard Plattner set the new record of 120.4 mpg. His latest feat follows a drive in April when he managed an average of 97.4 mpg on a drive from the SEAT HQ near Barcelona to Göttingen in Germany.

This time Plattner set out from Poland with 45 litres of fuel, and a sealed fuel cap and bonnet. Just one tank with only 9.85 gallons of fuel were needed to cover almost 1200 miles to Germany.

Official figures say that the car is capable of 94.2 mpg on the extra urban cycle, or 76.3 mpg on the combined cycle, with CO2 emissions of 98 g/km.

The Ibiza Ecomotive's economy is helped by optimised aerodynamics, weight reduction and modifications to the 80 PS 1.4 TDI engine's electronic management. However all of its equipment hasn't been ditched - it still comes with air conditioning, electric front windows, trip computer and six-speaker AM/FM radio with MP3 compatible CD player and AUX-in connection as standard.

It's available in both SC and 5dr body styles and costs from £12,355.

Coming soon is a new Leon Ecomotive model which cuts its CO2 emissions to just 99 g/km - 20 g/km better than its predecessor thanks to the addition of Auto Start/Stop and energy recuperation functions and a new 1.6-litre common rail diesel engine.