SEAT is plugging into increasingly lucrative PHEV market with new Leon e-HYBRID. The brand’s handsome hatch made its debut earlier this year in traditional petrol and diesel form and is based on the same Volkswagen Group running gear as the Volkswagen Golf and ŠKODA Octavia.
The addition of a new plug-in model is certain the make the Leon a more tempting option for company car buyers who will be able to combine the sporty looks and driving experience of the standard Leon with some significant fuel and company car tax savings.
The Leon’s e-HYBRID drivetrain combines a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine with an electric motor and six-speed DSG transmission, resulting in a total power output of 201bhp and a 0-62mph time of 7.5 seconds. Power is supplied to the electric motor via a 13kWh lithium-ion battery back which can be recharged via a 3.6kW AC port on the front winh. According to SEAT, the Leon e-HYBRID can be fully charged from empty to full in ‘less than 4 hours’.
Despite its rather modest battery pack, SEAT claims that the Leon e-HYBRID has an electric-only range of 36 miles, which gives it a benefit-in-kind rating of just 10 per cent. This could result in serious savings for drivers, both in terms of petrol costs and their annual tax bill.
According to SEAT’s figures, the Leon e-HYBRID produces CO2 emissions from as low as 27g/km (WLTP) and a combined fuel consumption figure of 217.3-235.4mpg. The Leon PHEV drivetrain will available in FR, FR Sport, Xcellence, Xcellence Lux and First Edition trims, with prices starting from 30,970 RRP OTR.
Costa del Charge - Leon's battery can be charged in under four hours 
