In this article we tell you all the propulsion options that will arrive with the new Seat León 2020 . It is, without a doubt, the most evolved model of the Spanish brand and we have been able to verify this during the presentation of its Seat León e-Hybrid variant, the PHEV or plug-in hybrid option. This model is made up of a 150 hp 1.4 TSi engine together with another 115 hp electric . Both offer a combined power of 204 hp and a maximum torque of 350 Nm, available from the moment you step on the accelerator. The plug-in options are beginning to be remarkable in our market, with more and more models available. The strength of Seat will be, as usual, its value for money but they are not satisfied with that. The firm has bet heavily on technology and innovative systems, whether in the field of connectivity such as security and driving aids. At last we were able to get on and drive the new León e-Hybrid, a car capable of traveling up to 64 kilometers in 100% electric mode and that can be yours for just over 26,000 euros .
The truth is that the 64 kilometers of autonomy seem, to say the least, complicated to achieve. The WLTP approval is more realistic but still does not reach the correct level of transparency, with notable differences when it comes to plug-in hybrids. The e-Hybrid is only identifiable by the logo that we find on the tailgate and the entrance on the front left wing, from where we will charge the battery. In a domestic socket it will take almost 6 hours to get a full charge, a time that will be reduced to 3 hours and 42 minutes in a 3.6 kW socket . For this reason, we always recommend the installation of a charging point in the garage, a Wallbox that reaches a minimum of 7.4 kW.
At the wheel of the e-Hybrid
It is the first realistic and salable plug-in hybrid, which is the most suitable alternative on the road to electrification. Why? It is a car capable of using its electric motor independently and, therefore, it bears the DGT zero label. This detail will allow us to access the cities without problem and even park in places impossible for any other type of propulsion.
Volkswagen had already presented a plug-in hybrid model before but, this time, the Leon e-Hybrid doubles the battery capacity compared to the group’s previous PHEV technology. If we add the fuel tank to the electric autonomy, we will have a total of 800 kilometers . A fact that makes it the ideal unique car, capable of fulfilling in an urban environment but also familiar and ready to travel. If we want it for this last point we must take into account a detail: the e-Hybrid battery.
This battery has a capacity of 13 kWh and is placed just under the rear bench. This placement, which is common in PHEV models, directly affects the boot capacity, since it displaces the fuel tank in the double bottom. That means that the Leon 5-door goes from 380 liters of boot capacity to 270 liters in the PHEV model. For this reason, we strongly recommend that you take into account the Sportstourer family version, with a 470-liter boot (610 liters in petrol models) and an extra cost of 1,200 euros.
How does the e-Hybrid drive?
The Seat León e-Hybrid has four driving modes, of which we will highlight the e-Mode and the Hybrid. The first is 100% electric and only uses battery power. The hybrid mode combines both engines with the aim of reducing fuel consumption and emissions, as would a conventional self-charging hybrid. By having a battery, the Leon e-Hybrid incorporates some specific functions inside . Specifically in its infotainment system. Through the screen we will be able to know the state of the charge, the energy flow and find some charging points in the navigation . In addition, from our phone we can program said charge based on the rates that suit us best.
There is an important detail in plug-in hybrids. The fact is that, during our test, we reached about 50 kilometers of electric autonomy, which is already very correct and functional for urban circulation. Consumption, once this battery was exhausted, soared, exceeding 6 liters per 100 kilometers, compared to the 1.1 to 1.4 liters approved by the firm . This difference between the numbers offered by the brand and the reality is common in PHEVs. This is due to the fact that the homologation cycle does not just squeeze the possible situations of circulation of a plug-in hybrid, hence it benefits from not being able to verify its use without electricity.
The Seat León e-Hybrid is on sale with two trim levels: Xcellence and FR . The first incorporates three-zone air conditioning, digital instrumentation, headlights with Full LED technology, roof bars and 17-inch wheels, among others. The FR adds racing touches such as the specific bumper, the sports suspension, youth-cut seats and a sporty driving mode among other things. The starting price is 34,080 euros, which, with the brand discounts and state aid, will be around 26,000 euros .
