The Seat Ibiza Ecomotive is one of the most economical estate cars you can buy. While the 2010 version had a combined fuel economy of 76.3 mpg, the new 2011 version, due out in the U.K. in October, increases the fuel economy to a massive 80.2 mpg for the combined cycle.
The 2011 Seat Ibiza Ecomotive estate owes its decrease in fuel consumption in part to the introduction of a stop start system to automatically turn off the engine when the car is stationary. The 2010 Ibiza did not have this. The stop start system incorporates brake energy regeneration.
The Seat Ibiza has a 1.2 litre 3 cylinder diesel engine. Its the same TDI engine to be found in the new VW Polo Bluemotion and Skoda Fabia Greenline and generates 75 bhp and 133 lb ft of torque. The economical estate's engine is teamed with a long ratio gearbox to get the most miles for as few engine revolutions.
The Ibiza estate has a gear shift indicator to let you know when to change gears for the most fuel efficient driving. It will encourage most people to change up sooner than they otherwise would have.
New aerodynamics feature a more streamlined front grille, front and rear spoilers, and rear wheel arch deflectors. The Ecomotive also has low rolling resistance tyres capable of running on much higher pressures than standard rubber.
All these features combine to make the Seat Ibiza Ecomotive just about the most economical estate on the market. Most other estates are not chosen to have the eco friendly treatment by their manufacturers.