Only days after launching the latest and updated version of its SEAT León 1.5 TGI EVO, SEAT Spain's Director, Mikel Palomera expressed in an interview in "El País" that the brand is betting heavily on the bi-fuel CNG cars in order to increase its leadership in the Spanish car market. "Our bet is the TGI CNG, compressed natural gas hybrids, the most profitable solution for the customer, with an unsurpassed price per kilometer and ECO label. It is a technology already available and with low emissions, about 95 grams. We are lucky to be in the VW group that is developing all the alternatives". When asked about electric options, Palomera replied: The brands will soon increase the supply of plug-in hybrids and electrics, but city homes are not prepared to load 15% or 20% of battery-powered cars in their garages. Neither infrastructure, for example, to meet the massive recharge in operations out of a bridge or vacation.
CNG versions expected to reach 10% of total sales
The new Seat Leon 1.5 TGI is the latest model of this brand's technology, which stands as one of the most attractive options within the brand's catalog and within the segment thanks to very low ownership costs and the possibility of cataloging the vehicle with the ECO label. Today the cheapest option in terms of cost per kilometer is that of CNG - Compressed Natural Gas -, even compared to hybrid models.
The most important novelty in this renewed version of the León is the inclusion of a third CNG tank for a total capacity of 23.8 cubic meters, with which it achieves an autonomy of 500 kilometers. This extends up to 650 kilometers thanks to its additional nine-liter gasoline tank. The excellent performance comes from a four-cylinder 1.5-liter turbocharged variable geometry new engine that has an output of 130 hp and 200 Nm torque. It certifies a fuel consumption of 4.7 cu.m/100 km meaning that at current fuel prices in Spain operating costs are reduced by 50% from its gasoline version. It also qualifies as ECO label, thus avoiding restrictions in major cities.