Alhambra Ecomotive backs Al Gore climate project

The green-minded SEAT Alhambra Ecomotive, launched to the world at the Madrid Motor Show this summer and arriving in UK showrooms now, has underlined its environmental credentials by performing its first official function as the chosen vehicle for the recent ‘Climate Change, Awareness and Action’ meeting in Seville.

Organised by the Biosphere Foundation and the Spanish arm of former US Vice-President Al Gore’s grass-roots environmental movement – The Climate Project – the weekend’s meeting brought together 200 key figures from the worlds of politics, society and culture to discuss the latest developments in the fight against climate change.

In line with SEAT’s environmentally-aware approach which has seen, among other initiatives, the extensive fitting of solar panels on the roofs of the car maker’s Martorell production plant and the development of a new rail link between the factory and the Port of Barcelona, SEAT donated the use of several new Alhambra Ecomotives to the climate change event.

The new seven-seat Alhambra Ecomotive becomes one of the first models in its class to slash CO2 emissions, in this case down to 159 g/km, via a selection of clever fuel- and emissions-cutting refinements. The 140 PS 2.0-litre TDI is capable of as much as 57.6 mpg (extra urban), and 47.1 mpg (combined) – significant improvements over the standard car’s figures of 49.6 mpg and 42.8 mpg respectively.

The capacious family vehicle achieves its economy drive courtesy of lowered sports suspension (which reduces drag), significant changes to the engine management system to boost economy and the use of low friction 195/60 tyres on 16” steel rims. The fitment, as standard, of a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) to the Alhambra Ecomotive further cleans up exhaust emissions.

Alongside the existing Ibiza Ecomotive (99 g/km and up to 88.3 mpg), and Leon Ecomotive (119 g/km and up to 72.4 mpg) this new Alhambra underlines SEAT’s ongoing commitment to offer a growing range of environmentally efficient models.

Steve Robertson, Head of Marketing for SEAT UK, said of the Alhambra Ecomotive’s debut here: ‘This important addition to our rapidly expanding line-up of Ecomotive models underlines our commitment to offering low emission cars across as wide a section of the market as possible.

‘The decision to offer the Alhambra Ecomotive to support Al Gore’s environmental efforts in Spain, and the Climate Project’s enthusiastic welcoming of our cars, shows how powerful the Ecomotive brand is becoming not just here, but right across Europe.’