THE SEAT Leon 1.5 TGI started production this week and will not only include the five-door bodywork and DSG transmission (dual clutch and seven speeds) but will progressively include the production of the Sporstourer van and manual gearbox (six speeds).
The natural gas option (TGI) thus joins the Leon's growing diversified range of powertrains that include gasoline (TSI), diesel (TDI), mild-hybrid (eTSI) and plug-in hybrid (e-) options. Hybrid).
Underneath the hood of the Leon TGI is a 1.5 turbo engine with 130 hp and 200 Nm, which runs on the most efficient Miller cycle. This has a compression ratio of 12.5:1, a high value for a turbo engine, partly justifying its greater efficiency when compared to other turbo engines that work with the more common Otto cycle — usually around 10 :1.
Up to 440 km on gas
Unlike other versions, the new SEAT Leon 1.5 TGI does not have one, but four fuel tanks: three CNG tanks with a combined capacity of 17.3 kg and a small fuel tank with a capacity of 9.0 l .
Subscribe to our newsletter
The Leon always runs on GNC and promises a maximum range of 440 km. The small gas tank will serve for those emergency situations, in case we are left with empty CNG tanks and there is no service station nearby to refuel them. A very obvious problem in our country, where the network of CNG filling stations remains scarce.
With official consumptions of 3.9-4.3 kg/100 km and CO2 emissions of 107-118 g/km, the emission reduction for a corresponding gasoline version is 25%, says SEAT. The costs per kilometer are also lower, up to 50% lower compared to an equivalent petrol car and 30% lower than a diesel.
When arrives?
Production of the new SEAT Leon 1.5 TGI began this week, and information on when it will be sold or how much it will cost has not yet been released.
When it arrives in Portugal, it will be available with the DSG automatic transmission and with the Style and FR equipment levels, with the SEAT Digital Cockpit being standard on both.
