14 Jan 09 16:57
Seat Leon Twin Drive
Seat is testing a plug-in hybrid Leon prototype, fitted with the powertrain from the Volkswagen Golf Twin Drive.
The Twin Drive powertrain combines an 82bhp electric motor and a 122bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine, plus stop-start and regenerative braking. It can run in electric-only mode for almost 30 miles before the diesel engine kicks in, and achieve 75mph on battery power alone.
Seat is now to trial the Leon Twin Drive in a programme supported by the Spanish government. Volkswagen is testing the Golf Twin Drive in Germany, and both companies plan to charge the cars using only sustainable-source electricity. They are working towards production of plug-in hybrids for 2014.
