Sunday, March 3, 2013

Seat Announces Geneva Auto Salon-Bound Mii Ecofuel

If the Seat-badged counterpart of the Volkswagen Up!, the ultra-compact Mii, isn't frugal enough for you, the Spanish manufacturer has now announced an even cleaner and cheaper to run version called the Ecofuel.

However, don't expect a hybrid system, or a small fuel-sipping diesel, as they have gone the way of the Up! eco and modified the car to run on cheaper and more environmentally-friendly compressed natural gas (CNG or LPG).

The engine is the same as in the regular Mii, a 1.0-liter three-pot unit, which makes 68 hp and 90 Nm (66 lb-ft) of torque. Furthermore, if you happen to not find a CNG filling station, you won't have to worry, as it can also run on regular gasoline just fine.

According to Seat, the Mii Ecofuel is easily their most efficient model, using up 2.9 kg of CNG per 100 km, while emitting a measly 79 g/km of CO2. The car will also feature a Stop-Start system, low rolling resistance tires and a Brake Energy Recovery system. The very low CO2 figure will make it tax-exempt in some European countries, a big selling point in its own right.

The car is expected to cost from €12,050 in Germany, but prices will differ slightly depending on the market. Still, it is some €900 cheaper than the Up! eco, and considering the fact that it is basically the same car, it is probably the better buy.

Articles Source : Carscoop