New Seat Leon ST Gains 4Drive AWD Versions, Available Only with Diesel Engines

The new Seat Leon ST is now available in "4Drive" all-wheel-drive versions. Making its debut at the Vienna Auto Show (January 16-19), the Seat Leon ST 4Drive is offered with two diesel engines: a 104hp/105PS 1.6-liter and a 148hp/150PS 2.0-liter.

The 4Drive system is a permanent all-wheel-drive system that uses a newly developed multi-plate clutch with hydraulic actuation and electronic control – a fifth-generation Haldex clutch.

The AWD system works in conjunction with the four-wheel EDS dynamic control system consisting of electronic differential locks on both axles, the extended electronic differential lock for better traction while cornering (XDS), the electronic stability program and the multi-collision brake.

In normal operation, the clutch sends most of the engine power to the front wheels, but when traction suffers, the torque is diverted to the rear as well.

The two TDI engines are mated to a six-speed manual transmission, with average fuel economy standing at 4.5 l/100 km (52.2 mpg US) for the 1.6-liter and 4.8 l/100 km (49 mpg US) for the 2.0-liter. CO2 emissions are rated at 119 and 124 grams per kilometer, respectively. Both models are fitted as standard with a start/stop system and braking-energy regeneration.

The 2.0 TDI model sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.7 seconds, while the 1.6 TDI does it in 12 seconds. Top speed is rated at 211 km/h (131 mph) and 187 km/h (116 mph), respectively.

The Seat Leon ST 4Drive 1.6 TDI will be introduced in Europe this April, with the 2.0 TDI model to arrive in summer.

By Dan Mihalascu

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Mazda Delays the Launch of its Skyactiv-D Clean Diesel Engine in North America Once Again

For the second time in four months, Mazda has announced that it is delaying the launch of its Skyactiv-D clean diesel engine in North America because the unit needs further development.

The Japanese carmaker originally said it would launch the engine before the end of 2013, but announced in September that the launch would be postponed for April 2014.

“While Mazda understands its Skyactiv-D can meet emission regulation requirements without the use of a NOx after-treatment system, it was decided that further development is required to deliver the right balance between fuel economy and Mazda-appropriate driving performance,” the company said in a statement.

What this means is the engine doesn’t quite please Mazda in terms of performance and some more fine-tuning is needed. Mazda said further information, including a timeline of launch for North America, technical specifications and fuel economy will be available “at a later date, closer to launch.” However, it didn’t offer a timeframe for the launch.

U.S. consumers wanting a Mazda6 diesel car must now wait indefinitely – or they can switch to a diesel model from the competition. In the mean time, Mazda’s plan to become the only Japanese automaker to offer a diesel car in the United States takes a new blow.

Mazda is playing the diesel card in order to meet stricter fuel economy standards, while its Japanese competitors have chosen the path of hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles.

By Dan Mihalascu

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VW Group Announces Sale of More Than 100,000 Diesels in the US

The Volkswagen group has just announced that sales of diesel cars in 2013 in the US have exceeded the 100,000 mark. The figure includes both VW- and Audi-branded models ranging from the familiar Jetta TDI to the puffed-up estate that is the Audi Q7, and everything in-between.

Scott Keogh, Audi of America president said “The past year has shown that American consumers clearly recognize the benefits of clean diesel TDI vehicles,” adding that “They understand now more than ever that this is a technology delivering real answers to society’s concerns about fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions without compromises.” Some studies prove him right.

Moreover, the people’s car (brand) is also quite proud of selling 75 percent of all passenger diesels in the country; it now offers 12 distinct options (7 of which are VW-badged), and since they were among the first to propose the concept to US buyers back in 1977, they also have a head start when it comes to image.

By Andrei Nedelea

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