THE first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) from Spanish maker SEAT is now available to order from British dealers.

Priced from £30,970, the new Leon e-HYBRID combines a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine with an electric motor and six-speed DSG transmission, resulting in a total power output of 204PS and a 0-62mph time of 7.5 seconds.

Power is supplied to the electric motor via a 13kWh lithium-ion battery back which is recharged via a 3.6kW AC inlet. This enables Leon e-HYBRID to be fully charged from zero in less than 4 hours.

The new eco-friendly model produces CO emissions from as low as 27g/km and a combined fuel consumption figure of between 217.3 and 235.4mpg with an electric-only range of 36 miles.

The PHEV drivetrain is available in FR, FR Sport, Xcellence, Xcellence Lux and First Edition trims.

The Leon line-up has been further expanded with the introduction of a mild-hybrid 110PS powertrain with a one-litre eTSI engine which uses a 48V starter-generator and lithium-ion battery to enable the car to coast with the engine switched off, recuperate energy under deceleration and provide electrical torque assistance during acceleration. It's available exclusively with a DSG gearbox across all trim levels, with prices starting from £22,720.