SPANISH car maker SEAT is expecting its new Leno e-Hybrid model will have wide appeal to business and company car drivers.

The plug-in version of the Leon will qualify for a six per cent benefit in charge tax rating and a competitive total cost of ownership figure of 30 pence per mile.

With a P11D price - on which company car tax rates are calculated - starting from £30,915, the Leon e-Hybrid also has an electric-only range of 40 miles putting it into the ultra-low BiK banding.

That's for a car in FR trim which which comes with a digital cockpit, full-link smart phone integration, connected car technology, wireless phone charging, three zone climate control and park assist.

A higher specification XCellence Leon e-Hybrid has a P11D value of £32,905 and sees features such as Microsuede upholstery, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, rear view camera, keyless entry and start, and lane assist added to its equipment level.

The e-Hybrid drivetrain 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.

Both versions produce CO2emissions of 27g/km and a combined best fuel consumption figure of 217.3mpg.

Recharging to full capacity takes less than 3.5 hours and the e-Hybrid is the first of a number of new plug-in hybrid vehicles from SEAT and its performance offshoot Cupra as part of an electrification offensive.

The Cupra Leon e-Hybrid and Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid will arrive in the UK in the first quarter of 2021, followed by the SEAT Tarraco e-Hybrid in the second half of the year.