SEAT Mii goes automatic
Tuesday, 28 August 2012 11:02 AM
The SEAT Mii now comes with the option of an automated manual gearbox which is even more frugal than the manual
The convenience of an automatic, the control of a manual and improved fuel consumption - these are the big claims made by SEAT with the new automated manual gearbox of their new city car, the Mii. The Mii Auto is more economical than the manual version with the equivalent engine. With the 1.0-litre, 74bhp engine, the Mii Auto's average fuel consumption is 62.8mpg and CO2 emissions are at just 105g/km, compared to the manual equivalent’s 60.1mpg and 108g/km.
This funky new gearbox is based on the manual five-speed box but does away with the clutch and instead uses an electric motor linked to two electromechanical actuators to handle the shifts. This gearbox is only 3kg heavier than the manual at around 30kg.
Other features of the automatic gearbox include three settings for drivers to choose from - neutral (N), drive (D) and reverse (R). There is no ‘park’ setting, and no ‘crawl’ function when the brake is released. As a result, if the car is switched off while in drive mode, first gear is automatically engaged. The driver can also manually change gears sequentially using the lever.
The SE trim offers 14-inch alloy wheels, a leather steering wheel and gear knob, a gloss white dashboard panel, chrome dial and switch surrounds, heated electric door mirrors, air conditioning, electric front windows, electronic stability control, remote central locking and six-speaker stereo. And if you order before September (Hurry! That's in four days time!), you get a free SEAT Portable System worth £275. This offers a full colour, high-definition touchscreen infotainment unit that includes sat nav, Bluetooth and full stereo integration.
Order books are now open for early November deliveries. It is priced at £10,390 for the three-door body and £10,740 for the five-door body.
By Georgia Lewis
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