SEAT adds automatic Mii to range

SEAT has added a new option to its Mii range; a model with an automated manual gearbox.

SEAT has said that the sequential transmission is extremely economical - so much so, in fact, that the Mii Auto is 2.7mpg more fuel efficient on average than the Mii Sport, which has the same 1.0-litre 75PS engine with a manual gearbox. Naturally, CO2 emissions are slightly lower too.

The Mii Auto boasts average fuel consumption of 62.8mpg and a 105g/km CO2 rating, compared to the manual equivalent's 60.1mpg and 108g/km.

Based on the manual five-speed gearbox, the automated version does away with a manually operated clutch, instead utilising an electric motor linked to a pair of electromechanical actuators to handle gear changes.

The result is a gearbox with the operation of a traditional automatic transmission, but with light weight and compactness more akin to a manual unit. At around 30kg, the entire gearbox weighs only three kilograms more than the Mii's five-speed manual.

The gearbox is only available with the 75PS engine and in SE trim, making Mii Auto a standalone model. There are currently no plans to offer it with the lower powered 60PS engine (with which it shares identical average economy and CO2 figures).

Performance is only marginally affected by the loss of a manually operated clutch, with the Mii Sport's 13.2 second 0-62mph benchmark increased slightly to 13.9 seconds in the Mii Auto. Top speed remains at 106mph.

There are only three gearbox settings for drivers to choose from: neutral (N), drive (D) and reverse (R). Unlike most automatic gearboxes, it has no ‘park' setting, and there is no ‘crawl' function when the brake is released; if the car is switched off while in drive mode, first gear is automatically engaged. The driver has the option to manually select gears using the lever.

The Mii Auto comes in both three- and five-door body styles and is available to order now with the first cars hitting the road in early November.

SE specification includes 14” ‘Silva' alloy wheels, a leather steering wheel and gear knob, a gloss white dashboard panel, chrome dial and switch surrounds, and heated electric door mirrors - in addition to the air conditioning, electric front windows, electronic stability control, remote central locking and six-speaker stereo that come as standard on Ecomotive trim.

Every Mii ordered before the end of September comes with a free SEAT Portable System, the full colour, high-definition touchscreen infotainment unit that includes satellite navigation, Bluetooth hands-free phone operation and full stereo integration.