The decision was first reported on Diário Económico's website on Tuesday, after VW's Spanish unit Seat announced earlier that it had sold worldwide some 700,000 diesel vehicles with the motor, fitted with the illicit software.


Contacted by Lusa, Seat Portugal said that the suspension of the only 50 vehicles in stock with the motor in question "is a preventive measure until this situation relative to the motors is checked out."


In the meantime, the VW group "is assessing the impact of this motor in fulfilling European norms", the official said, stressing that the motors "are safe, and do not bring into question the driving and safety of users".


If a recall of vehicles turns out to be in order, the official added, the group will contact all its clients and cover any costs that may arise.