SEAT

FAMILY VALUES If You’re Going To Buy A SEAT Toledo, You Probably Want A Diesel One. Jonathan Crouch Checks Out What’s On Offer

SEAT’s Toledo has received something of a mixed press so far, not because it’s a bad car but because it’s so similar to the marque’s Altea mini-MPV. The only real differences between the two cars lie in the Toledo’s slightly bigger boot and £500 more expensive price tag.

You certainly have to look twice when both models are parked side by side to see which is which. No point in going any further with that, so let’s look at the merits of this car without worrying about how SEAT dealers are going to sell their two models side by side. Viewed on this objective basis, the findings are surprisingly good. Which if you’ve tried an Altea, won’t in any way be a shock to the system. We reckon that car to be the best mini-MPV you can buy – and that’s against some pretty stiff competition. Of course, the Toledo isn’t supposed to be a mini-MPV (even though it looks just like one): rather a spacious family five-door that in size sits somewhere between the Focus-sized Family Hatchback and Mondeo-sized Medium Range Family market segments. SEAT would like you to think of this car as competing in the latter of those two categories, hence the bigger boot. We’re looking here at the two TDI diesel-engined models, since those are the engines that most potential buyers will probably be considering. You can buy this car in 1.6 or 2.0-litre petrol forms but it’s hard to see why you would unless your annual mileage is so low that you’d struggle to justify the £2,000 price difference between entry-level Reference 1.6-litre petrol and 1.9-litre TDI Stylance model. Diesel prices start £14,912 for the 1.9-litre Stylance and on to around £19,000 for the flagship 140bhp 2.0-litre TDI Sport with the DSG gearbox. Is it worth stumping up the extra for the 2.0-litre TDI? Were this engine to be offered with a cheaper equipment level, we’d say yes. As it is, you’re probably better off going for the older but not too much slower 1.9-litre unit. This engine takes 2.5 seconds longer (12.4s) to cover the rest to sixty sprint) and maxes out at 113 rather than 124mph. It’s unlikely that these figures will be of much consequence to potential buyers, particularly as the combined fuel consumption figure of 52mpg is 4mpg better than that of the 2.0-litre unit. One plus of stumping up for the flagship Toledo however, is that you get the option of the clever twin-clutch DSG 6-speed automatic gearbox.

"A mini-MPV for those who don’t like mini-MPVs…."

At 4.50 metres long and 1.77 metres wide, the Toledo is longer but narrower than the conventional mini-MPV it’s trying not to be but nevertheless features many of the attributes common to this genre. A two-level luggage compartment boasts a hefty 500 litre capacity – more than enough for a week away. The parcel shelf can be configured in a couple of positions to offer added versatility. In high position, it houses a hidden compartment while if set low, you can create a hidden floor. Although its durability may be called into question, it’s a good way of keeping your valuables away from prying eyes. Side compartments with elasticated nets provide easy and safe storage for fragile items. SEAT have worked hard to make the Toledo as innovative as possible and one such development is the fitment of Bluetooth technology. This allows a wireless connection between a mobile phone and the car itself. The multi-function steering wheel features buttons whereby calls can be accepted, disconnected and voice recognition. When using this function, the driver can verbally place a call to a number or name or save names and numbers to the phone book, all the while keeping both hands on the wheel. The audio system is fully integrated into the centre console of the dashboard and features a slot for standard or MP3 format discs. As well as offering traction control, emergency brake assist and anti-lock brakes, the Toledo features a Bosch ESP stability control package. Six airbags are fitted as standard, comprising driver and passenger, side and head bags. There are also three-point seatbelts for all five seats with pyrotechnic pretensioners at the front and the ISOFIX child seat fixing system in the back. Electro-mechanical power steering and the SEAT-developed Agile Chassis combine with a multi link rear axle to offer driving characteristics that are a cut above the usual mini-MPV fare. The interior is nicely detailed, if not quite so radical as the exterior. The instruments sit in deep cowls and are trimmed in satin aluminium effect, this trim extending to the high level centre console. Twinned with the three spoke steering wheel and figure-hugging seats, it gives a rather sporting feel that seems at odds with the elevated seating position. The switches and minor controls feel up to the usual Volkswagen Group standard and it’s possible to specify a very effective satellite navigation system with colour LCD screen. The dash top is trimmed in a dimpled rubberised material and the whole of the upper dash is supported on Audi TT style metallic struts that in turn frame a neatly chunky gear stick. The windscreen pillars are a little too chunky for my personal taste but otherwise visibility is good. Don’t let the debate surrounding the Toledo put you off from the fact that it remains a very good car indeed, especially in TDI guise. A mini-MPV for those who don’t like mini-MPVs. This could catch on….

Facts At A Glance CAR: SEAT Toledo TDI range PRICES: £14,912-£18,012 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 6-9 CO2 EMISSIONS: 146-157g/km PERFORMANCE: [1.9 TDI] Max Speed 113mph / 0-60mph 12.4s FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.9 TDI] (combined) 52mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side and window airbags / ABS / EBA, ISOFIX child seat fixings WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width mm 4500/1770

SPORTING A SPORTY LOOK Of all the cars in SEAT’s range, the Toledo is probably the unlikeliest candidate for the Sport treatment but the results are more convincing than you’d at first imagine. Andy Enright reports

In a bid to sexy the Toledo up a bit, SEAT has developed this 2.0-litre TDI Sport variant. Whilst it’s not going to make it onto too many Athena posters adorning teenage bedroom walls, it’s now at least got a bit of attitude missing from the mainstream models, not to mention an absolutely cracking diesel engine.

Without the benefit of a picture, I’m guessing you might have a few problems picturing what a SEAT Toledo looks like. The old model looked like a Leon with a boot grafted onto the back, just as a Volkswagen Jetta/Vento/Bora was a Golf with a similar appendage sprouting from its rear end. The theme continues this time round except that the Leon’s current shape doesn’t look particularly easy to turn into a saloon car. Looking at the current Toledo, it’s clear that SEAT has battled valiantly with exactly that quest but the results are, to use a euphemism, interesting. SEAT hasn’t pulled any punches with the Toledo Sport, offering it with the best engine and the best gearbox. The 140bhp TDI diesel unit is pretty quick off the mark but through the midrange, it pulls like Tom Jones at your local ‘grab a granny’ night. It’ll hit 60mph in 9.6 seconds but this in no way underscores how muscular this engine feels when it really gets into its stride. A clearer picture is provided by the car’s 329Nm torque figure which is better than an Audi TT 3.2-litre V6 and gives that addictive surge when the turbocharger comes on stream. All that muscle is marshalled by the DSG Direct Shift Gearbox which uses two clutches to punch through gearchanges with amazing speed.

"If you care not a jot about its rather lumpen styling, it’s hard to think of a better buy for the family motorist"

Engage first gear and the gearbox will pre-engage second gear in advance, the second clutch engaging as soon as you flick up to slot instantly into second gear. This means a seamless flow of power. The electronics predict what gear you’re about to engage, depending on whether you’re accelerating or braking and the result is astonishing, making every other gearbox look distinctly clunky. The other option is to slip it into ‘D’ and drive it like a normal automatic. Ride quality is slightly compromised by the big alloy wheels, this Toledo wanting to remind you that it’s the Sport model on a regular basis. The Toledo Sport is identifiable on the outside by those 18-inch five-spoke alloys and a body styling kit. Rather unusually, the Sport is only offered in one body colour, ‘Black Magic’ metallic. If you’re used to hot SEATs in eyeball searing yellow, here’s one that’s a little more subtle. The latest figures show that black is catching up with silver as the most popular colour for new cars in the UK. At 4.50 metres long and 1.77 metres wide, the Toledo is longer but narrower than the conventional mini-MPV it’s trying not to be. It also features many of the attributes common to this genre. A two-level luggage compartment boasts a hefty 500 litre capacity – more than enough for a week away. The parcel shelf can be configured in a couple of positions to offer added versatility. In high position, it houses a hidden compartment while if set low, you can create a hidden floor. Although its durability may be called into question, it’s a good way of keeping your valuables away from prying eyes. Side compartments with elasticated nets provide easy and safe storage for fragile items. At £18,995, the Toledo Sport isn’t an inconsequential slice of wedge but it’s tough to top its all-round combination of practicality, capability and technology for the money. The DSG gearbox is a very expensive option where offered on other SEAT models and bundling it into the sticker price on the Toledo Sport takes the edge off that financial hit. The equipment chosen for this model is well judged. Aside from the wheels and body kit, there’s ESP stability control which incorporates a traction control system that gets a workout when accelerating this car hard on wet tarmac. Six airbags are fitted as standard, comprising driver and passenger, side and head bags. There are also three-point seatbelts for all five seats with pyrotechnic pretensioners at the front and the ISOFIX child seat fixing system in the back. There’s also leather upholstery with heated front seats, dual zone climate control, rain sensing wipers, an MP3 compatible CD stereo with wheel-mounted controls and an AUX-in socket for your iPod. On top of that little lot, there’s also an integrated Bluetooth phone connection, electric windows, dark tinted glass and rear parking sensors. That’s a lot of engine, a big bundle of equipment and one very smart gearbox for £19,000. The downside of buying the sassy version of the least glamorous model in SEAT’s line-up is that it won’t have the same staying power in terms of residual value as something a little more mainstream such as a Leon or an Ibiza. Come to terms with that fact and you and the Toledo Sport should see eye to eye. There certainly isn’t anything too depressing about the fuel economy figure. You’ll chuckle to yourself every time you realise you’ve got a genuinely rapid five-seater that can return a combined fuel figure of 47.1 mpg. In other words, you’ll be able to keep some quite serious sports cars honest on give and take roads yet turn in better fuel economy than the guy at the next pump in a 1.3-litre Ford Ka. Carbon dioxide emissions have been capped at just 162g/km, making the Toledo Sport a very interesting choice for the company car user chooser with a twenty grand budget. Private buyers might be interested to note that this engine is a favourite of aftermarket tuners and nigh-on 180bhp can be yours with an ECU remap costing around £600. Keep it under your hat. From some rather unpromising origins, SEAT has created a car that while never conventionally pretty, certainly makes a convincing case for itself as a left-field contender with a whole hatful of appealing attributes. The Toledo 2.0-litre TDI Sport is extremely well-equipped, nicely built, drives well, is ineffably practical and looks stealthy in its Black Magic paintwork. What it lacks is that instant ‘want one’ factor. Tot up the car’s objective qualities which include one of the best engines the Volkswagen Group have at their disposal and a brilliant sequential manual twin-clutch gearbox and there’s little to touch the Toledo Sport. As the sum of its parts, it just needs a little more inbuilt desirability. If you care not a jot about its rather lumpen styling, it’s hard to think of a better buy for the family motorist with one eye on the budget and the other on a tricky tightening apex ahead.

FACTS AT A GLANCE CAR: SEAT Toledo 2.0-litre TDI Sport PRICES: £18,995 - on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 9 CO2 EMISSIONS: 162g/km PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 125mph / 0-60mph 9.6s FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 47.1mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side and window airbags / ABS / EBA, ISOFIX child seat fixings WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width mm 4500/1770

OLÉ TOLEDO SEAT’s Toledo Has Evolved – And How. Andy Enright Takes A Look At The Radically Changed Latest Model…

Quite how the unapologetically family-friendly design of SEAT’s latest Toledo squares with their sporty aspirations has yet to become wholly apparent - to this observer at least. It was one thing to get an Altea mini-MPV with upright, practical styling but the Toledo had always been something a little more dynamic. It seems that SEAT have swapped dynamism for utility in their latest Toledo - but is this really a move to be lamented?

Think about it. The vast majority of cars in this sector aren’t bought by frustrated racing drivers. They’re snapped up by people with families looking for value, safety and design flair. The problem as I see it is that the Toledo no longer knows quite what category it’s trying to compete in. From the exterior you’d have to say it’s going up against mini-MPVs like the Renault Scenic, the Vauxhall Zafira and the Citroen C4 Picasso but the interior is nowhere near as spacious as any of these dedicated MPV-style vehicles. At first glance, it would appear the Toledo has managed to fall between two stools. Look a littler closer however, and you begin to see SEAT’s logic. In giving buyers of medium range family hatches that little bit extra without compromising too much on handling, SEAT could be onto something. The styling of the Toledo is similar to that of the Altea (and indeed to the next generation Leon), and marks a departure from the model introduced in 1998 insofar as it features a hatchback as in the original 1991 car. SEAT have tried to combine the practicality of the hatch with the notchback styling of the Toledo to good effect. There even seems to be some elements of Mazda RX-8 in the rear three-quarter design. Like all of the latest SEAT models, it features the ‘dynamic line’, a design feature that runs from the front wheel arch along the doors and descends to the rear wheel.

"In giving buyers that little bit extra versatility without compromising too much on handling, SEAT could be onto something"

At 4.50 metres long and 1.77 metres wide, the Toledo is longer but narrower than the crop of proper mini-MPVs but features many of their attributes. A two-level luggage compartment boasts a hefty 500 litre capacity – more than enough for a week away. The parcel shelf can be configured in a couple of positions to offer added versatility. In high position, it houses a hidden compartment while if set low, you can create a hidden floor. Although its durability may be called into question, it’s a good way of keeping your valuables away from prying eyes. Side compartments with elasticated nets provide easy and safe storage for fragile items. SEAT have worked hard to make the Toledo as innovative as possible and one such development is the fitment of Bluetooth technology. This allows a wireless connection between a mobile phone and the car itself. The multi-function steering wheel features buttons whereby calls can be accepted, disconnected and voice recognition. When using this function, the driver can verbally place a call to a number or name or save names and numbers to the phone book, all the while keeping both hands on the wheel. The audio system is fully integrated into the centre console of the dashboard and features a slot for standard or MP3 format discs. As well as offering traction control, emergency brake assist and anti-lock brakes, the Toledo features a Bosch ESP stability control package. Six airbags are fitted as standard, comprising driver and passenger, side and head bags. There are also three-point seatbelts for all five seats with pyrotechnic pretensioners at the front and the ISOFIX child seat fixing system in the back. Electro-mechanical power steering and the SEAT-developed Agile Chassis combine with a multi link rear axle to offer driving characteristics that are a cut above the usual mini-MPV fare. Prices start from £12,922 and there are three trim levels – Reference, Stylance and Sport. Four engines are offered. The petrol powerplant is a budget 102bhp 1.6-litre, while diesel buyers can choose from either a 140bhp 2.0-litre TDI or the entry-level 105bhp 1.9. The 2.0-litre engine is offered with a six-speed manual gearbox or the option of the twin-clutch DSG 6-speed ‘box. The interior is nicely detailed, if not quite so radical as the exterior. The instruments sit in deep cowls and are trimmed in satin aluminium effect, this trim extending to the high level centre console. Twinned with the three spoke steering wheel and figure-hugging seats, it gives a rather sporting feel that seems at odds with the elevated seating position. The switches and minor controls feel up to the usual Volkswagen Group standard and its possible to specify a very effective satellite navigation system with colour LCD screen. The dash top is trimmed in a dimpled rubberised material and the whole of the upper dash is supported on Audi TT style metallic struts that in turn frame a neatly chunky gear stick. The windscreen pillars are a little too chunky for my personal taste but otherwise visibility is good. The SEAT Toledo is a car that may spark a whole host of copycats. In offering a mini-MPV style silhouette and practicality with the dynamics of a normal family hatch, it will either significantly change this sector of the market or be a rather costly dead end for the Spanish company.

Facts At A Glance CAR: SEAT Toledo range PRICES: £12,922-£18,012 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 6-10 CO2 EMISSIONS: 149-200g/km PERFORMANCE: [2.0 FSI] Max Speed 128mph / 0-60mph 9.7s (est) FUEL CONSUMPTION: [2.0 FSI] (urban) 26.9 (extra urban) 44.8 (combined) 36.2mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side and window airbags / ABS / EBA, ISOFIX child seat fixings WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Widthmm 4500/1770

TAKING A TOL Models Covered: (5 dr mini-MPV, 1,6, 2.0 petrol, 1.9, 2.0 TDI diesel [Reference, Stylance, Sport])

BY ANDY ENRIGHT

Fed up with boring family hatches and bland looking mini-MPVs? If that’s the case and you don’t want to shell out a fortune, the MK3 SEAT Toledo could well be the ticket. If you’ve never heard of it, you’re excused, for the ’05-onwards Toledo didn’t really create too much of an impact with British customers who saw it as a rather curious oddity sitting between the rather similar looking Altea and Leon models in SEAT’s product portfolio. Used buyers can take advantage of this perceived lack of image by picking up Toledos for a song.

The raison d’etre for the SEAT Toledo is not instantly apparent. Whereas its predecessor was the saloon version of the popular Leon and cornered a small niche following, this model ditched the boot in favour of a hatchback and in so doing muddied the waters a little. First shown at the Madrid Motor Show as the Toledo Prototipo in May 2004, the Toledo followed hot on the heels of the Altea. Sales in the UK were rather slow, the public confused by SEAT’s sudden lookalike policy and the transformation from the Volkswagen Group’s sporting brand to one that seemed to produce a lot of cars that looked like mini-MPVs.

At 4.50 metres long and 1.77 metres wide, the Toledo is longer but narrower than the crop of proper mini-MPVs but features many of their attributes. A two-level luggage compartment boasts a hefty 500 litre capacity – more than enough for a week away. The parcel shelf can be configured in a couple of positions to offer added versatility. In high position, it houses a hidden compartment while if set low, you can create a hidden floor. Although its durability may be called into question, it’s a good way of keeping your valuables away from prying eyes. Side compartments with elasticated nets provide easy and safe storage for fragile items. SEAT worked hard to make the Toledo as innovative as possible and one such development was the fitment of Bluetooth technology. This allows a wireless connection between a mobile phone and the car itself. The multi-function steering wheel features buttons whereby calls can be accepted or disconnected and voice recognition. When using this function, the driver can verbally place a call to a number or name or save names and numbers to the phone book, all the while keeping both hands on the wheel. The audio system is fully integrated into the centre console of the dashboard and features a slot for standard or MP3 format discs. The interior is nicely detailed, if not quite so radical as the exterior. The instruments sit in deep cowls and are trimmed in satin aluminium effect material, this trim extending to the high level centre console. Twinned with the three spoke steering wheel and figure-hugging seats, it gives a rather sporting feel that seems at odds with the elevated seating position. The switches and minor controls feel up to the usual Volkswagen Group standard and it’s possible to specify a very effective satellite navigation system with colour LCD screen. The dash top is trimmed in a dimpled rubberised material and the whole of the upper dash is supported on Audi TT-style metallic struts that in turn frame a neatly chunky gear stick. The windscreen pillars are a little too chunky for my personal taste but otherwise visibility is good.

You’ll be able to pick up a 54-plated 1.6 Reference model for less than £8,800 and 1.9-litre TDI Reference models can be found for around £9,000 with the plusher Stylance versions tacking another £600 onto these values. The cars that are in the biggest demand remain the 2.0-litre Sport variants. The 2.0-litre FSI Sport retails at around £10,250 while you’ll need another £1,000 for the most desirable car in the Altea line up, the 2.0-litre TDI Sport. The trick DSG gearbox adds another £600 again. Insurance ranges from Group 6 through to Group 10.

Tried and tested engines, the VW-standard quality auditing and an inherent feeling of solidity all bode well for the Toledo’s reliability. No major faults have emerged, but watch out for neglected ex-hire cars. The Toledo is a car where the price differences between good and bad examples aren’t too great, so be fussy. Look for a fully stamped up service history and reject anything that looks in any way tatty, grubby or vaguely dog-eared.

(approx based on an Toledo 2.0 TDI DSG ex VAT) SEAT spares are reasonably priced, with a replacement Toledo headlamp costing £111. A replacement alternator unit retails at around £185 with an exchange starter motor setting you back just under £120. Opt for a new alternator and starter motor and the prices stack up at £370 and £226 respectively, so even if the old one is a steaming basket case, you’ll save by getting an exchange unit. Front brake pads are £50 with rears a tad under £30 per pair. Many parts are a little cheaper for the 1.6-litre petrol models.

As well as offering traction control, emergency brake assist and anti-lock brakes, the Toledo features a Bosch ESP stability control package. Six airbags are fitted as standard, comprising driver and passenger, side and head bags. There are also three-point seatbelts for all five seats with pyrotechnic pretensioners at the front and the ISOFIX child seat fixing system in the back. Electro-mechanical power steering and the SEAT-developed Agile Chassis combine with a multi-link rear axle to offer driving characteristics that are a cut above the usual mini-MPV fare. Four engines are available. The petrol powerplant is a budget 102bhp 1.6-litre, while diesel buyers can choose from either a 140bhp 2.0-litre TDI or the entry-level 105bhp 1.9. The 2.0-litre engine is offered with a six-speed manual gearbox or the option of the twin-clutch DSG 6-speed ‘box.

Although its unconventional looks, vague market positioning and lack of image conspired against it first time round, used buyers who are now getting used to the SEAT family look can snap up a bargain. The Toledo is big, safe, good to drive and markedly undervalued. If that sounds what you’re looking for, you know what to do.