Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[2013 Seat Leon SC]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/04/2013-seat-leon-sc-quick-spin-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/04/2013-seat-leon-sc-quick-spin-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/04/2013-seat-leon-sc-quick-spin-review/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Sociedad Española de Automóviles de Turismo, otherwise known as Seat, started becoming a part of the Volkswagen universe of companies way back in June of 1983, and it has taken right up until its latest generation of models for all the benefits of the VW Group empire to come to bear. Prior to the past couple of years, Seats have continued being built and sold passably well with a healthy enough rapport with VW, but the full tech swap and nod of faith had never totally happened yet from Wolfsburg. Now it must.

This has changed at last, a smart move brought on by the global economic crisis, then the massive local Spanish economic collapse, and finally the ray of new hope presented by the Chinese market. Central to Seat's success is this model, the Leon, which shares many of its major parts with the new Mk7 Volkswagen Golf and third-gen Audi A3, as well as the new Skoda Octavia sedan. Their great unifying element is the spanking new MQB architecture, for Modularer Querbaukasten or "modular transverse matrix."

It's no secret that I really like the Seat brand and its fruit forbidden to Americans. I could move to Mexico and grab one, but I've never moved to a new place just to buy a car, so that's a non-starter. Within the Volkswagen C-segment model assortment, the plan is to keep the A3 at the premium compact top end, followed closely by the Golf, and then a price drop to either the Leon or Octavia. The Leon gets by on great youthful styling and a sporting image, while the Octavia is generally the smart choice for small families needing a little more space inside. After this drive, I was left asking, "Why buy the Golf or A3?" And VW Group doesn't like it when that particular question comes up. They have a delicate marketing challenge on their hands, let us say.

Driving Notes
  • This 1.8-liter TSI engine with 178 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque we tested in Spain is the currently the top-trim version of the Leon three- and five-door hatchback range. The trim treatment is called FR for Formula Racing. The dash to 60 miles per hour is estimated at 7.0 seconds flat, but it'll do it quicker than that.
  • In the US, this all-new 1.8-liter engine is due to become the base engine for the new Golf when it arrives middle of next year, replacing the age-old, hard-working 2.5-liter five-cylinder. What the exact power and torque calibrations for us will be is yet unknown.
  • Whereas in the European context, the popular thought is to skip the hotter gas-engined trims and go for the top turbo-diesel trims. I would disagree with that, and mainly on this Seat Leon only. The 1.8 is much sportier throughout a rev range that is capped at just over 6,500 rpm, and this Leon in FR trim is meant to be shoved around without pity.
  • I would have preferred to test the standard manual six-speed transmission, but nowadays the seven-speed dual-clutch DSG is better, quicker, nimbler and more fuel-efficient. The efficiency claim is some 25 percent better (with the onboard Seat Drive Profile in Eco mode) than anything the current North American 2.5-liter can produce in the Golf.
  • I did feel the tactile difference of material choices on the interior, plus one can tell by just looking at the cabin that the styling and image departments deliberately pulled back from what the A3 and Golf are allowed.
  • There was also a notable difference in cabin sounds all around me as I hammered the Leon SC (for Sport Coupé, by the way). The sense is that there is a wee bit less noise-vibration-and-harshness work put into either this Leon or the Octavia I recently tested.
  • My wheel-tire combo for the day in the dicey hills around Barcelona was the top, FR-optional 18-inch alloys with Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT treads, 225/40ZR18 92Y all around, which was a great set of rubber on this dimension of car on these roads.
  • This generation Leon - as I learned testing the five-door late last year - has been deliberately shrunk in overall length in order to sit squarely in the middle of the C segment. I love this move in the face of current tendencies to make everything larger as we all apparently fatten up. Despite the shrinkage in dimension, space on the inside is increased.
  • The rear axles on all Leons are not multi-link but straight beam units, and this would also count as a cost-saver. Golfs and A3s in the top engine trims get multi-link setups, so the overall drive experience will always be marginally better.
  • The exterior of the Leon is really nice to behold and spot-on with the sporting image they need to push for the brand. The heavily studied edgy side mirrors reduce wind drag by huge amounts, and I heard no noise from them at any speeds below 85 mph.
  • Now we await the Seat Leon Cupra, the top-most trim of them all with a 260-hp tune of the 2.0-liter TSI engine. This is an excited expectation that is a sort of tradition here in Europe. People say there may not even be need for the ultimate Cupra R trim this time around, because the standard Cupra is so good. I don't buy that story; if there is no Cupra R it means that Volkswagen and Audi don't want a Cupra R barking up their tree and possibly robbing sales.

2013 Seat Leon SC originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Jun 2013 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 seat leon scfeaturedquick spinquickspinseatseat leonseat leon scTue, 04 Jun 2013 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20598959/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/04/2013-seat-leon-sc-quick-spin-review/20598959/article-detail.xml 20598959 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/2013-seat-leon-sc---01_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/2013-seat-leon-sc---01.png <![CDATA[Seat Leon Cup Racer for Worthersee is one bad machine]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/seat-leon-cup-racer-for-worthersee-is-one-bad-machine/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/seat-leon-cup-racer-for-worthersee-is-one-bad-machine/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/seat-leon-cup-racer-for-worthersee-is-one-bad-machine/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



In the 'Just Because It's Awesome' category we have the Seat Leon Cup Racer, a kerb-stomping trinket the Spanish brand took to the GTI Wörthersee gathering. A transformation worthy of Marvel turns the recognizable five-door hatch underneath into a test-bed for a 325-horsepower sprint or endurance racer, depending on which version a customer prefers, and Seat "can envision" a 1.6-liter motor so it can contest World Touring Car championships.

The machine's track has been stretched by 40 centimeters, 18-inch wheels hung on the axle hubs underneath popped-out arches. The single-seat inside is wrapped in a moisture-regulating leather. Torque maxes out at 258 pound-feet, sent to the front wheels through a six-speed double-clutch gearbox and electronically controlled diff in the sprint version, a six-speed sequential transmission and mechanical diff going on the endurance variant.

It is expected to be available for customer teams in time for the 2014 season. The sprint race spec will cost 70,000 euro ($92,100 US) plus tax, the endurance spec runs 95,000 euro ($125,992 US), and the press release below has more info.

Continue reading Seat Leon Cup Racer for Worthersee is one bad machine

Seat Leon Cup Racer for Worthersee is one bad machine originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 May 2013 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>motorsportsseatseat leonseat leon cup racerwortherseeThu, 09 May 2013 08:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20562463/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/09/seat-leon-cup-racer-for-worthersee-is-one-bad-machine/20562463/article-detail.xml 20562463 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/seat-leon-cup-special_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/seat-leon-cup-special.jpg <![CDATA[VW's Seat unit needs to double its sales if it wants to survive]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/26/vws-seat-unit-needs-to-double-its-sales-if-it-wants-to-survive/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/26/vws-seat-unit-needs-to-double-its-sales-if-it-wants-to-survive/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/26/vws-seat-unit-needs-to-double-its-sales-if-it-wants-to-survive/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Almost four years ago Seat got a new CEO, James Muir, tasked with the job of creating a sustainably profitable division out of Volkswagen's Spanish brand. Three years ago Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn publicly explained that the home of the Ibiza was getting its last chance, but Muir and a healthy shot of new investment and new product worked like a trick: 18 months later Winterkorn publicly stated his pleasure at Seat's continuing turnaround, and earlier this month Muir was talking up the brand's increased sales in the UK and Germany.

There's more to be done, though. Muir has said that last year's sales of 320,000 cars is half of what is needed for Seat to gain long-term success. It currently makes 15 models in seven model lines, and Muir believes that Seat ultimately needs to get to one million unit sales per year. The division is continuing its expansion into new segments in order to reach that target, a report in Autocar saying it has another model on the way as it seeks to "expand into every area of the crossover market."

VW's Seat unit needs to double its sales if it wants to survive originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Mar 2013 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>james muirmartin winterkornseatvwTue, 26 Mar 2013 08:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20516735/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/26/vws-seat-unit-needs-to-double-its-sales-if-it-wants-to-survive/20516735/article-detail.xml 20516735 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2013-seat-leon-sc-1364225650_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2013-seat-leon-sc-1364225650.jpg <![CDATA[Seat Leon SC is the Golf cousin we're dying to <i>hola</i> at]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/seat-leon-sc-geneva-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/seat-leon-sc-geneva-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/seat-leon-sc-geneva-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 Seat Leon SC

Despite Volkswagen bringing both GTI and Variant wagon versions of its new Golf to Geneva this year, some would argue that the best looking Golf on the show floor is wearing a Seat badge. The Spanish Volkswagen subsidiary has unveiled its three-door Leon SC for the Swiss crowds, and the car's neatly creased hatchback form is, at least, a pleasant visual alternative to the slope-nosed VW.

The technical details about the Seat Leon have been available for a little while now (we've reported on both the five-door and the three-door cars already), but it's good to see the thing in the metal and with live images. To refresh: the Leon will offer a full complement of diesel and direct-injection gasoline engines, both manual and DSG transmissions, and a whole host of technology from the VW corporate toy box.

Scroll down for a host of details in the Seat press release, and get a closer look at the real deal automobile in our gallery of live-from-Geneva images.

Continue reading Seat Leon SC is the Golf cousin we're dying to hola at

Seat Leon SC is the Golf cousin we're dying to hola at originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Mar 2013 04:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>genevageneva 2013geneva motor showleonleon scseatWed, 06 Mar 2013 04:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20488487/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/06/seat-leon-sc-geneva-2013/20488487/article-detail.xml 20488487 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2013-seat-leon-sc_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2013-seat-leon-sc.jpg <![CDATA[Seat shows Leon SC three-door ahead of Geneva]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/14/seat-shows-leon-sc-three-door-ahead-of-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/14/seat-shows-leon-sc-three-door-ahead-of-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/14/seat-shows-leon-sc-three-door-ahead-of-geneva/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Seat Leon Three-Door

Seat has just unwrapped the Leon SC three-door hatchback ahead of its official debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. Unlike some transformations from five- to three-door hatches, the Seat Leon underwent some meaningful surgery in the changeover, losing nearly an inch and a half of its wheelbase while still retaining the same amount of cargo capacity behind the rear seats.

The SC, which stands for Sports Coupé, is said to be more nimble than its larger counterpart, and therefore more fun to drive. A range of turbocharged and direct injected gasoline and diesel engines will be available in Europe ranging from 1.2 to 2.0 liters and with up to 184 horsepower. Manual transmissions with five or six gears will be offered, depending on the engine chosen, as will a six-speed DSG automatic.

Seat also says that the new Leon boasts more expressive styling than the five-door, and we can see where they are coming from. Of particular note, says the automaker, are the size and shapes of the glass areas and the sweep of the tailgate toward the ground. Take a good look at the new three-door Leon in the image gallery above, and feel free to read all the details in the full press blast below.

Continue reading Seat shows Leon SC three-door ahead of Geneva

Seat shows Leon SC three-door ahead of Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Feb 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>genevageneva 2013geneva motor showleonleon scseatseat leon scThu, 14 Feb 2013 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20460708/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/14/seat-shows-leon-sc-three-door-ahead-of-geneva/20460708/article-detail.xml 20460708 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/seat-leon-3d-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/seat-leon-3d-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Will your next car feature Bluetooth-enabled, self-adjusting seats? [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/10/will-your-next-car-feature-bluetooth-enabled-self-adjusting-sea/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/10/will-your-next-car-feature-bluetooth-enabled-self-adjusting-sea/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/10/will-your-next-car-feature-bluetooth-enabled-self-adjusting-sea/#commentsFiled under:

Faurecia's Bluetooth-enabled smart driver's seat

At one time, recently at that, the 22-way adjustable seat was a marvel - especially since we didn't know our own bodies even had 22 different ways to be seated comfortably. Automotive supplier Faurecia plans on going well beyond that, however, with its prototype Bluetooth-enabled SmartFit seating system.

To get your seat fitted perfectly to your body without having to touch any of its controls, you enter your information into the SmartFit app: gender, height, weight, reach and a picture of yourself sitting down. The data will be uploaded to Faurecia's system, which will work out "your tailored comfort profile," then send that via Bluetooth to the car's seat, and the chair will automatically shape-shift to hold you just like you like.

The app includes adjustments for specialized conditions like back stiffness and leg or thermal discomfort. Going even further, Faurecia imagines you could purchase enhanced seating functions like Shiatsu massage, IsoHeat treatment and "workout relief." Word is they want to bring it to market in the next few years. You can see how it works in the video below.

Continue reading Will your next car feature Bluetooth-enabled, self-adjusting seats? [w/video]

Will your next car feature Bluetooth-enabled, self-adjusting seats? [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Dec 2012 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appbluetoothcar seatfaureciamassagemassaging seatseatseatingsmartfitsuppliervideovideosMon, 10 Dec 2012 16:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20397953/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/10/will-your-next-car-feature-bluetooth-enabled-self-adjusting-sea/20397953/article-detail.xml 20397953 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/faureciabtseat_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/faureciabtseat.jpg <![CDATA[Seat Leon shows its angular assets]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/28/seat-leon-paris-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/28/seat-leon-paris-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/28/seat-leon-paris-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



The third-generation Seat Leon has made its debut in Paris, confirming for the assembled masses that its live form is just as fetching as the studio shots we've already seen.

Seat tipped its hand on the new Leon earlier this summer, so we've already reported on most of the critical details. Two TDI diesels, a 1.6-liter and a 2.0-liter, will make up the engine range at launch, while a total of five powerplants will come online by the first part of 2013.

A familiar overall body shape reflects what we've seen from the new Golf, and follows an exhaustive rework of the Leon, both inside and out. Get a firsthand look at what's been done in our live gallery of images.

Continue reading Seat Leon shows its angular assets

Seat Leon shows its angular assets originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Sep 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 seat leonleonparisparis 2012paris motor showseatFri, 28 Sep 2012 03:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20334893/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/28/seat-leon-paris-2012/20334893/article-detail.xml 20334893 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/03-2013-seat-leon-paris-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/03-2013-seat-leon-paris-opt.jpg <![CDATA[New Seat León brings all-new design, more tech and "Enjoyneering" [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/16/new-seat-leon-brings-all-new-design-more-tech-and-enjoyneering/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/16/new-seat-leon-brings-all-new-design-more-tech-and-enjoyneering/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/16/new-seat-leon-brings-all-new-design-more-tech-and-enjoyneering/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Not long after the Seat Toledo got its public groove on, the Seat León is here to say hello from all angles. This is the third generation of the little Spanish hatchback, and while its overall form copies its predecessor, its details prove it to be a brand-new car.

Built on the MQB platform spreading like kudzu throughout the Volkswagen empire, the new Leon is nearly 200 pounds lighter than previously and five centimeters shorter, but the front axle has been moved forward making the wheelbase around 2.3-inches longer. More interior space and luggage room is the benefit compared to the last-generation hatch.

The body has been completely redesigned with heaps more sculpting throughout and giveaways like the polygonal headlights - available in full LED - plus wedge taillights, shorter overhangs and redesigned Seat logo front and back giving away the new model.

Emphasizing the sportiness of the new model, the driver is made the focus of the floating, two-tone dash inside. Driver aids include Seat Drive Profile to tailor the car's characteristics, three different options in infotainment systems, drowsiness detection, Full Beam Assistant and lane-keeping assistant.

As per usual with a VW Group product, the engine options will be plentiful, all of them turbocharged and direct-injected and boosting fuel economy by up to 22 percent. Two will come at launch, a 1.6-liter TDI Ecomotive diesel with 104-horsepower and 184 pound-feet which promises 74.3 Imperial miles per gallon (61.9 U.S. mpg) on average, and a reworked 2.0-liter TDI with 148 hp and 236 lb-ft that gets 70.3 Imperial mpg (58.8 U.S. mpg). Early next year, five more engines will be added to the mix, ranging from an 85-hp 1.2-liter TSI to a 181-hp 2.0-liter TDI. There will be two manual and two DSG dual-clutch transmissions available, but fitment depends on the engine.

It will hit showrooms later this year as a five-door hatch, then expand into other variants afterward. Read all about it in the press release below, catch it in red and white in the high-res gallery.

Continue reading New Seat León brings all-new design, more tech and "Enjoyneering" [w/video]

New Seat León brings all-new design, more tech and "Enjoyneering" [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 seat leonleónleonseatseat leónseat leonvideoMon, 16 Jul 2012 18:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20279178/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/16/new-seat-leon-brings-all-new-design-more-tech-and-enjoyneering/20279178/article-detail.xml 20279178 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/2013seatleon_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/2013seatleon.jpg <![CDATA[Seat officially unveils new Toledo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/26/seat-officially-unveils-new-toledo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/26/seat-officially-unveils-new-toledo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/26/seat-officially-unveils-new-toledo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2013 Seat Toledo - silver - front three-quarter view

One week after leaked images appeared online and just a few days after its sister car, the Škoda Rapid, was revealed, the Seat Toledo has taken a bow. Expected to "write a whole new success story" for the Seat, the five-door and its "timeless personality" has a mission to be "a great car for a great price." All of which sounds like the Spanish marque really has very little to say about their new model, eh?

In contrast to the Škoda's seven powerplant options, three will be on the Seat menu at launch: two petrol-flavored offerings in the form of a 1.2-liter, 73-horsepower TSI and a 1.4-liter, 119-hp TSI, and an oil-burning 1.6-liter, 102-hp TDI. Next year, a less potent 1.6-liter, 88-hp diesel will be added to the range.

We'll have live shots of it from the Paris Auto Salon floor later this fall, after which it will appear in Spanish and Portuguese showrooms before exports expand to other parts of the world. Prices will be announced closer to launch, so scroll down for a presser with the other details on Seat's new baby.

Continue reading Seat officially unveils new Toledo

Seat officially unveils new Toledo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jun 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 seat toledohatchbackparisparis 2012paris auto salonparis motor showseatseat toledoskodatoledoTue, 26 Jun 2012 18:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20266020/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/26/seat-officially-unveils-new-toledo/20266020/article-detail.xml 20266020 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/seattoledoofficial_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/seattoledoofficial.jpg <![CDATA[Seat Toledo leaks out ahead of Paris reveal]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/18/seat-toledo-leaks-out-ahead-of-paris-reveal/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/18/seat-toledo-leaks-out-ahead-of-paris-reveal/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/18/seat-toledo-leaks-out-ahead-of-paris-reveal/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 Seat Toledo - silver studio shot, overhead profile

A concept version of the Seat Toledo was shown off at the Geneva Motor Show earllier this year, but it was clear that the concept was code for "almost identical to production." Four images of what appears to be the final version of the Toledo have dripped onto the Internet, and sure enough, the only exterior difference we can spot is that the mirrors now have body-colored uppers.

As a reminder, although it looks like a three-box sedan, it is still a five-door hatchback with a 17.6 cubic-foot boot capacity (slightly less than a Ford Mondeo) and slotted between the C- and D-segments in size. Engines are expected to be those also going in the Škoda MissionL concept, which will be the Škoda Rapid in production form and is the Toledo's sister car in the Volkswagen Group herd.

Price will be the Toledo's strong point, with Geneva-era rumors of a base price at €13,000 to €14,000 (around $16,300-$17,600 USD). In keeping with such frugality, engines are predicted to be of small-displacement and lowly horsepower in both petrol and diesel forms. After it debuts at the Paris Motor Show, along with the new Seat Ibiza and the Rapid, the Toledo should be in dealerships shortly thereafter.

Seat Toledo leaks out ahead of Paris reveal originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jun 2012 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 paris2013 seat toledoparisparis 2012paris motor showseatseat toledoskodaskoda missionlskoda rapidtoledoMon, 18 Jun 2012 19:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20260447/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/18/seat-toledo-leaks-out-ahead-of-paris-reveal/20260447/article-detail.xml 20260447 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/seattoledo2012_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/seattoledo2012.jpg <![CDATA[Seat bringing boatload of hot hatches to Lake Worthersee]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/seat-bringing-boatload-of-hot-hatches-to-lake-worthersee/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/seat-bringing-boatload-of-hot-hatches-to-lake-worthersee/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/seat-bringing-boatload-of-hot-hatches-to-lake-worthersee/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Seat Ibiza SC Trophy

GTI Treffen may have started out as a gathering for owners of Volkswagen pocket rockets, but by now it's blown into a full-on celebration of everything related to hot hatches and more. And though it remains a grassroots event by enthusiasts for enthusiasts, Volkswagen is wise not to ignore it. These days, it comes to the annual lakeside gathering in Austria with a handful of show cars in tow, and brings its sister-brands along for the ride, too.

Audi has already announced the Q3 Red Track concept destined for Wörthersee, and Skoda is coming with a pair of Citigo concepts - one made up as a DJ booth and the other as a rally car. Now their Spanish cousins at Seat have revealed the veritable motorcade of show cars it's bringing to the meet-up.

Seat will be showcasing the Ibiza Cupra Concept it unveiled in Beijing, but that's not all. It'll also display a customized Ibiza FR and Leon Cupra R, a Mii city car (that's the Spanish version of the Volkswagen Up!) imagined in sporty FR trim and, most enticing of all, a pair of racing models that are ready to hit the track.

The Ibiza SC Trophy packs a 180-horsepower turbo four with DSG, locking differential, upgraded brakes, modified oil sump and competition-spec suspension, available to aspiring racers for 31,500 euros (before taxes, or about $40K). The Leon Super Copa, meanwhile, is closely mirrored on the car that Seat ran in the World Touring Car Championship and packs a 300-horse 2.0-liter turbo four with all the trimmings, available for 63,000 euros (about $80K). Both can be fielded in spec-racing series across Europe and arrive at Wörthersee in grey with fluorescent orange accents.

Check out the full spread in the high-res image gallery above and the press release below.

Continue reading Seat bringing boatload of hot hatches to Lake Worthersee

Seat bringing boatload of hot hatches to Lake Worthersee originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 May 2012 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gti treffenibizaibiza sc trophyleonleon super copamiiseatseat ibizaseat ibiza sc trophyseat leonseat leon super copaseat miiseat mii frsuper copawörtherseewortherseeThu, 17 May 2012 16:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20239457/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/17/seat-bringing-boatload-of-hot-hatches-to-lake-worthersee/20239457/article-detail.xml 20239457 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/webseat-ibiza-sc-trophy_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/webseat-ibiza-sc-trophy.jpg <![CDATA[Seat hatches hot little Ibiza Cupra Concept in Beijing [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/23/seat-hatches-hot-little-ibiza-cupra-concept-in-beijing-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/23/seat-hatches-hot-little-ibiza-cupra-concept-in-beijing-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/23/seat-hatches-hot-little-ibiza-cupra-concept-in-beijing-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Seat Ibiza Cupra Concept

Just about every brand under the Volkswagen Group umbrella has its own performance line these days. Marques like Lamborghini, Bugatti and Porsche may not need them, but Volkswagen has the R line, Audi has the RS range, Skoda offers the vRS models, and Seat badges its under the Cupra name.

It's a nameplate that's become synonymous with Latin-flavored hot hatches in markets around the world, and one of those vital markets is China. Little wonder, then, that Seat chose the Beijing Motor Show to launch its latest Cupra model.

Technically billed as a "concept," even Seat admits the vehicle you see here is pretty darn close to the production model that is scheduled to debut later this year. It starts out with the latest Ibiza hatchback (which itself shares its underpinnings with the Volkswagen Polo) and upgrades it with VW's celebrated 1.4 TSI engine that packs a turbocharger, supercharger and direct injection to produce a solid 180 horsepower. All that juice is driven to the front wheels through an electronic differential and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Seat's also given the Ibiza Cupra Concept a suitably beefed-up look with LED lights and 17-inch wheels and a fully equipped interior, all of which you can read more about in the press release (together with video footage) below and scope out in the high-res image gallery above.

Continue reading Seat hatches hot little Ibiza Cupra Concept in Beijing [w/video]

Seat hatches hot little Ibiza Cupra Concept in Beijing [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 beijing motor showbeijingbeijing 2012cupraibizaibiza cupraseatseat ibiza cupraseat ibiza cupra conceptMon, 23 Apr 2012 08:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20221365/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/23/seat-hatches-hot-little-ibiza-cupra-concept-in-beijing-w-video/20221365/article-detail.xml 20221365 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/webibiza-cupra_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/webibiza-cupra.jpg <![CDATA[Geneva-bound Seat Toledo showcar is a concept in name only]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/05/geneva-bound-seat-toledo-showcar-is-a-concept-in-name-only/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/05/geneva-bound-seat-toledo-showcar-is-a-concept-in-name-only/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/05/geneva-bound-seat-toledo-showcar-is-a-concept-in-name-only/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The Seat Toledo Concept that we'll see at the Geneva Motor Show is the precursor for the Seat Toledo that will go on sale later this year in Spain - hence its description as a "close-to-production study." The "study" part is how Seat has integrated its IBE, IBX and IBL concepts into a production sedan, and how it plans to make that car "exceptionally good value for money."

This will be the fourth generation of the Seat, which, in its 20-year lifespan, has been both a trunked vehicle and a five-door hatchback. This "concept" splits the difference: it looks like a three-box sedan but it's actually a five-door hatchback. The liftgate at the rear helps it achieve a 500-liter cargo capacity.

As the Spanish brand's version of the Skoda MissionL concept, it will enter the range under the Ibiza and above the Leon and be built on the AO-plus platform from parent company Volkswagen. Prices are rumored to start at €13,000 to €14,000. Follow the jump for a press release with more details.

Continue reading Geneva-bound Seat Toledo showcar is a concept in name only

Geneva-bound Seat Toledo showcar is a concept in name only originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>concept carsgenevageneva 2012geneva motor showseatseat toledo concepttoledotoledo conceptMon, 05 Mar 2012 08:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20185075/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/05/geneva-bound-seat-toledo-showcar-is-a-concept-in-name-only/20185075/article-detail.xml 20185075 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/seattoledoconcept_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/seattoledoconcept.jpg <![CDATA[Seat announces five-door Mii city car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/seat-announces-five-door-mii-city-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/seat-announces-five-door-mii-city-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/seat-announces-five-door-mii-city-car/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Seat Mii

We knew at its unveiling in Frankfurt that the debut of the production version of the Volkswagen Up! was only the beginning, what with all the concept versions Volkswagen showcased over the years. But that was only the tip of the proverbial iceberg. VW isn't the only brand in the group that will offer the little city car, and its sister marques are eager to follow suit.

So after Volkswagen debuted the Up!, Skoda unveiled the Citigo and Seat showcased the Mii - all versions of the same vehicle, but with slightly modified sheetmetal and different nameplates. But those were only the three-door versions. Now that Volkswagen has confirmed the five-door Up! and Skoda the five-door Citigo, Seat is taking its turn with the five-door Mii.

The similarities between the Mii, Citigo and Up are, of course, greater than the differences. But at the end of the day, the variety gives European buyers a greater range of choices when buying their new city car, even if similar exercises on this side of the Atlantic - Plymouth, Mercury, Pontiac, Oldsmobile...we're looking at you - have long since disappeared.

Continue reading Seat announces five-door Mii city car

Seat announces five-door Mii city car originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>miiseatseat miiupvolkswagen upWed, 08 Feb 2012 08:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20165841/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/08/seat-announces-five-door-mii-city-car/20165841/article-detail.xml 20165841 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/mii5_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/mii5.jpg <![CDATA[VW CEO Winterkorn happy with rebounding Seat, Skoda]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/31/vw-ceo-winterkorn-happy-with-rebounding-seat-skoda/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/31/vw-ceo-winterkorn-happy-with-rebounding-seat-skoda/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/31/vw-ceo-winterkorn-happy-with-rebounding-seat-skoda/#commentsFiled under: ,



Martin Winterkorn is a happy man: Volkswagen is putting up big numbers in North America, its latest field of dreams, Audi, is breaking records every month, there are exciting cars in the pipeline - from Bugatti down to the XL1, Porsche's digestion continues, and now Skoda and especially Seat are turning in no-questions performance.

It seems Skoda has been on the ups for years, making the most of keen pricing and modern redesigns of the chassis and tech it gets handed down from big brothers VW and Audi. Winterkorn predicts the Czech brand will just about double its 2010 sales by 2018, going from 762,000 to 1.5 million.

Seat, on the other hand, wasn't just on the hotseat a year-and-a-half ago, phrases like "uncertain future" - code for "possible demise" - were rumbling in the background. A new CEO was brought in, new money and new models were thrown against the wall, and the efforts have stuck. The Spanish brand has hit three strong chords with Winterkorn, with increased sales, strong performance in China and anticipated models due. If this keeps up there won't be much left for him to do but, a la Alexander the Great, break down and cry with no worlds left to conquer.

VW CEO Winterkorn happy with rebounding Seat, Skoda originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Oct 2011 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car salesmartin winterkornsalesseatskodaMon, 31 Oct 2011 08:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20094139/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/31/vw-ceo-winterkorn-happy-with-rebounding-seat-skoda/20094139/article-detail.xml 20094139 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/gyi0063882578_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/gyi0063882578.jpg <![CDATA[Wear a ponytail? Buy a Buick Verano]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/19/wear-a-ponytail-buy-a-buick-verano/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/19/wear-a-ponytail-buy-a-buick-verano/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/19/wear-a-ponytail-buy-a-buick-verano/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Buick Verano interior

With the launch of the $23,470 Buick Verano, General Motors has its work cut out in differentiating this luxury compact from its mass market sibling, the Chevrolet Cruze. Verano's price tag starts less than $500 above a top-of-the-line Cruze LTZ, but GM has a few arrows in its premium-product quiver to insure Verano doesn't come off as a badge-engineered baby Buick.

While we're more interested in the engine upgrade, which puts the 2.4-liter four-cylinder from the Buick Regal underhood, GM is touting the Verano's "1,000-hour" seats. They share leather, foam and padding with the top-of-the-line Buick LaCrosse, and are designed to prevent "hot spots" when driving long distances, says GM in a new press release. (The 1,000 hours GM refers to is the development time that went into the seats, not the duration you can sit in them before experiencing discomfort.)

The icing on the cake is that the Verano's seat head rests are "positioned to accommodate ponytails and other up-dos without compromising the occupants' postural comfort," says GM. Which, of course, makes us wonder whether we might someday see a Steven Seagal special edition Verano. Read the entire press release after the jump.

Continue reading Wear a ponytail? Buy a Buick Verano

Wear a ponytail? Buy a Buick Verano originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Oct 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 buick veranobuickluxuryponytailseatveranoWed, 19 Oct 2011 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20084769/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/19/wear-a-ponytail-buy-a-buick-verano/20084769/article-detail.xml 20084769 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/buickveranointeriorcomfort2-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/buickveranointeriorcomfort2-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen Group names Paefgen head of classics program]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/04/volkswagen-group-names-paefgen-head-of-classics-program/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/04/volkswagen-group-names-paefgen-head-of-classics-program/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/04/volkswagen-group-names-paefgen-head-of-classics-program/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgen

You may remember the name Franz-Josef Paefgen. Until recently, the German engineer and executive was head of both Bentley and Bugatti. Before that he was chief executive of Audi, after working for several years at Ford. He technically "retired" earlier this year, but like the cars he helped create, an executive like Paefgen could never really retire. So it should come as little surprise that the Volkswagen Group has named Dr. Paefgen head of its Classic program.

In his new capacity, Paefgen will oversee the historic automobile activities of the entire VW Group, including those of Volkswagen, Seat, Skoda, Audi, Lamborghini, and of course Bentley and Bugatti. It strikes us as a suitable semi-retirement for the man responsible in no small part for the Bugatti Veyron and Bentley Mulsanne, to name just two, and who was decorated in 2006 by the ACO as the "Spirit of Le Mans" for his contribution to endurance racing. Read the official announcement after the break.

Continue reading Volkswagen Group names Paefgen head of classics program

Volkswagen Group names Paefgen head of classics program originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi classicsbentleybentley classicbugatti classicsdr franz josef paefgenfranz josef paefgenlamborghiniseatskodavolkswagenvolkswagen classicsvolkswagen groupvwTue, 04 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20071695/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/04/volkswagen-group-names-paefgen-head-of-classics-program/20071695/article-detail.xml 20071695 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/webpaefgen_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/webpaefgen.jpg <![CDATA[Seat is all grown Up! with a Mii of its own [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/03/seat-is-all-grown-up-with-a-mii-of-its-own-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/03/seat-is-all-grown-up-with-a-mii-of-its-own-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/03/seat-is-all-grown-up-with-a-mii-of-its-own-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2012 Seat Mii

After a seemingly endless stream of Up! concept cars rolled out by Volkswagen over the past few years, the production version is finally upon us. But don't think for even a second that this is the end. No, it's just the beginning, with numerous Up-based models to follow, and not all of them will carry a VW badge.

Skoda was the first VW division to get its own version called the Citigo, and now Seat is following suit with a rebadged version of its own dubbed Mii. Launching in Spain next month before rolling out across Europe in the spring, the Mii will be available initially as a three-door before the five-door variant follows next year.

Overseas buyers will be able to choose between three trim levels, two equipment packages (Chic with chrome trim and Sport with firmer suspension and tinted windows) , two engine specs (1.0-liter threes with 59 or 74 horsepower), two transmissions (manual or robotized) and an optional Economotive pack with stop-start engine management and regenerative braking.

The last time Seat sold a car in this segment, it was the Arosa, a model discontinued in 2005. But while Seat models typically look more dynamic than their Volkswagen and Skoda counterparts (think Ibiza vs. Polo and Fabia), this time - from a styling perspective, anyway - we think we'd stick with the VW. But don't take our word for it: check out the high-resolution images in the gallery, and the video footage and press release after the jump and share your thoughts in Comments.

Continue reading Seat is all grown Up! with a Mii of its own [w/video]

Seat is all grown Up! with a Mii of its own [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 seat miimiiseatseat miiupvw upMon, 03 Oct 2011 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20072307/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/03/seat-is-all-grown-up-with-a-mii-of-its-own-w-video/20072307/article-detail.xml 20072307 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/webseat-mii_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/webseat-mii.jpg <![CDATA[Drag racing Buick Regal driver loses best seat in the house]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/30/drag-racing-buick-regal-driver-loses-best-seat-in-the-house/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/30/drag-racing-buick-regal-driver-loses-best-seat-in-the-house/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/30/drag-racing-buick-regal-driver-loses-best-seat-in-the-house/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



The only better place to watch a drag race than from the other side of the wall is behind the steering wheel. Then again, that depends on what car you're driving. This gentleman enjoyed the view from the driver's seat of his hopped-up 80's Buick Regal for the holeshot, or just until his seat went from upright to permanently reclined in 1.2 seconds.

All of which just goes to show how souping up a car can sometimes reveal hidden weaknesses in the most surprising ways. Our advice: Do some crunches, get back out there and try again! Check out the disaster-averted hilarity after the jump.

Continue reading Drag racing Buick Regal driver loses best seat in the house

Drag racing Buick Regal driver loses best seat in the house originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buickdrag racedrag race videodrag racingdrag racing videoreclineregalseatseat malfunctionvideoFri, 30 Sep 2011 16:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20071076/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/30/drag-racing-buick-regal-driver-loses-best-seat-in-the-house/20071076/article-detail.xml 20071076 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/buick-regal-drag-seat_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/buick-regal-drag-seat.jpg <![CDATA[Is Seat getting its own version of the VW Up?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/29/is-seat-getting-its-own-version-of-the-vw-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/29/is-seat-getting-its-own-version-of-the-vw-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/29/is-seat-getting-its-own-version-of-the-vw-up/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Seat Up! pic

Could this be Seat's version of the Volkswagen Up!? Skoda recently showed off its take on the Up! runabout, the Citigo, and it's plausible that VW wants to make the biggest statement possible with the little car. The diminutive hatchback could also be employed to help reverse Seat's fortunes - remember, in May of 2010, the Spanish brand was put on notice about its financial performance. An innovative and inexpensive city car could help round out the planned portfolio expansion.

At the Frankfurt Motor Show, our sister UK site reported that Seat was working on a sporty version of the Up! that would be "good to drive." However, there wasn't any additional information at the source site, so we aren't sure how much of the image above is an actual photo and how much is rendering. We expect it would still come, as the rest, with either the 59- or 74-horsepower, 1.0-liter three-clinder engines.

Is Seat getting its own version of the VW Up? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>seatseat upskoda citigoupvolkswagen upvw upThu, 29 Sep 2011 10:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20069540/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/29/is-seat-getting-its-own-version-of-the-vw-up/20069540/article-detail.xml 20069540 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/seatupvariant_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/seatupvariant.jpg -1 2