Paul Tan's Automotive News » SEAT

SEAT Ibiza Cupra close-to-production concept in Beijing

Chris Ng — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 04:48:49 +0000

UPDATE: Gallery now has pictures from the show.

So, the SEAT Ibiza Cupra you see in these pictures will look very close to the car that will be running on the road later. SEAT summarised the car as ‘a sports car for everyday use, combining agile driving fun with a high degree of functionality.

The concept car displays a new face with its broad grille and air intakes. Bi-xenon headlamps configuration gain a sophisticated design. It incorporates the LED daytime running lights, which traces the line of the headlamps, to give the car its own signature look.

Ibiza Cupra’s firepower comes from a 1.4 litre TSI, the same you’ll find in the Polo GTI, Audi A1 and Skoda Fabia VRS. The direct-injection, twin charged engine produces 180 PS and 250 Nm. The engine is mated to a seven-speed DSG with paddle shifters. Ibiza Cupra also gets the XDS electronic differential lock and high-performance brakes.

New to the car is the SEAT Portable System. It is essentially a five-inch screen that you can remove from the car for mobile use. Some of its functions include sat-nav, hands-free phone system with voice control and an on-board computer. This system will be available, as an option, for the entire Ibiza family.

The SEAT Ibiza Cupra will be arriving into showrooms sometime later in the year. It’s just too bad that SEAT does not have a showroom in Malaysia.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 13:07:31 +0000.

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Seat Toledo returns – concept to preview the Mk4 sedan

Anthony Lim — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 11:07:19 +0000

Seat is giving its Toledo name a return, and the fourth-generation iteration to wear the name is set to be previewed in concept form in Geneva. The Toledo Concept, as it’s called, is a close-to-production study, and the series-production version on which it is based will begin to reach dealers in Spain later this year.

Closely related to the Skoda MissionL, the 4.48 metre-long Toledo will offer a generously proportioned interior for five people, a luggage compartment of more than 500 litres and the convenience of a large rear hatch as well as a folding rear bench. The company says that with the rear seat backs folded forward, the Toledo boasts a maximum load capacity more than some ‘regular’ estate cars.

Design features include the typical trapezoidal Seat honeycomb mesh grille, but this one has been given a wider and lower look; the same applies to the large air inlet beneath the bumper. Elsewhere, the pentagonal form of the similarly broad front headlamps displays another key characteristic of the new Seat face.

Inside, the light, roomy cabin features an unfettered look, reminiscent of the typical VW layout. Leather features strongly on this one – the seats, the cockpit and doors are clad in the stuff. No tech details as yet, but this should be rectified when the Swiss show starts.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 13:07:31 +0000.

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2012 SEAT Exeo gets updated looks, lower emissions

Paul Tan — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:31:53 +0000

The SEAT Exeo has been updated for the 2012 model year with minor changes – a revised face with new bi-xenon headlamps and LED daytime running lights, new alloy wheels, and improved leather on the interior.

There are also revisions to the engine bay, mostly to reduce emissions – the 2.0 TDI engine now emits 129g/km, with economy up to 58.9 mpg on the EU combined cycle for the sedan.

SEAT will also add a model with the Ecomotive badging later, optimised for fuel economy with features such as auto start/stop. SEAT targets a CO2 emissions figure of less than 120g/km for the Ecomotive version.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 13:07:31 +0000.

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SEAT Ibiza – fourth-generation Typ 6J gets facelifted

Anthony Lim — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 07:33:41 +0000

The Mk 4 SEAT Ibiza has been given a mid-term facelift, and the reinterpretation is featured across the entire three body-style range, from the three-door Ibiza SC to the five-door Ibiza and the Ibiza ST estate.

Exterior changes include a reworked front trapezoidal grille – the flatter proportions as well as redesigned horizontal honeycomb structure and a lower air intake help emphasise the car’s width. The front and rear bumpers have also been redesigned, as have the headlamps, which are available in two halogen versions or with optional bi-xenon lamps and LED daytime running lights.

The interior, meanwhile, gets improved material quality, with a wide choice of new paint surfaces and materials, which range all the way to fine leather upholstery. Among the items that have been reworked in the cabin is the glove compartment, which is significantly larger than pre-facelift – at 10.7 litres, it now offers space for a lot more than just a pair of gloves.

The equipment line-up for the car has also been revised, independent of bodyshell form, and among the new kit is the SEAT Portable Media System with touchscreen monitor. Available for the car later in the year, it combines the functions of a navigation system, on-board computer, audio system and hands-free device.

As for available engines, the range is broad, from a base 1.2 litre 60 PS mill to a range-topping 1.4 TSI twin charge lump which has 150 PS and a DSG transmission as standard fitment. Ecomotive variants include the 105 PS 1.2 TSI Ecomotive and 75 PS 1.2 TDI E Ecomotive. A choice of five- and six-speed manual gearboxes are available, and DSG is available as standard or as an option with a number of engines.

The new Ibiza runs on wheels ranging in size from 15- to 17-inches, and several new designs have come about for the facelift, which is set to make its European market debut sometime in spring.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 13:07:31 +0000.

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Seat unveils its electric path – Altea XL Electric Ecomotive and Leon TwinDrive Ecomotive paves the way

Anthony Lim — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 07:43:15 +0000

Seat has introduced its prototype Altea XL Electric Ecomotive, a totally electrically-driven zero-emissions car, as well as its prototype plug-in hybrid, the Leon TwinDrive Ecomotive. The debutants are set to make their way to government institutions in Catalonia and Madrid for assessment in their vehicle fleets.

The Altea XL Electric Ecomotive has 115 hp (or 85 kW) and 270 Nm of torque for numbers, as well as a 135 km/h top speed. Seat says the Altea XL doesn’t sacrifice any loss of passenger and cargo carrying space, with the batteries located under the rear seats and the boot.

Features include a rooftop photovoltaic cell panel, which recirculates fresh air inside the passenger compartment when the car is parked under the sun, reducing the energy needed afterwards by the climate control system.

Meanwhile, the Leon TwinDrive Ecomotive has a range of 52 km in full electric mode, with a top speed of 120 km/h. In combined mode, with the engine in play, the car gets to 170 km/h, and consumes only 1.7 litres per 100 km, says the Spanish automaker, which is looking at introducing its first electric plug-in hybrid car commercially in 2015, to be followed by an all-electric vehicle in 2016.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 13:07:31 +0000.

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Seat IBX Concept confirmed for production – reports

Danny Tan — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 06:34:42 +0000

The Seat IBX Concept that was shown at this year’s Geneva show has been green lighted for production, according to a report by Spanish newspaper ABC. The IBX will be built in Martorell, Spain, alongside platform sibling Audi Q3.

The IBX Concept that was shown in March was a two-door concept, but the production model is likely to be a a five-door version to compete with mainstream compact urban crossover/SUV models. According to the report, the IBX would debut sometime in 2014.

Despite less than stellar contribution to the cause, it looks like the Volkswagen Group isn’t giving up on its Spanish brand yet. Seat also recently revealed the Mii city car, its version of the Volkswagen Up!, which will start selling in Spain late this year.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 13:07:31 +0000.

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SEAT Mii – seating everyone with another Up! variant

Anthony Lim — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 10:51:31 +0000

SEAT has unveiled its new Mii city car, which it will begin selling in its home market, Spain, before the year is out, with the rest of Europe to follow in spring 2012.

The 3.55 metre long Mii will first be introduced as a three-door, with the five-door version arriving next year. Drivetrain is a 1.0 litre three-cylinder MPI unit, with two output tunes available for the Ecomotive – 60 PS and 75 PS.

If it’s all starting to sound like you’ve seen those numbers before, well, you have, because the Mii is the SEAT version of the Volkswagen Up!, and together with the recently announced Skoda Citigo, form a trinity of hatchbacks utilising the same base platform.

Like its relatives, the Mii has 251 litres of boot space, increasing to 951 litres with the rear seats folded. Other numbers include a 35 litre capacity fuel tank and an 854 kg base weight. Aside from a five-speed manual transmission, the Mii is available with an automated manual box boasting two electric motors to offer smoother gear changes.

Features include a start/stop system, brake energy regeneration, City Safety Assist and a removable SEAT Portable System with a five-inch screen, navigation system and hands-free phone system with voice control.

In Spain, the Mii will be available in three equipment lines – the base version as well as Reference and Style, the latter offering features such as power windows and central locking. Chic and Sport packs add alloy wheels and leather steering to the equation, and for the Sport tinted windows and a sports suspension

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 13:07:31 +0000.

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VIDEO: Unveiling footage of the Seat IBL Concept

Harvinder Sidhu — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 11:16:47 +0000

The Seat IBL Concept vehicle made its premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show yesterday and we have managed to get you the unveiling video of the concept. This Spanish concept is being positioned as a sports sedan and it is a plug-in hybrid. You can read more about the IBL Concept right here.

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Frankfurt: Seat IBL Concept – sleek Spanish sports sedan

Danny Tan — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 16:36:40 +0000

The grainy leaked pic of the Seat IBL we saw yesterday is authentic, and the rest of the pics show a handsome saloon from VW’s Spanish marque. Billed as a “sports saloon”, the IBL looks neat and sleek – not very expressive or full of flair, though, and a little anonymous to these eyes.

The plug-in hybrid IBL completes Seat’s trio of concept cars that previews the look of the next generation. Laying the groundwork was the IBE compact electric sports coupé from Geneva 2010. The IBX that followed in this year’s Geneva show transposed the look on a crossover style vehicle. Now, a sedan.

“The IBL shows that sports saloons within the Seat brand portfolio will play an important role in future. However, this concept car does not pre-empt a specific model, but rather shows the design philosophy we are applying to bring the unmistakable Seat identity to a saloon car, too,” said James Muir, President of Seat.

Measuring 4.67 metres with a generous wheelbase of 2.71 metres, the IBL is about the size of today’s Seat Exeo, which is a reworked B7 Audi A4. The car is 1.85 metres wide. It’s fresh that a concept saloon isn’t called a “four-door coupe” by its creator – Seat says that the IBL “almost belongs in the four-door coupe category.” Hmmm…

Gallery after the jump.

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Frankfurt preview: Seat ‘IBL’ sedan Concept leaked

Danny Tan — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 17:39:13 +0000

This apparently leaked pic of Seat’s concept car for the Frankfurt show has been circulating online. It’s a four-door saloon, and the name is claimed to be ‘IBL’, which is in line with the Spanish brand’s recent concept car names. They rolled out the IBe at Geneva 2010.

Word is that the IBL is 4,670 mm long and has a wheelbase of 2,642 mm, which makes it the same size as the current Seat Exeo saloon, which is of course based on the B7 Audi A4. Seat used to sell a sedan called Toledo in the 90s, before the name was stuck on an odd looking mini MPV style hatchback in 2004. Could this be the preview of a future Toledo?

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World premiere for new SEAT concept sedan at Frankfurt?

Paul Tan — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 11:16:23 +0000

SEAT will be making a world premiere at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, and all we know about the car at this moment is that it looks like it has a sedan body shape, thanks to the sole teaser image that SEAT has released above.

Could it be a new SEAT Toledo? The Toledo was a Golf-based C-segment sedan like the Jetta and the Octavia. Of course, this model isn’t of much significance to the Malaysian market other than for us to drool at as there isn’t any SEAT distributor in Malaysia, not even classic cars, and even the grey importers don’t bother with the marque. Which is a pity as the cars look more exciting than Skodas.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 13:07:31 +0000.

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SEAT to expand into China – Leon and Ibiza set for 2012

Anthony Lim — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 02:46:54 +0000

Another brand joins the fray in that very important automotive market known as China. Spanish brand SEAT announces its impending arrival there with its participation at the Shanghai Motor Show, which begins later this week.

The aim, of course, is to establish the SEAT brand among potential customers before sales begin with the export of Spanish-assembled Leon and Ibiza models to the country in 2012.

The brand says it has identified a large demand for distinctive European cars among Chinese consumers, and believes that the timing is right to expand into that key market.

The company says its research shows that Chinese car buyers are a very design-conscious lot, valuing performance and dynamism as well as technology and state-of-the-art engineering, according to SEAT’s president James Muir. Doesn’t sound very different than in most places, does it now?

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Volkswagen Group to introduce Seat brand in China

Danny Tan — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 03:50:44 +0000

The Volkswagen Group wants to further enlarge its already huge footprint in China, and will call on Spanish brand Seat to provide the extra ammunition. VW has decided to introduce the Seat brand in the world’s largest auto market, and will set up a stand for Seat at next month’s Shanghai auto show.

According to IHS Global Insight, the first Seat models will be imported from Europe, before production starts at VW’s Foshan assembly plant, which will be completed in 2013. VW Group brands already present in China include Audi, Lamborghini, Skoda and of course, Volkswagen.

Spain based Seat doesn’t have much of a presence outside Europe. It makes lower priced alternatives to mainstream VW brand cars with an accent on sport. This ingredient will be its unique selling point in China.

Seat sold 340,000 vehicles last year and lost 311 million euros. Some reports say that VW will give up on the brand by 2015 if it fails to make money. Last roll of the dice perhaps?

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SEAT IBE Concept updated with iPhone integration

Paul Tan — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 11:45:40 +0000

SEAT’s Paris 2010 show car is a new iteration of the SEAT IBE Concept, an electric “sports coupe” (more like a hatchback to me – SEAT’s very own Scirocco?). The IBE was first shown in Geneva earlier this year, and this is a revised version.

It’s compact 2+2 seater at only 3,830mm long, and wide at 1,7700mm wide and 1,230mm tall. It’s electric motors makes 75 kW peak, or 102 PS and 200Nm for those who prefer to speak in horses. Continuous output ability is lower at 50kW or 68 PS. 0 to 50km/h takes 3.6 seconds, and going up to a ‘safe’ cruise speed of 80km/h is reached in 6.6 seconds. Progress up to the benchmark 100km/h speed takes a total of 9.7 seconds, which is not blazing fast but it isn’t really a slowpoke either.

One of the new highlights to the IBE Concept with this Paris version is the new smart phone interface, where a wireless app such as an iPhone app can connect to the car’s systems and conduct an online check including its battery and trip computer display. It also has multimedia capabilities, allowing an album or a song to be selected rom the smart phone and played through the car’s sound system by pressing the ‘drag to car’ option.

Look after the jump for images of the IBE Concept.

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SEAT Leon Cupra R tops the Cupra by 25 PS and 50Nm

Paul Tan — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 13:50:33 +0000

Volkswagen’s Spanish marque SEAT have added an “R” to the Leon range. The new Leon Cupra R adds 25 PS and 50Nm to the “normal” Leon Cupra’s power count, resulting in a new total of 265 PS and 350Nm of torque. This is thanks to an increased boost pressure of a maximum 1.9 bar at peak output and 2.2 bar at peak torque, compared to 1.8 bar for the regular 240 PS Leon Cupra.

Other than the increased boost pressure, the engine also has a new high-pressure fuel pump injector to satisfy the greater performance demands and allow it to meet strict EU5 emissions standards. The manual gearbox has also been revised to have a shorter throw. To put all of this power down to the ground properly, the car gets XDS which is an electronically simulated differential lock.

The new Leon Cupra R is limited to around 500 units a year and goes for £25,205 in the UK. No SEAT here in Malaysia, and Volkswagen’s other stablemate that can be found in Malaysia doesn’t have particularly exciting cars – no “RS” or “VRS” models from Skoda here. Look after the jump for a full gallery of the Leon Cupra R.

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Volkswagen’s SEAT has 5 years to turn around its losses!

Paul Tan — Tue, 18 May 2010 06:32:03 +0000

Not all Volkswagen Group marques are doing as well – SEAT operating losses hit almost 340 million Euros last year. Volkswagen only has three unprofitable units – SEAT, Bentley, and Volkswagen commercial vehicles. SEAT’s 1Q loss this year of 110 million Euros is more than double the losses of the other two units.

Volkswagen bosses has given SEAT a deadline of sorts – it has 5 years to cut losses by expanding its model range and growing its market share outside of its ‘home market’ of Spain, where car sales have dropped by 21% last year, which is no wonder considering Spain current has a high jobless rate of 20.1 percent, the highest in the eurozone.

If the brand cannot turn itself around VW may just let it go, but it seems that things are so bad with the brand’s financials that VW would have to PAY someone to take it off its hands. “This is the last attempt for SEAT as a brand, it would not be sensible to view things differently. If one would want to get rid of SEAT, one would have to give the other party money to take it,” said SEAT CEO James Muir, who used to be ex-Mazda Europe.

Not sure if he was kidding about it or not.

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SEAT’s “Scirocco rival” is pretty and green

Danny Tan — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:07:26 +0000

I haven’t finished covering every hall of the Palexpo yet, alternating between going out for “war” and posting in the press centre, but so far, the SEAT IBe is one of the concepts that caught my eye. Low, wide, squat, and free from the severe “criss-cross” lines of the current range (which I personally dislike), the IBe could be VW’s Spanish subsidiary’s rival to the Scirocco. Although its 3.78 m length is 250 mm shorter than an Ibiza, the IBe measures 1.8 m wide and is only 1.22 m in height. The showcar’s 19-inch wheels also look good with almost zero overhangs beside them.

Unveiled here by managing director James Muir (right) and chief designer Luc Donckerwolke, the IBe is a zero-emissions electric vehicle powered by lithium-ion batteries. With a max output of 102 bhp and 200 Nm of torque, the IBe completes the century sprint in an unexceptional 9.4 seconds, although the 0-50 km/h time of 3.4 seconds suggest good point and squirt acceleration. Top speed is limited to 160 km/h.

An electric powered SEAT should be quite far away, since the brand only plans to launch its Leon Twin Drive plug-in hybrid in 2014. For now, SEAT has a popular range of diesel powered Ecomotive cars, the best of which (Ibiza Ecomotive) achieves 27 km/l and 98 g/km of CO2. More pictures after the jump.

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Seat Ibiza ST all set for Geneva launch

Danny Tan — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 07:58:15 +0000

The Geneva Motor Show is fast approaching, and there will be many previews before the press unveilings start on 2nd March. Here’s one from Volkswagen’s Spanish brand SEAT, which will debut this Ibiza ST in Switzerland. An extension of the Ibiza supermini family, the Ibiza ST (Sport Tourer) will have six engines shared with its VW Group cousins, four of them TSI/TDI units with direct injection and turbocharging. DSG is an option and there will be three trim lines – Reference, Style and Sport.

The Ibiza ST features SEAT’s unique design language with its “arrow design”. With a length of 4.23 metres, this compact wagon is 18 centimeters longer than the Ibiza hatch, with 430 litres luggage volume before folding the split rear seats. SEAT makes a lot of noise about the quality of the interior, which is claimed to be functional, practical to use, and meticulously crafted, with high quality materials and tight tolerances.

Gallery is after the jump.

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Production SEAT Ibiza Bocanegra unveiled in both 150 PS and 180 PS guise!

Paul Tan — Fri, 08 May 2009 08:41:55 +0000

The hottest and probably the best looking production version of the SEAT Ibiza was unveiled in Barcelona at the 2009 Barcelona International Motor Show this week. The new Ibiza Bocanegra (FYI, the word Bocanegra means Black Mouth) is a tribute to the styling of the SEAT 1200 Sport back from the 1970s.

The Ibiza range already has a 150 PS Ibiza FR and a 180 PS Ibiza Cupra, but the new SEAT Ibiza Bocanegra offers both 150 PS and 180 PS tune versions of the 1.4 litre TSI engine, and adds a unique Bocanegra bodykit which looks way more aggressive and fitting of the 180 PS than the sedate-looking-in-comparison Ibiza Cupra.

The engine is mated to a 7-speed twin clutch transmission with paddle shifters, and an XDS electronic LSD. It’s small, light, has 180 PS and most importantly plenty of torque thanks to the twin-turbocharging. A nice alternative to other good-looking hot hatches like the MiTo and the Cooper S.

Look after the jump for more shots!

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SEAT Ibiza ECOMOTIVE does 2.9L per 100km

Paul Tan — Tue, 05 May 2009 10:38:51 +0000

SEAT claims that its SEAT Ibiza ECOMOTIVE is the most “ecological” car in its segment. The car driven by Austrian long-haul specialist Gerhard Plattner’s 1.4 litre TDI engine (with a peak output of 80 horses) travelled a distance of 1,562km across Spain, France and Germany on a single tank of fuel.

The exact amount used was 45.53 litres, calculated from topping up the fuel to the same level after the drive and measuring how much fuel went in. The car travelled under the supervision of the International Police Motor Corporation and cruised along at speeds of up to 110km/h along motorways in Spain and France. 1,562km from 45.53 litres is about 34.3km per litre, or about 2.9 litres per 100km. That model Ibiza’s rated fuel consumption was 3.7 litres per 100km, so 2.9 litres is impressive.

Remember the Nissan Lightfoot Quest? In that competition, a 1.6 manual Grand Livina was claimed to have managed just a little over 36km per litre of petrol, which is slightly more than this advanced turbodiesel engine manage. So is the basic 1.6 litre engine without any variable valve timing in the Nissan more fuel efficient than Volkswagen’s 1.4 TDI? It makes the Nissan results a little more than hard to believe.

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New SEAT Ibiza FR with 150 PS twincharged TSI

Paul Tan — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 02:15:33 +0000

This is the new SEAT Ibiza FR, which sits just under the hot 180 PS Ibiza Cupra. Like the previous generation Ibiza FR, this new model also has a 150 PS engine but instead of the aging 1.8 litre turbo it uses a modern twin-charged 1.4 litre TSI engine (the Cupra also uses a twincharged 1.4) mated to a 7-speed twin clutch DSG. It even meets EU5 emission standards. SEAT have also fitted the Ibiza FR with the XDS system which uses the ESP system to brake the wheel that is losing grip to help with traction.

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Geneva 2009: Seat Leon Ecomotive Concept

Harvinder Sidhu — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 13:44:35 +0000

Spanish-based auto maker Seat is taking part in the Geneva Motor Show with the Leon Ecomotive Concept. Compared to the outgoing Leon, Ibiza and Alhambra Ecomotive models, this Ecomotive Concept receives power from a new 1.6 litre TDI power plant that is able to produce 105HP. This new engine features a DPF particulate filter and common rail technology which help improve its fuel efficiency. More fitments introduced with this new engine include a new Start/Stop system as well as regenerative braking.

Thanks to the features mentioned above, this concept’s emissions output has been reduced by 20% to a total output of 99 grams per kilometer and fuel consumption is rated at a respectable 3.8 litres for every 100 kilometers traveled. With a not-too-bad looking exterior design, the Leon Ecomotive Concept features a similar interior with the outgoing Leon Ecomotive.

Other features which can be found in the concept include ESP, ABS and TCS, double front airbag, front side airbags, curtain airbag, 16 inch steel rims, Isofix anchoring points, front power one-touch anti-trap windows, air conditioning, MP3 CD radio, aux-in connection and six speakers, among others. Continue reading to view an image gallery.

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SEAT Leon Twin Drive Ecomotive hybrid

Paul Tan — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 03:06:53 +0000

VW-owned Spanish automaker SEAT unveiled a prototype SEAT Leon that runs on a hybrid powertrain with a fully electric mode. The SEAT Leon Twin Drive Ecomotive has plug-in charging support, and is intended to go on full electric mode in cities and switch to the combustion engine on highways. The combustion engine can either be petrol or diesel powered. SEAT did not reveal any specifications on this car in the press release, but stated the first Twin Drive cars will appear in showrooms by 2014.

Look after the jump for 3 more photos.

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Volkswagen Concept BlueSport needs to be built by 3 brands for economies of scale

Paul Tan — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 17:59:17 +0000

Click for enlarged image

Volkswagen says the Concept BlueSport will make it into production if other marques in the group such as Audi and SEAT want it to, according to a senior Volkswagen executive. He says for economies of scale, the investment for the car needs to be shared between at least three different brands.

There is word that an Audi version is already ready (an Audi R4?), and such a roadster would fit into the SEAT brand image. Our graphics artist Theophilus Chin has already whipped up a SEAT version for us, depicted in this story. Porsche is also a suggested brand, as something like this could be positioned as an entry level model that could also reduce the company’s overall CO2 emissions levels, but when queries Porsche executives denied to comment.

Porsche also has this philosophy where an entry level Porsche or someone’s “first Porsche” is not a low-end model, but rather a hand-me-down or a used Porsche, in order not to compromise brand qualities. But I say that has long gone with models like the Cayenne. Look after the jump for more angles of the SEAT BlueSport.

Click for enlarged image

Click for enlarged image

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 13:07:31 +0000.

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B7 A4-based SEAT Exeo gets priced in the UK

Paul Tan — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 01:38:44 +0000

Volkswagen Group automaker SEAT has put a price on its new SEAT Exeo sedan in the UK, which will come in 7 variants with 3 engines, two diesels and one petrol. The entire range is turbocharged, with the 2.0 litre TDI diesel coming in 2 power outputs – 143 PS and 170 PS. The sole petrol engine is the nice 2.0 litre TSI engine with 200 PS.

The Exeo starts at £17,740.00 OTR including VAT and other misc charges for the SEAT Exeo S 2.0 TDI model, all the way up to £21,340.00 OTR for the SE Lux 2.0 TDI model with 170 PS of power. The only variant with the 2.0 TSI engine is the SEAT Exeo Sport 2.0 TSI priced at £19,410.00. All models are equipped with a 6-speed manual.

SEAT Exeo S 2.0 TDI 143 PS – £17,740.00
SEAT Exeo SE 2.0 TDI 143 PS – £18,345.00
SEAT Exeo Sport 2.0 TDI 143 PS – £19,230.00
SEAT Exeo SE Lux 2.0 TDI 143 PS – £20,410.00
SEAT Exeo Sport 2.0 TDI 170 PS – £20,160.00
SEAT Exeo SE Lux 2.0 TDI 170 PS – £21,340.00
SEAT Exeo Sport 2.0 TSI 200 PS – £19,410.00

SEAT is the only brand of the entire Volkswagen Group that is not here in Malaysia – Volkswagen, Skoda, Audi, Lamborghini and even Porsche are all here, but if you’re still interested in the B7 Audi A4 I heard there’s still a few Quattro units from Euromobil. The rest of the world (well, Europe at least) can buy a brand new one with a SEAT badge.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 13:07:31 +0000.

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SEAT Exeo: Official Photos and Details

Paul Tan — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:41:05 +0000

SEAT calls it a “Spanish surprise” in its Paris 2008 press release but I’ll leave it up to you to judge whether a rehashed B7 Audi A4 is surprising in any way.

I first drove the B7 A4 back in 2006 and found it to be a very nice place to be in, especially in the 2.0 TFSI guise that I had my hands on.

The Exeo updates the A4′s interior with circular air conditioning vents instead of square ones as well as a more modern instrument panel featuring classy dark LCD panels with white fonts. The B7′s interior is still very much “in” and carries a more classy and contemporary look as compared to the B8′s more sporty jetfighter-cockpit feel.

Under the hood of the Paris show car was the 2.0 litre TFSI engine putting out 200 PS and 280Nm of torque, mounted longitudinally in the engine bay but driving the front wheels.

Look after the jump for more shots of the SEAT Exeo.

PHOTO GALLERY: SEAT Exeo
Click thumbnails to view high resolution photo

[cpg_album:112]

VIDEO: SEAT Exeo

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 13:07:31 +0000.

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SEAT Ibiza Cupra features 180PS twincharged 1.4L

Paul Tan — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 06:04:42 +0000

Click to enlarge

SEAT will be displaying its latest hot hatch at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, the SEAT Ibiza Cupra. Based on the 3-door hatchback bodystyle, the SEAT Ibiza Cupra features a 180 PS version of the 1.4 litre TSI engine featuring both a supercharger and a turbocharger to maximize boost pressure across all engine RPM ranges.

Power is put through the front wheels via a 7-speed DSG gearbox which you can manually shift via steering wheel paddle shifts.

Styling touches for the Cupra edition of the car include a new front bumper, little air intakes surrounding the front grille, 17 inch alloy wheels, and a new rear diffuser integrating a trapezoidal-shaped centrally-mounted exhaust tail pipe. On the interior you get Cupra sports seats and aluminium foot pedals.

Look for two more photos after the jump.

Click to enlarge

Click to enlarge

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 13:07:31 +0000.

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SEAT Exeo images exposed at trademark office

Paul Tan — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 18:15:39 +0000

It looks like our regular contributor Theophilus Chin got it almost right with his previously published rendering of the SEAT Exeo, thanks to these recently registered designs with the European trademark office.

SEAT has admitted that the new Exeo will be largely based on the previous generation B7 Audi A4 with only changes to the front and rear.

The only differences between the real design and Theo’s rendering are the shape of the headlamps and the bumper grilles which are slightly different in shape. Theo’s is sleeker and curvier while the filed designs show a more upright and angled design.

Look after the jump for more designs or click the image on the left for a larger version.

SEAT Exeo Sedan

SEAT Exeo Estate

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 13:07:31 +0000.

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SEAT Exeo: name of new Audi A4-based sedan

Paul Tan — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 14:52:19 +0000

Click to enlarge

SEAT has announced that its new family car based on the previous generation Audi A4 will be called the SEAT Exeo. The name Exeo comes from exire, a Latin word that means “to go beyond”, which kind of makes sense since this is not a segment that the SEAT brand is commonly known in.

The new SEAT Exeo will come in both sedan and stationwagon form. It will go head to head against other European cars like the Ford Mondeo, the Renault Laguna and the Peugeot 407. It will be built in SEAT’s factory near Barcelona and will carry over much from the Audi A4 it is based on including its proportions, greenhouse, chassis, suspension, doors and glass.

Shown above is a previously published artist’s impression by Theophilus Chin on what the new SEAT sedan might look like.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 13:07:31 +0000.

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Artist’s Impression: SEAT Tango, Spanish Scirocco?

Paul Tan — Tue, 27 May 2008 17:10:24 +0000

Click to enlarge

The SEAT Tango Concept was a 2001 Frankfurt concept car that featured an open top, two seats, and a 1.8 litre turbocharged engine. The seats in the SEAT were fixed, adjustment for different driver sizes was done via a steering column and an adjustable foot pedal box, which can move to suit the length of the driver’s legs.

Theophilus Chin borrows the Tango name for his latest creation depicting a SEAT badge-engineered version of the Volkswagen Scirocco coupe. It looks like a larger, 3-door version of the 4th generation SEAT Ibiza actually, which was in turn based on the 3-door SEAT Bocanegra Concept.

One more rear three quarter angle shot after the jump.

Click to enlarge

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 13:07:31 +0000.

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