Posts tagged Seat at Autoblog UK

Posts with tag Seat

Preview IAA Frankfurt: The most powerful Seat yet

Posted Aug 21st 2009 6:05AM by Andrew Hopkins
Filed under: SEAT, Galleries, Frankfurt Motor Show

The new top-of-the-range model from Seat is the Cupra R. This most powerful vehicle in the history of the marque will be unveiled at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show. One of the features that will set this sporty number apart from its less powerful cousins is the 'R' logo on the grille and tailgate. The Cupra R boasts upholstered bucket seats and a multifunctional leather steering wheel. The aluminium pedals add to its high-performance image. The Seat is powered by a 265bhp, 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. With front-wheel drive, it sprints from 0 to 62 in 6.1 seconds and has a top speed of 155mph. Average fuel consumption is just under 35mpg. Prices for this most powerful Seat to date start at 29,999 euros.

Gallery: Seat Leon Cupra

Outsider view: In-house competition?

Posted Aug 11th 2009 4:08AM by Pete Mait
Filed under: Audi, Porsche, SEAT, Volkswagen, Skoda

Firstly, compact SUVs are still selling well. Secondly, VW supremo Ferdinand Piëch likes to see a healthy dose of in-house competition. From these two premises flows a third: alongside the Audi Q5 and VW Tiguan, Skoda have now weighed in with the Yeti, one more compact SUV on the Volkswagen AG books. And we won't have to wait too long till an Audi Q3 version is served up as well. Despite trying times, the positive figures posted by the group have vindicated its strategy. However, cannibalisation effects within the individual brands have been detectable – for example, the Q5 has been nibbling away at Q7 sales – even if they aren't admitting it. Maybe the various badges will start to devour each other some time in the near future?

Variation on a theme: Ibiza Bocanegra

Posted May 9th 2009 6:33AM by Andrew Hopkins
Filed under: SEAT, Other motor shows

At the Barcelona Motor Show (9th - 17th May), Seat will be presenting a revamp of the popular Ibiza. The latest incarnation of three-door supermini has been christened the 'Bocanegra' and is due to arrive in the showrooms in around twelve months' time. A Bocanegra prototype already made its debut at the Geneva Auto Salon.

Translated into English, the Spanish name means 'black mouth'. And this dark orifice is indeed the most characteristic feature of the vehicle, a jet black grille dominating the front aspect. There have been a few other modifications to the front valance, including integrated fog lamps. In addition, Seat have given the Bocanegra new wings and a reshaped tailgate. The sporty character of the car has been accentuated by the addition of 17-inch wheels. This new version comes equipped with a 1.4-litre TSI engine delivering either 150 or 180 horsepower.

Seat Exeo - any old iron?

Posted Oct 19th 2008 2:34PM by Andrew Hopkins
Filed under: SEAT

The Ibiza looks punchy and puts in an awesome performance. With their latest contribution to the compact class, the Spanish manufacturer seems to have hit on the right formula. Exactly what the marque requires at the moment. Seat were even the first VAG subsidiary to be allowed to use the small-car platform of its later brother, the Polo. In the B segment, the Spaniards don't seem to have all that much new material to call on.

The Exeo being unveiled at Paris is supposed to make us forget the failure of the botched-up Toledo. If you look at the pictures, you'll wonder if that's even possible. The differences between the old Audi A4 and the Seat Exeo are purely down to the bonnet, boot lid and bumpers, front and rear. Not even the now rather naff side protector mouldings have been dispensed with. Inside the cabin, everything is just as before except for a new steering wheel and a rejigged dashboard.

At least the price of around €22,000 is a true reflection of the minimal effort made in redeveloping the model. For anyone reluctant to spend too much on a 'new' Seat mid-range model, the company could perhaps sell an upgrade kit for A4 owners, consisting of bumper and bonnet.