SEAT takes wraps off new Toledo

SEAT has unveiled its new Toledo – the third generation of a model that has previously sold 860,000 units.

The reveal of the Toledo, described as a hatch with saloon styling, comes just after the closely-related Rapid from Skoda.

The car will be launched initially in Spain and Portugal in mid-November and then in the UK in the first quarter of 2013. Other key markets are Germany, Mexico and Turkey.

At 4.48 metres, the new Toledo measures up four centimetres longer than its predecessor from 2004. While the Toledo II was a traditional booted saloon, the new car has a saloon-like profile but is a hatchback.

The car will use the latest Volkswagen Group engines – TSI petrol units in 1.2 74bhp and 1.4-litre 120bhp sizings, and a 1.6 common-rail TDI diesel of 104bhp. The bigger petrol unit will be offered with a seven-speed dual-shift gearbox (DSG).

The smaller petrol engine will be offered with SEAT’s Ecomotive programme with CO2 emissions of 116g/km, and the diesel 104g/km.

Next year SEAT will add an 89bhp TDI variant to the range.

The Toledo will be on sale from early next year and SEAT will reveal more specification details and pricing closer to the car’s launch.

Words by: Andrew Charman