| SEAT Arosa
A sprightly little micro mini from Seat that is based on the same platform as the Volkswagen Lupo, it has just been given a head-turning revision. You will notice the new car's BMW-like front now, and real flair all along its flanks. A cutback version of the old Ibiza, it's a sweet little runner and feels a lot of fun. Stars: 3 |
Totally new from the ground up, the new SEAT Ibiza is extremely stylish and attractive, reminiscent of recent SEAT concept cars. Longer, wider and higher than its predecessor, it is one of the largest cars in its class and offers more front and rear passenger legroom, shoulder room and a bigger boot. Buyers can chose from five engines, three petrol and two diesel, ranging from a new 1.2-litre 3-cylinder 65 bhp petrol engine to the most powerful diesel engine available in any supermini, the 130 bhp 1.9 TDi linked to a 6-speed gearbox which can do the 0-62 mph in a mere 9.4 seconds! It is the first time in an Ibiza, that real sports performance is possible with diesel economy. Stars: 4
SEAT Ibiza
The saloon and estate versions of the Ibiza are rather curious items in the lists because they are both smaller than the ‘C’ segment cars where they tend to be promoted against. Kind of ‘twixt and ‘tween, really, and we’ve never been keen on the rear section of the saloon (nor were we of its Polo sibling in the same guise). A diesel and a 1.6-litre petrol engine are available in both versions, and that latter engine gives both more than reasonable poke. But they’ll never have earned an ‘exciting’ sobriquet here, particularly as they never brought in the Cupra version with its 180bhp (but read on). We’d wait for the new one. Stars: 2.5
SEAT Cordoba and Vario
IAll our experiences with this one have been pleasant. The Toledo is essentially a Leon with a boot, and it comes too with the more interesting dynamics than its VW equivalent Bora. We also prefer the rather more sporty styling than that of the VW product - though neither are anything but conservative. There are two main spec levels, and a special third one for the best the bunch, the one powered by the 2.3-litre V5 engine, which is very much our favourite - though it is a little expensive when compared to its sibling Leon in 20vT Sport guise. Sizewise, Toledo fits between Focus and Mondeo, for instance, and the price range reflects that, which will appeal to some people but the smaller size is probably why it doesn’t do as well as it deserves to in the Mondeo segment. Stars: 4.5 Seat's Toledo lifts the brand (Oct 99) - Brian Byrne.
SEAT Toledo
All our experiences with this one have been pleasant. The Toledo is essentially a Leon with a boot, and it comes too with the more interesting dynamics than its VW equivalent Bora. We also prefer the rather more sporty styling than that of the VW product - though neither are anything but conservative. There are two main spec levels, and a special third one for the best the bunch, the one powered by the 2.3-litre V5 engine, which is very much our favourite - though it is a little expensive when compared to its sibling Leon in 20vT Sport guise. Sizewise, Toledo fits between Focus and Mondeo, for instance, and the price range reflects that, which will appeal to some people but the smaller size is probably why it doesn’t do as well as it deserves to in the Mondeo segment. Stars: 4.5
SEAT Leon
This is one of the triplets from Ford/VW/SEAT in the large MPV segment and matches up pretty well to its siblings in fittings and comfort. Really, all you choose is the badge and a couple of alternative engine options. These last include 2-litre normal petrol and a 150bhp 1.8-litre Turbo unit which might attract as it has the same 30mpg fuel performance as the other, with a considerably greater amount of punch. Our choice would be the 115bhp version of a pair of 1.9-litre turbodiesels. Any are a good choice for carrying up to seven in good space, though it’s a pity none in this category have yet managed to find a version of the stowaway seats which have brought Opel’s Zafira to the top of its segment. Stars: 4
SEAT Alhambra
