Cars - SEAT Toledo

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	Cars - SEAT Toledo

The SEAT Toledo is an automobile built and marketed by SEAT, a division of the Volkswagen Group. The Toledo brand name was first introduced to the SEAT line-up in 1991, and the third generation was introduced in late 2004.

First generation (1991-1999)

The Toledo was the first SEAT developed entirely under VW leadership. The first generation was built on the Volkswagen Golf Mk II chassis, but the body was much larger, very close in size to the Passat. In spite of having a sedan body, the Toledo was unusual in that it featured a hatchback boot opening. Being a cheap alternative in the mid-size family segment, the Toledo initially featured underpowered engines (standard for VW at the time) compared to the Ibiza and Malaga's System Porsche units, such as a base 1.6 L with 75 PS (55 kW) and a GT version using the 2.0 L/115 PS (85 kW) engine. Later the Toledo would see the addition of more powerful versions, including a 150 PS (110 kW) 2.0 L GTI 16V and 110 PS (81 kW) 1.9 TDI which, like all VAG diesels built since 1996, is capable of running on both mineral diesel and biodiesel. A restyling was also applied to the body in 1996.

Second generation (1999-2004)

The second generation was introduced in 1999. The previously boxy shape was replaced by a much more fluid latin design, although both were products of Giorgetto Giugiaro's Italdesign studio. Now built on the Golf Mk IV platform, the Toledo was still presented as an economic alternative to the lower level of the D segment. Unfortunately, one of the features most associated with the Spanish model, the hatchback door, was removed in favor of a more traditional sedan boot opening (in 2000, the Toledo would be spun into a proper hatchback, the León). Base model was now a crossflow 1.6 L/100 PS (74 kW), while the top of the line was represented by the 2.3 L/150PS (110 kw) V5 engine. Still, the more interesting versions used the 1.9 TDI engine, with a variable geometry turbine and power of 110 PS (81 kW). Later in the series, the Toledo received a 1.8 Turbo with five valves per cylinder, capable of delivering 180 PS (132 kW), and the final evolution of the VW TDI engine, which pumped out 150 PS (110 kW). Both versions featured a six-speed manual transmission.

Third generation (2004- )

The third generation was introduced in 2004, and it is completely different from the previous two. Abandoning the sedan format, the Toledo Mk III uses a very controversial design, penned by Walter de'Silva, becoming a tall-bodied hatchback with the Altea's MPV front section and high roof and a rear end inspired in the not very successful Renault Vel Satis, paying homage to the original Toledo's hatchback rear. All pretense of a sporty identity was thrown out, in favour of a more upscale and alternative image. A class-leading luggage compartment capable of holding over 500 L (DIN) is its most interesting feature. Under the bodywork, the Seat Toledo uses the same underpinnings as the VW Golf Mk V.

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