Archive for the ‘Seat’ Category

2012 SEAT Exeo Facelift Official Revealed

Friday, August 26th, 2011
2012 SEAT Exeo

2012 SEAT Exeo

NEW SEAT EXEO AND EXEO ST
More style, even more efficiency

• New face further enhances the distinctive design
• New bi-xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights
• TDI engines with improved efficiency across the board
• First-class quality and precision in finish and equipment
• Further improvements to emissions & fuel consumption in 2012….
• …Exeo Ecomotive is targeted to emit less than 120g of CO2 thanks to addition of Start/Stop

From the autumn, Exeo’s distinctive design will be further enhanced and the powerful TDI engines become even more efficient. The new upgrade adds even more appeal to the sporty, comfortable Exeo and the spaciously dynamic Exeo ST. All diesel versions benefit from a decrease in CO2 emissions of around 7 grams per km – resulting in a CO2 figure of 129 grams per kilometre (Exeo ST, 132 g/km), making the Exeo one of the most efficient, low-emission vehicles in its class. Fuel consumption will also drop below the current combined figure of 5,2 l per 100 km (5,3 l on the ST).

And the introduction of these improvements to Exeo’s efficiency are just the first step, with additional improvements to Exeo’s efficiency scheduled to arrive in 2012 thanks to the fitment of SEAT’s Start/Stop engine technology.

The addition of this technology – which stops the engine when the car is stationary, such as when waiting at a red traffic light – will significantly reduce consumption and emissions, with a target figure of sub-120g for CO2. Exeo’s dynamic driving performance will not be compromised despite the reduction in consumption and emissions.

This low level of emissions will make Exeo one of the most efficient cars in its class and will further enhance its competitive appeal, particularly for fleets where emissions are a key purchasing factor.

The many strengths of the SEAT Exeo include its clear design language. With the redesigned front end, both the saloon and the estate are now even more expressive. The new, optional bi-xenon headlamps adopt the “arrow” theme that is so characteristic of SEAT design. The integrated daytime running lights in energy saving LED technology are sculpted into sharply defined, angular “wings”, giving the Exeo a precise and dynamic look.

New headlamps show attention to detail

The sophisticated design of this light unit is clear evidence of the detail with which the Exeo was designed and developed. Together with the new, honeycomb grille insert, the LED rear lights and the all-new 17 and 18-inch alloy wheel designs, the Exeo now has an even more athletic and dynamic appearance – by night and by day. The interior is further enhanced with new upholstery. The redesigned leather steering wheel now sports an even more premium look-and-feel – further evidence of the passion that SEAT dedicates to every single detail.

Reduced fuel consumption and emissions across all TDI models

From a technical perspective, the focus was on further efficiency improvements. Systematic refinements to the power units enabled the CO2 emissions of all TDI versions to be reduced by around 7 grams per kilometre. The 88 and 105 kW (120 and 143 hp) saloon models with manual transmission now both come in below the 130 grams per kilometre mark.

Exeo combines driving fun and quality with low costs

This latest generation makes the Exeo an even more attractive proposition for business class people who set just as much store by driving fun and a premium feel as they do by efficiency, utility and low costs. The Exeo unites distinctive and elegant design with state-of-the-art technology, outstanding quality and excellent value-for-money.

Exceptional precision and premium feel

Alongside sporty dynamics, the SEAT Exeo is distinguished primarily by its precision and premium feel. The exceptionally stiff bodyshell structure is the fundamental factor in the high-quality feel, the exceptional bodyroll characteristics and precise road manners. The excellent fit and finish both inside and out bear testament to the attention to detail and the high precision with which the Exeo is built in Martorell near Barcelona. Add to that the premium materials and surface finishes, plus the very latest comfort and information systems

Exeo ST with significantly enhanced utility

At a length of 4.66 metres, the Exeo is the prestigious athlete of the mid-size class. It offers space for five passengers and a generously proportioned luggage compartment. The Exeo ST estate version delivers significantly enhanced utility. With its luggage volume ranging from 442 to 1,354 litres, its wide rear opening and its high level of variability, the Exeo ST is the perfect partner for all the challenges posed by an active, sporty lifestyle or a successful business day.

State-of-the-art technology for dynamics and safety

The application of state-of-the-art technologies underpins the hallmark sporty SEAT driving experience. The engine line-up ranges from 88 to 155 kW (120 to 210 hp). The latest TDI power units with common-rail direct injection ensure excellent pulling power, smooth running characteristics and outstanding efficiency. For particularly comfort-oriented drivers, the multitronic transmission with steering-wheel shift paddles presents an alternative to the manual gearbox. This efficient automatic is available as an option for the 2.0 TSI with 147 kW (200 hp) and for the 2.0 TDI with 105 kW (143 hp).

The SEAT Exeo is also a very safe vehicle in its class. Alongside the crash-optimized bodyshell structure, its standard equipment list also boasts seven airbags – including driver knee airbag – ESP system with ABS and electronic brake force distribution and automatic tyre pressure monitoring system. The list of hi-tech options is extensive and includes a DVD navigation system, bi-xenon headlamps with dynamic cornering light and a Bose sound system.

2012 SEAT Exeo Facelift

2012 SEAT Exeo Facelift

2012 SEAT Exeo

2012 SEAT Exeo

2011 Seat Leon FR+ Revealed

Tuesday, August 9th, 2011
Seat Leon FR

Seat Leon FR

Bargain-hungry new car buyers should look no further than dynamic Spanish maker SEAT as they search for the best deals this September.

Aside from its raft of great-value offers and special finance incentives for the ‘61’ plate change, Seat is upgrading the appeal of its best-selling Leon with the showroom arrival now of a new FR+ derivative, as well as the extension of the FR badge to a broader engine range.

The changes mean the trademark sporty styling and sizzling performance of the Leon FR are now available to a wider range of buyers while equipment- and performance-hungry drivers now have the added option of the new, ‘ultimate’, Leon FR+.

Designed to extend still further the appeal of the FR trim level that, last year, was responsible for a whopping one in four Leon sales, the revisions see new engines added to the FR line-up.

The exciting FR hot hatch is now available as a 1.4 TSI 125 PS (manual only) or 2.0 TDI CR 140 PS (manual and DSG). The availability of lower-powered – but no less engaging – turbocharged petrol or diesel engines makes the FR range even more accessible to customers whose choices may be restricted by engine power, cost or insurance considerations.

Bristling with sports styling and packed with equipment, the Leon boasts FR front and rear bumpers, twin chrome exhaust pipe, trademark silver-painted door mirrors, stylish LED rear-light clusters, FR sports seats and steering wheel, rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights and auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

Meanwhile, the new Leon FR+ is a significant step up from the ‘standard’ FR trim in terms of both performance and equipment. It’s available to order now with SEAT’s powerful 2.0 TSI 211 PS and 2.0 TDI CR 170 PS engines.

The Leon FR+ takes the FR trim and adds arch-filling 18-inch ‘Ibera’ alloy wheels; the Seat Media System 2.2, which includes satellite-navigation with five-inch colour touchscreen and dynamic route guidance, DAB radio, Bluetooth audio streaming and SD card slot; Bluetooth phone connection; Bi-xenon headlights with AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting System) and front parking sensors.

And the best news, perhaps, is that although the retail cost of this extra equipment when specified separately is £2,465 RRP, the price of the new Leon FR+ is up by just £1,070 RRP.

So, just in time for the September sales surge, Seat’s Leon FR line-up now starts at only £18,205 RRP for the Leon FR 1.4 TSI 125 PS, rising to £22,615 RRP for the lavishly equipped Leon FR+ 2.0 TDI CR DSG-auto 170 PS.

Finally, while the Leon Cupra has been withdrawn from the range Seat has significantly improved the Cupra R trim by adding plenty of extra kit to this fire-breathing, 155 mph ‘halo’ model for no extra cost.

Already loaded with luxury features, the latest Leon Cupra R now offers, as standard, SEAT Media System 2.2, Bluetooth connectivity, Bi-xenon headlights with AFS and LED rear-light clusters.

This extra equipment is worth £1,665 RRP but despite its inclusion there has been no increase in the 265 PS Cupra R’s price. In fact, the price of SEAT’s most potent production car to date has actually been cut – by £10 – to £25,995 RRP!

Welcoming the sporty new additions to the SEAT range Steve Robertson, SEAT UK’s Head of Marketing, said: ‘The Leon FR has been an important mainstay of the SEAT line-up for some time, so it clearly makes sense to maximise its appeal.

‘I think the showroom debut of these great new cars, which coincides perfectly with the important September plate change and makes the Leon FR range both more accessible and more attractive, should keep our dealers very busy!’

2011 Seat Leon FR+

2011 Seat Leon FR+

Seat Leon FR

Seat Leon FR

2011 Seat Ibiza SC Trophy Announced

Tuesday, June 14th, 2011

2012 Seat Ibiza

SEAT is putting on an extensive program at the legendary GTI Treffen in the Austrian state of Kärnten. From 1-4 June, fans of the Spanish brand will be presenting their most spectacular pieces of tuning on the roads and town squares around the Wörthersee. The centre of activity is in Reifnitz on the lake’s southern bank. This is where SEAT will be displaying six particularly fiery versions of the Ibiza and Leon on its own open-air stand – including two cup cars built for motorsport. This is also where the hottest SEAT tuning cars will once again be selected. At this year’s GTI Treffen – already in its 30th year -organizers are expecting around 120,000 visitors spread over its four show days.

Centre stage on the SEAT stand, which has been increased to 450 m2, is dedicated to the sportiest models in the Ibiza and Leon ranges in the shape of the FR and Cupra/Cupra R variants. The most powerful Ibiza generates 132 kW (180 hp), while the sportiest Leon packs no less than 195 kW (265 hp). Each of the two Ibiza and Leon models, painted respectively in Candy white and Emotion red, represent not only the dynamic side of the SEAT brand, but also showcase the extensive range of accessories from the SEAT equipment line-up.

One white Ibiza SC Cupra comes equipped with an aerodynamic kit and a matching white interior kit. The Leon FR in Candy White, on the other hand, is shown with discreet piano black interior trim. Its sporty credentials are clearly stated by a sports exhaust system with two separate tailpipes, 18-inch wheels and a sports suspension with shorter springs. The expressive body kit places it firmly on the road in a cat-like crouch.

The exposed cars fit within the SEAT’s brand values: They combine a unique, athletic-elegant design with outstanding dynamic and performance. SEAT develops cars for enthusiastic drivers and produces them in best precision and quality. As SEAT believes everybody should be able to enjoy great technology and exciting fun to drive.

New Ibiza SC single-brand competition for Spain and Italy

Two further showpieces now hold a licence to compete on the track – the Leon Supercopa and the brand new Ibiza SC Trophy

Under the bonnet of the Ibiza SC Trophy is the 180 hp unit from the Cupra; the 7-speed DSG transmission has steering wheel shift paddles like the series-production model. To tackle the high lateral forces generated under tough racing conditions, the engine is equipped with a modified oil sump; the brake system comes from the Leon Cupra and delivers stopping power courtesy of 345 mm (front) and 288 mm (rear) discs.

Compared with the series-production model, SEAT has increased the wheelbase of the cup race car by 13 mm, while the front track is up by 170 mm and the rear by 29 mm.

Weighing in at just 1,063 kg, the cup car has also been lowered by 40 millimetres; toe-in and camber can be individually adjusted. The Ibiza SC Trophy stands on 17-inch wheels, housed in distinctive, flared arches. At the rear, an additional spoiler generates the necessary downforce while cornering. The dashboard is more minimalist than in the series-production version, providing only the data that is truly relevant to track drivers.

Leon Supercopa – guaranteeing best single-brand action

The cockpit of the 250 km/h Leon Supercopa is the drivers’ workstation for the single-brand series that has been running in Germany since 2004. The touring car has visual similarities to its siblings from the WTCC and derives its explosive power from a version of the 2.0 litre TSI engine from the Leon Cupra R with an increased output of 301 hp. A maximum of 340 Nm of torque is sent through a six-speed DSG transmission and a mechanical locking differential to the front wheels. The steel disc brakes with six pistons per unit have diameters of 360 mm (front) and 256 mm (rear). All races in the 2011 German SEAT Leon Supercopa will once again be run as part of the DTM program. In parallel with the GTI Treffen, from 3-5 June, the SEAT Leon Supercopa will take to the track on the brand new Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria.

Pimp my SEAT – the search is on for the hottest fan-mobiles

One of the many events organized by SEAT at Wörthersee includes a VIP party on-board the SEAT boat, which also serves as a shuttle across the lake. Hot music and cool drinks draw the crowds not only to the boat, but also to the dance performances on the SEAT stand and the show stage of the GTI Treffen itself. Under the headline “You & Your SEAT”, this year, too, will see the hottest “tuned” models appearing on the SEAT catwalk – where they will be judged and awarded by a discerning jury.

The SEAT Movie Team will also be making short films with the owners of the most outlandish tuning specimens for upload to the Facebook page of SEAT Austria. At the same time, airbrush artist Knud Tiroch – whose creations include the design of the Toro Rosso Formula 1 race cars – will transform a white Ibiza into the “Lake 30 Special Edition”. Visitors are free to watch the artist at work with his airbrush.

SEAT is the only company in its sector with the full-range capacity to design, develop, manufacture and market cars in Spain. A member of the Volkswagen Group, the multinational has its headquarters in Martorell (Barcelona), exporting approximately 75% of its production to 72 countries. SEAT is the market leader in Spain, and in 2010 reached a turnover amounting to 4.7 billion euros, with total sales of 339,500 vehicles.

SEAT Group employs 13,000 professionals at its three production centres in Barcelona – Zona Franca, El Prat de Llobregat and Martorell, where it manufactures the highly successful Ibiza and Leon, amongst other models. The Volkswagen Group production facility at Palmela in Portugal supplies the SEAT Alhambra.

The Spanish multinational also has a Technical Center, a ‘knowledge hub’ bringing together more than 900 engineers whose goal is to be the driving force behind innovation for the number one industrial investor in R&D+i in Spain. In line with its declared commitment to environmental protection, SEAT undertakes and bases its core activity on sustainability, namely reduction of CO2 emissions, energy efficiency, as well as recycling and re-using of resources.

Seat Ibiza SC Trophy

Seat Ibiza SC Trophy

2012 Seat Ibiza