Motor Authority - blog Tag: SEAT

  • Preview: New Seat Ibiza ST wagon

    Preview: New Seat Ibiza ST wagon The once cash-strapped Seat brand is on the verge of developing a range of new models, with no less than four different vehicles planned for production within the next three to four years. The launch of the Ibiza hatch last year was just the tip of the iceberg as the Spanish carmaker is now working on a new minicar and compact SUV, as well as the recently revealed Exeo Sedan and Exeo ST wagon.

    We will soon be able to add to that list the new Ibiza ST wagon, which was first confirmed for production by Seat president Erich Schmitt at the company’s financial results announcement last month. The new wagon will be produced alongside the... The once cash-strapped Seat brand is on the verge of developing a range of new models, with no less than four different vehicles planned for production within the next three to four years. The launch of the Ibiza hatch last year was just the tip of the iceberg as the Spanish carmaker is now working on a new minicar and compact SUV, as well as the recently revealed Exeo Sedan and Exeo ST wagon. We will soon be able to add to that list the new Ibiza ST wagon, which was first confirmed for production by Seat president Erich Schmitt at the company’s financial results announcement last month. The new wagon will be produced alongside the regular Seat Ibiza five and three-door variants at the company’s Martorell plant sometime next year, and is previewed in this latest computer generated rendering. The engine range should mirror the lineup found in the regular five-door model, which means two diesel units developing 80hp (60kW) and 90hp (67kW), respectively, as well as three petrol-engines ranging from 70hp (52kW) to 102hp (76kW). However, Schmitt has hinted that there will be a selection of engines not currently offered in the Ibiza also available. Entertainment and electronics features will include an optional navigation system, a new multi-function head unit with MP3 and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as a possible sun roof with solar cells powering a ventilation system, which is already available on the larger Exeo ST.Seat Ibiza Sportcoupe three-door2009 Seat Ibiza hatch2011 Seat Ibiza ST Read More
  • Seat expands Ibiza range with new Bocanegra model

    Seat expands Ibiza range with new Bocanegra model Around this time last year we brought you news about a handsome Seat concept car that had appeared at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. Known as the Bocanegra (black mouth in English), the concept was supposed to preview the next generation of Seat Ibiza's performance variant, the Cupra. When the production version of the Ibiza Cupra was revealed, however, it looked nowhere near as visually stunning as the Bocanegra concept that had preceded it.

    Now, Seat is resurrecting the dramatically styled concept in the form of a new production version that debuted this week at the Barcelona Motor Show. The original concept, penned by former Lamborghini... Around this time last year we brought you news about a handsome Seat concept car that had appeared at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. Known as the Bocanegra (black mouth in English), the concept was supposed to preview the next generation of Seat Ibiza's performance variant, the Cupra. When the production version of the Ibiza Cupra was revealed, however, it looked nowhere near as visually stunning as the Bocanegra concept that had preceded it. Now, Seat is resurrecting the dramatically styled concept in the form of a new production version that debuted this week at the Barcelona Motor Show. The original concept, penned by former Lamborghini designer Luc Donckerwolke, was lauded for its aesthetic appeal. Donckerwolke even promised fans that Seat would have bolder models from now on - a promise that didn't really come through in the case of the Ibiza Cupra, but has now been redressed. The new car’s styling is also a tribute to Seat’s original Bocanegra, the 1200 Sport, which debuted back in 1975. It features black double headlights, a central grille with honeycomb mesh and black surrounds including new air vents at the base. The bumper combines black with the body colour, while a broad grille beneath that takes care of cooling the engine. Other elements include black door mirror housings, a dark tinted sunroof and 17in ‘Sira’ alloys. Power will come from VW Group’s familiar 1.4L TFS engine with either 150hp or 180hp on tap. Adding to the performance theme is Seat’s XDS electronic limited slip differential and a seven-speed DSG. Inside, the Bocanegra gets black sports seats with contrasting red stitching, a three-spoke flat-bottomed steering wheel, gloss black trim, aluminum pedals, and Bocanegra logos. Sales are expected to start in Europe towards the end of the year, and with a new, more aggressive appearance and a solid compromise between economy and power, we're expecting the new Ibiza model to have customers lining up.Seat Bocanegra Concept2009 Seat Ibiza Bocanegra Read More
  • Report: Audi A3 hybrid coming in 2012

    Report: Audi A3 hybrid coming in 2012 Hybrid versions of all sorts of cars - even sports cars like the Nissan 370Z - are in the works or on their way, and now Audi is adding to the list with reports of an A3 hybrid confirmed for production. The hybrid hatch is expected to use an Audi-adapted version of Volkswagen's TwinDrive hybrid powertrain.

    The TwinDrive project will be at the heart of a future hybrid Golf, and is also being trialled in a Seat Leon plug-in as well. The TwinDrive system produces about 40hp (30kW) - half the power of the TwinDrive system in the concept Golf revealed last year, and meager by U.S. standards, but the system, once depleted, is backed up by either... Hybrid versions of all sorts of cars - even sports cars like the Nissan 370Z - are in the works or on their way, and now Audi is adding to the list with reports of an A3 hybrid confirmed for production. The hybrid hatch is expected to use an Audi-adapted version of Volkswagen's TwinDrive hybrid powertrain. The TwinDrive project will be at the heart of a future hybrid Golf, and is also being trialled in a Seat Leon plug-in as well. The TwinDrive system produces about 40hp (30kW) - half the power of the TwinDrive system in the concept Golf revealed last year, and meager by U.S. standards, but the system, once depleted, is backed up by either small petrol or diesel four-cylinders rated at a more typical 105hp (78kW) or more, according to Autocar. Top speed will reach about 105mph (168km/h). Inside the TwinDrive system lies a 12kWh battery pack of lithium-ion batteries that should be enough to give the car a 30mi (48km) electric-only range. That's enough to rival the Volt plug-in hybrid, and at the Audi's higher market point, hints at a price closer to $50,000. Efficiency for the combo will be very high, with estimates placing the car's combined electric and regular operating at more than 113mpg. The car is expected to reach commercial buyers in 2012 with retail sales sometime after that, though Audi hasn't yet confirmed any dates.2009 Audi A3 faceliftVolkswagen Golf Mark VI TwinDrive Read More
  • Seat adds new Ibiza FR and facelifted Leon Cupra to lineup

    Seat adds new Ibiza FR and facelifted Leon Cupra to lineup Following the debut of the updated Leon hatchback at last month’s Geneva Motor Show come the first images and details for updated versions of the sportier Ibiza FR and Leon Cupra models, both of which will be making their debut next month at the Barcelona Motor Show.

    The new FR version of the Ibiza introduces several new features compared with the previous model, which all combine to provide a more intense driving experience. First of all, the new car is equipped with an efficient 150hp (112kW) twin charger 1.4L TSI engine but it also picks up a revised seven-speed DSG gearbox with steering wheel shift paddles.

    Furthermore, the... Following the debut of the updated Leon hatchback at last month’s Geneva Motor Show come the first images and details for updated versions of the sportier Ibiza FR and Leon Cupra models, both of which will be making their debut next month at the Barcelona Motor Show. The new FR version of the Ibiza introduces several new features compared with the previous model, which all combine to provide a more intense driving experience. First of all, the new car is equipped with an efficient 150hp (112kW) twin charger 1.4L TSI engine but it also picks up a revised seven-speed DSG gearbox with steering wheel shift paddles. Furthermore, the addition of the XDS electronic stability system provides greater driving comfort and safety. XDS works together with ESP and improves performance when traction is lost by braking the wheel that loses grip. Changes to the updated Cupra include enhancement to its styling and interior package. Power comes from the familiar 240hp (179kW) 2.0L TSI engine, which is enough to accelerate the FWD hatch from 0-100km/h in 6.4 seconds and see it reach a top speed of 247km/h. Distinguishing the performance pair from the rest of the fleet are newly designed head and tail-lamps, new bumpers that lend a more aggressive appearance, silver door handles and unique alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 18in. While Seat is yet to confirm the news, there are reports claiming the Spanish carmaker is also planning a new high-performance Ibiza hatch based on last year’s Bocanegra concept car to be presented next month. Check out our previous story for more details.2009 Seat Ibiza FR2009 Seat Leon Cupra Read More
  • Seat adds ST wagon to Exeo lineup

    Seat adds ST wagon to Exeo lineup The once cash-strapped Seat brand is on the verge of developing a range of new models, with no less than four different vehicles planned for production within the next three to four years. The launch of the Ibiza hatch last April was just the tip of the iceberg as the Spanish carmaker is now working on a new minicar and compact SUV, as well as the recently revealed Exeo Sedan.

    We can also add to that list the new Exeo ST wagon, which is scheduled to make its world debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show.

    Designed to go up against wagon variants of cars like the Ford Mondeo, Renault Laguna and Alfa Romeo 159, the Exeo ST is based on... The once cash-strapped Seat brand is on the verge of developing a range of new models, with no less than four different vehicles planned for production within the next three to four years. The launch of the Ibiza hatch last April was just the tip of the iceberg as the Spanish carmaker is now working on a new minicar and compact SUV, as well as the recently revealed Exeo Sedan. We can also add to that list the new Exeo ST wagon, which is scheduled to make its world debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show. Designed to go up against wagon variants of cars like the Ford Mondeo, Renault Laguna and Alfa Romeo 159, the Exeo ST is based on the previous generation B7 Audi A4 Avant and will be built at Seat's factory in Martorell, Spain. Not surprisingly, both the Exeo Sedan and Estate features chassis and mechanical components essentially identical to their Audi donor car, including four-link independent front suspension and trapezoidal rear suspension for solid driving dynamics. At launch, ST will be available with three petrol-engines ranging from 102hp (75kW) to 200hp (147kW), plus three common rail turbodiesel engines ranging in power from 120hp (88kW) to 170hp (125kW). A range topping V6 model is expected to be added to the lineup soon after the wagon’s sales launch planned for the middle of the year. The only differences between it and the Exeo Sedan, which goes on sale this month, is a longer body, at 4.666 metres in length, and a boot capacity of 442 litres. Entertainment and electronics features include a navigation system, a new multi-function head unit with MP3 and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as a sun roof with solar cells powering a ventilation system. Pricing for the Exeo range starts at €21,990.2010 Seat Exeo sedan2010 Seat Exeo ST wagon2010 Seat Exeo ,Estate, wagon Read More
  • Facelifted Seat Leon hatch set for Geneva Motor Show

    Facelifted Seat Leon hatch set for Geneva Motor Show The current Seat Leon hatch has been in production for a little over four years and in that time we have seen the launch of a number of special edition models and even a TwinDrive hybrid concept. The Spanish carmaker has now revealed details about a facelifted version of the Leon, which will be making its world debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show.

    The updated car has been given a raft of changes including more standard equipment, new engines, and redesigned bumpers. Set to go on sale in the middle of the year, the new Leon will come standard with electronic stability control and a special XDS function that works like an electric... The current Seat Leon hatch has been in production for a little over four years and in that time we have seen the launch of a number of special edition models and even a TwinDrive hybrid concept. The Spanish carmaker has now revealed details about a facelifted version of the Leon, which will be making its world debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show. The updated car has been given a raft of changes including more standard equipment, new engines, and redesigned bumpers. Set to go on sale in the middle of the year, the new Leon will come standard with electronic stability control and a special XDS function that works like an electric limited-slip differential. Changes to the body include revised headlights, new grille, new side mirrors, redesigned bumpers and different pattern alloy wheels. Five different petrol engines and five different diesels will be offered, ranging between 85 and 210hp. One new introduction is a 2.0L TSI mill reserved for the sporty Leon FR. Inside, Seat has changed the steering wheel, instrument panel and the center console. New options available on the 2009 model include hill-start assist, bi-xenon headlights, and a reverse camera.2009 Seat Leon facelift Read More

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