SEAT considers building Tango small car

Seat is considering developing a production version of the Tango concept that it unveiled five years ago, but will only commit to the project if it proves commercially viable. UK’s Autocar is reporting that Seat in an effort to save costs and fast-track a new vehicle, will utilize components from its parts bin including the next generation’s Seat Ibiza platform.

The Tango would be similar in style to Ford’s StreetKa cabrio and be priced around the £15,000 mark. Chief designer Luc Donkervolke wants Seat to become a "design-driven brand," and believes that a new Tango small car could achieve that goal. However, focus over at Seat is centered on the all-new Ibiza supermini and the new Alhambra MPV that’s due for release over the next two years respectively. The company is also said to be considering replacing its Toledo low-volume family car with a new crossover similar to Nissan’s new Qashqai.

The new Tango is unlikely to feature the original concept car’s sophisticated tubular structure or the 180hp 1.8L turbocharged engine. However, safety features such as the ESC and multiple airbags are likely to be carried over. The original concept was capable of reaching speeds of up to 235km/h and completed the 0-100km/h dash in just 7 seconds. Sadly, the new car is expected to be much more sedate.

Click ahead for more photos of this funky concept.