SEAT presents the Toledo Prototipo at Madrid Motor Show
SEAT is unveiling the Toledo Prototipo at the Madrid Motor Show. This innovative, three-body sedan previews the look of the production model scheduled for market launch at the end of the year. This prototype establishes the characteristics of the third generation Toledo while retaining the essence of previous versions - the rear hatch of the first Toledo (1991); the attractive design of the second (1998); and one of its most popular features - its large volume boot. With the Toledo Prototipo SEAT has redefined the classic concept of sedans by offering more versatility, functionality and interior space than ever on a car in this class.
Compared with traditional sedans, the Toledo Prototipo has a larger, more comfortable passenger compartment and generous size boot with easy access.
With its harmonious design, attractive finish and roominess the Toledo brings a new concept for sedan cars to the market that will satisfy the most demanding family needs.
[B]Second model of the "new SEAT"[/B]
With the Altea, SEAT began a new age and introduced the revolutionary new look that will identify all the brand's future vehicles. The Toledo Prototipo is the second of the new generation of SEAT products, and although it shares design elements with the Altea, it is even more versatile in the passenger compartment and boot.
The front end on the Toledo Prototipo makes a bold statement with its "cats-eye" headlamps with twin xenon bulbs, distinctive bonnet shape and a wide front grille with centrally mounted brand badge.
From the side, the characteristic SEAT dynamic line is clearly visible, starting at the front wheel and descending gracefully over the doors to the rear wheel arch. On the Toledo Prototipo this line is even more prominent thanks to the two-colour paint on the body.
Much of its design strength lies in its dimensions - at slightly under 4.5 metres long (4.49) and 177 cm wide, it provides more space in all five seats than longer cars because of its 158 cm height. It also boasts a two-tiered boot with more than 500 litres capacity.
In the Toledo Prototipo technology and design combine to shape a sedan of the future - a family-oriented car with SEAT's sporty character. This sportiness comes through in all aspects of the car from its looks and trim to its handling and performance.
[B]Brand image design[/B]
The Toledo Prototipo's four-door plus rear hatch styling lends itself to comfort, space and versatility.
It has the good looks of the new generation of SEAT products first seen on the Altea. Its shape is based on this model, and so it also inherits some of the distinctive lines of the Salsa concept.
An outstanding design feature of the Salsa was the dynamic line running from the bonnet, over the front wheel and gradually descending to the rear wheel arch. This line is even more distinctive on the Toledo Prototipo because of the two-tone paintwork - grey above the line and copper beneath. This colour combination was inspired by the Earth (copper) and the strength of metal (grey) and lends a unique, elegant look to the prototype.
19 inch, five double-spoke alloy wheels with central red "S" logo and 235/35 tyres also add to the striking side view of the Toledo.
The front end features a broad chrome grille with a centrally mounted SEAT symbol, and dual xenon headlamps behind polycarbonate cat's eye glass covers which lie flush with the body.
The front bumper, which is completely smooth and fully integrated into the bodywork, is two-tone; grey under the bonnet and grille and copper from the headlamps to the wheel arches. The air intake under the grill is covered in honeycomb mesh.
The clean, sweeping line from bonnet to roof hides one of the most exclusive details on the Toledo Prototipo - wiper blades camouflaged in the central pillars of the windscreen.
At the rear a carefully designed hatch provides a wide loading area for easy to access to the boot. The large rear window gives the driver excellent visibility through the rear-view mirror and lets in plenty of light.
The extraordinarily light interior of the Toledo Prototipo is also aided by the large panoramic roof made from 7mm thick laminated dark glass that covers almost the entire passenger compartment.
The striking, copper coloured rear bumper is completely smooth and gives way to a chromed double tailpipe.
Finally, the model is identified by the word "TOLEDO" centred on the hatch under the large "S" brand symbol which doubles as the boot latch.
[B]Interior workmanship[/B]
The SEAT design team has done painstaking work on the interior of the Toledo Prototipo, combining traditional materials with latest technology. The result is a bright, roomy, functional passenger compartment whose colour combinations reflect the exterior.
Natural leather graces the seat upholstery, lower steering wheel, the newly-designed gearknob, instrument binnacle hood, door armrests, central armrest and the lower sides of the console.
The floor covering resembles the chain mail used in medieval times.
The sporty design front seats have multiple adjustments and a folding tray and seat pocket on the back. The rear seats can slide forwards for added boot space, and the backrests have two reclining positions and can be folded completely flat.
The dashboard has two distinct colours and textures. Closest to the windscreen it has a pale, hard surface with a high-tech feel which matches the mouldings on the doors. Directly In front of the driver and passenger there is a darker surface with a modern hatched texture.
The prominent feature of the dashboard is the large central console which is slightly curved towards the driver. It houses the audio, navigation system and climate controls in a compact setting with a titanium-coloured surround.
[B]Futuristic technology on front and rear lights[/B]
The Toledo Prototipo is equipped with new lighting technology that in future will be used on the production models. The headlamps feature a new dual xenon bulb system.
A twin function, elliptical module with xenon bulb gets the most out of this technology (double lighting intensity) for the headlamp's two main functions - dipped and high beam.
The headlamps are also equipped with an automatic adjustment system. Two sensors and an electronic calculation processor dynamically adjust the light beam position according to weight, acceleration and braking, on both dipped and high beams.
The headlamp's streamlined design satisfies two functions - it houses the elliptical module and enhances its shape.
The special feature of the brake lights and sidelights is their new look. When activated they shine in circles of light. This has been achieved by modifying the innovative lighting system on the Altea. The Toledo Prototipo uses concentric circular lenses beneath a different glass housing.
The rear indicators use 'led' technology in a complex, dual reflection light module and a single, high intensity light emitting diode.
[B]Boot capacity - 500 litres[/B]
The boot on the Toledo Prototipo is more than just a cargo space. Its 500 litre capacity can hold everything neatly in a two-tiered space separated by a moveable shelf.
The shelf is rigid and can be set on tracks at two heights according to the space needed. The boot floor has a compartment tray with moveable panels to prevent items shifting when the car is in motion.
A diverse array of storage solutions makes the boot space fully functional. There are sturdy hooks on the floor to fasten a net, side nets beside the wheel covers and two further hooks to hang bags on.
The folding rear parcel tray is also two-tiered, and can store the car's compulsory emergency triangles.
[B]FSI engine[/B]
The Toledo Prototipo is equipped with direct injection petrol FSI technology. The compact, efficient engine has four in-line cylinders with a two-litre cylinder head capacity, and at 6,000 rpm delivers 150 hp to the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.
The front suspension features independent MacPherson struts and a sophisticated, independent multi-link rear axle. The prototype also includes Agile Chassis, which combines special suspension ratings (with stiffer shock absorbers and more flexible coils) and firm silent blocks with an electronic programme that modulates power steering according to driving speed and conditions.
The Agile Chassis results in precise handling and sharper responses to driver input. If needed, ESP optimizes handling stability when the driver's reactions are too slow.
The brake system features large diameter ventilated discs, which can be seen through 19 inch rims with five, double-spokes and visible bolts. Each hub carries the SEAT symbol in red in the centre.
[B]On-board entertainment[/B]
The Toledo Prototipo features the latest multi-media technology to guarantee maximum entertainment on-board. It is possible to watch TV or a DVD, connect a video camera or portable DVD player or install a video game console. Two 7 inch colour screen on the back of the front headrests give access to these multi-media. Both screens work independently and are equipped with their own headphones for private listening.
Viewing options are chosen either by using one of two credit card-sized remote controls or the function buttons at the base of the central armrest, where the headphone and video jacks are also located.
As long as the car is stopped the driver and front passenger can also watch TV or a DVD on the remote controlled, 6.5 inch (16:9 format) navigation system colour screen. This screen's entry channel is independent from the rear screens, so all the passengers can enjoy any combination of multi-media possibilities.
The DVD option unit is stored under the passenger seat and if all the passengers agree to watch the same entertainment, the sound can be broadcast by the vehicle's audio system speakers.
