SEAT Toledo TDI Range

If Youre Going To Buy A SEAT Toledo, You Probably Want A Diesel One. Jonathan Crouch Checks Out Whats On Offer

SEATs Toledo has received something of a mixed press so far, not because its a bad car but because its so similar to the marques Altea mini-MPV. The only real differences between the two cars lie in the Toledos slightly bigger boot and £500 more expensive price tag.

You certainly have to look twice when both models are parked side by side to see which is which. No point in going any further with that, so lets look at the merits of this car without worrying about how SEAT dealers are going to sell their two models side by side. Viewed on this objective basis, the findings are surprisingly good. Which if youve tried an Altea, wont in any way be a shock to the system.

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We reckon that car to be the best mini-MPV you can buy and thats against some pretty stiff competition. Of course, the Toledo isnt supposed to be a mini-MPV (even though it looks just like one): rather a spacious family five-door that in size sits somewhere between the Focus-sized Family Hatchback and Mondeo-sized Medium Range Family market segments. SEAT would like you to think of this car as competing in the latter of those two categories, hence the bigger boot. Were looking here at the two TDI diesel-engined models, since those are the engines that most potential buyers will probably be considering. You can buy this car in 1.

6 or 2.0-litre petrol forms but its hard to see why you would unless your annual mileage is so low that youd struggle to justify the £2,000 price difference between entry-level Reference 1.6-litre petrol and 1.9-litre TDI Stylance model.

Diesel prices start £14,912 for the 1.9-litre Stylance and on to around £19,000 for the flagship 140bhp 2.0-litre TDI Sport with the DSG gearbox. Is it worth stumping up the extra for the 2.

0-litre TDI? Were this engine to be offered with a cheaper equipment level, wed say yes. As it is, youre probably better off going for the older but not too much slower 1.9-litre unit. This engine takes 2.

5 seconds longer (12.4s) to cover the rest to sixty sprint) and maxes out at 113 rather than 124mph. Its unlikely that these figures will be of much consequence to potential buyers, particularly as the combined fuel consumption figure of 52mpg is 4mpg better than that of the 2.0-litre unit.

One plus of stumping up for the flagship Toledo however, is that you get the option of the clever twin-clutch DSG 6-speed automatic gearbox.

"A mini-MPV for those who dont like mini-MPVs."

At 4.50 metres long and 1.77 metres wide, the Toledo is longer but narrower than the conventional mini-MPV its trying not to be but nevertheless features many of the attributes common to this genre. A two-level luggage compartment boasts a hefty 500 litre capacity more than enough for a week away.

The parcel shelf can be configured in a couple of positions to offer added versatility. In high position, it houses a hidden compartment while if set low, you can create a hidden floor. Although its durability may be called into question, its a good way of keeping your valuables away from prying eyes. Side compartments with elasticated nets provide easy and safe storage for fragile items.

SEAT have worked hard to make the Toledo as innovative as possible and one such development is the fitment of Bluetooth technology. This allows a wireless connection between a mobile phone and the car itself. The multi-function steering wheel features buttons whereby calls can be accepted, disconnected and voice recognition. When using this function, the driver can verbally place a call to a number or name or save names and numbers to the phone book, all the while keeping both hands on the wheel.

The audio system is fully integrated into the centre console of the dashboard and features a slot for standard or MP3 format discs. As well as offering traction control, emergency brake assist and anti-lock brakes, the Toledo features a Bosch ESP stability control package. Six airbags are fitted as standard, comprising driver and passenger, side and head bags. There are also three-point seatbelts for all five seats with pyrotechnic pretensioners at the front and the ISOFIX child seat fixing system in the back.

Electro-mechanical power steering and the SEAT-developed Agile Chassis combine with a multi link rear axle to offer driving characteristics that are a cut above the usual mini-MPV fare. The interior is nicely detailed, if not quite so radical as the exterior. The instruments sit in deep cowls and are trimmed in satin aluminium effect, this trim extending to the high level centre console. Twinned with the three spoke steering wheel and figure-hugging seats, it gives a rather sporting feel that seems at odds with the elevated seating position.

The switches and minor controls feel up to the usual Volkswagen Group standard and its possible to specify a very effective satellite navigation system with colour LCD screen. The dash top is trimmed in a dimpled rubberised material and the whole of the upper dash is supported on Audi TT style metallic struts that in turn frame a neatly chunky gear stick. The windscreen pillars are a little too chunky for my personal taste but otherwise visibility is good. Dont let the debate surrounding the Toledo put you off from the fact that it remains a very good car indeed, especially in TDI guise.

A mini-MPV for those who dont like mini-MPVs. This could catch on.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

CAR: SEAT Toledo TDI range
PRICES: £14,912-£18,012 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 6-9
CO2 EMISSIONS: 146-157g/km
PERFORMANCE: [1.9 TDI] Max Speed 113mph / 0-60mph 12.4s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.9 TDI] (combined) 52mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side and window airbags / ABS / EBA, ISOFIX child seat fixings
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width mm 4500/1770