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SEAT Toledo Prototipo at the Madrid Show

SEAT Toledo Prototipo at the Madrid Show

The Madrid Motor Show (21 May – 30 May 2004) sees the unveiling of another stunning prototype from SEAT – the Toledo Prototipo. This innovative saloon previews the look and characteristics of the production Toledo which is scheduled for launch later this year.

The Toledo is the second model in the new generation SEAT range which was started with the acclaimed Altea. It shares much of the Altea’s looks and style, but with an even more versatile interior and more luggage space.

The new SEAT family traits of cat’s eye headlights and wide central grille are easily recognised on the Toledo Prototipo. The sweeping line from headlights to roof is kept clean by a SEAT innovation, windscreen wipers hidden in the A-pillar. The SEAT dynamic line, first seen on the Salsa concept car, is very clearly visible on this prototype and is highlighted further by two-tone paint – platinum above and copper below the line.

Even with the strong family Altea resemblance, the Toledo Prototipo distinguishes itself in several important ways. From the outside its most striking feature is the stepped rear hatch, which provides a wide easy-access opening to the 500 litre capacity boot. The name Toledo is centred across the hatch under the familiar SEAT "S" badge. The boot itself is two-tiered, with a moveable shelf that can be set at different heights to divide the space. For even more flexibility and secure cargo carriage, the boot floor has compartments with moveable panels, and a diverse array of cubby holes, hooks and nets means there is a place for everything.

It is with the interior that the SEAT design team have excelled themselves using both traditional and ultra-modern materials to create a bright, spacious, functional cabin carefully colour co-ordinated to the exterior.

Natural leather graces the upholstery, steering wheel, gearknob, instrument hood, armrests and lower console and contrasts strongly with a chainmail-like material on the floor. The dashboard has two distinct colours and textures: a pale, hard high-tech surface close to the windscreen which matches the mouldings on the doors, and a darker hatch-patterned surface directly in front of the driver and passenger. The large central console, slightly oriented towards the driver, houses the audio, navigation and climate control systems and has a titanium-coloured surround. The front sport seats have multiple adjustments and pockets and folding trays on the backs. To increase boot space the rear seat slides forward and also folds completely flat.

The Toledo Prototipo also features the latest multi-media so everyone on board will be entertained. Both front seat head rests have 7 inch colour screens mounted in the back for viewing from the rear seat. Viewing options (TV or DVD) are chosen by individual credit card-sized remote controls or buttons at the base of the front central armrest. The screens can be used to show the same or different programmes, and each screen has individual headphones. As long as the car is parked, the front seat occupants can also watch TV or a DVD on the 6.5 inch sat nav screen. This screen is also independent of the rear screens, so all passengers can enjoy their own entertainment, but if they choose they can all watch the same programme and sound can be played through the Toledo’s audio system.

The Toledo Prototipo is powered by the 2.0 litre 150 PS petrol engine and six-speed manual gearbox combination which is available in the Altea. It has the special SEAT-developed Agile Chassis, which combines special suspension ratings, stiffer shock absorbers, more flexible coils, and firm silentblocks with an electronic programme that modulates the power steering according to driving speed and conditions. The Agile Chassis gives precise handling and sharper responses and ESP guarantees handling stability.

The Toledo Prototipo has 19 inch alloy wheels with five double-sp