Seat cars

Seat and Skoda will get their own version of BlueSport?

When Volkswagen announced the BlueSport concept back in January, VW execs mentioned that production costs needed to be spread over multiple car brands. It was also mentioned that the €30,000 (about $38,000) VW would need to charge for its own car meant that variations should go to more up-market brands like Audi or new step-brother Porsche. Discount brands like Seat and Skoda were originally left out of the roadster lottery due to slim profit margins.

Now that may have changed. Many different sources are mentioning rumors from the Volkswagen Group that would give Seat and Skoda droptop cars. The extra production would also drop the base price for the low price brands to about €22,000. If true, this Seat may finally get a production version of the 2001 Tango concept for 2014.

Also, if Porsche can’t put enough of its own parts in the platform, it could likely bow out of the program. It would be hard for Porsche to demand a premium price for a vehicle that uses suspension bits from VW’s budget-minded Polo and Golf, with similar vehicles available from budget brands Seat and Skoda.

2010 Seat Ibiza Black

Seat UK added a new special edition to its line-up: the new special edition Ibiza Black. It will be limited to only 150 units, each priced at £12,345.

Based on the already elegant Ibiza 5dr 1.4 Sport, the new special edition adds unique front and rear bumpers, side skirts, striking tailgate roof spoiler and arch-filling 17” alloys. There are also dark tinted rear windows and, of course, that eye-catching paint job: Black Magic metallic.

The Ibiza Black is powered by a 1.4-litre 85 PS petrol engine mated to a smooth and precise five-speed manual gearbox. A top speed of 108 mph and 0-62 mph time of 12.2 seconds sits alongside combined CO2 emissions of just 149 g/km and impressive combined fuel economy of 45.6 mpg.

Press release after the jump.

2009 Seat Leon and Altea

Seat announced the debut of the facelift version of the Leon and Altea at the Geneva Motor Show. In the same way as the fourth generation Ibiza and the new Exeo, the Arrow Design concept defines the exterior looks of the 2009 León and Altea. They both clearly reflect the silhouettes of the previous models, but contain interesting new design details.

The broad engine range on the new León, Altea and Altea XL models includes a total of 10 different choices – five petrol and five Diesel. They have all undergone a significant evolution in every aspect, with special mention to performance and a reduction in fuel consumption figures and emissions levels.

The powerful 211 hp 2.0 TSI engine steals the spotlight in the petrol engine range, while the great novelty among the Diesel choices is the arrival of common rail technology to the 170 hp 2.0 TDI engine. Furthermore, all the versions equipped with the DSG automatic sequential gearbox, now also available on the seven-speed 160 hp 1.8 TSI, feature shift paddles on the steering wheel.

Press release after the jump.

2009 Seat Altea

The Altea is a car that understands your need to expand your boundaries. The SEAT Altea takes the concept of added space to a brand new dimension. With 3 cubic meters of personal space, you will have plenty of reasons to enjoy your drive.

Design, space, technology and power blended together to create your own private universe, each time you get behind the wheel of the Altea. It’s about respecting your Personal Space.

There are four engines in the Altea range, two petrol and two Diesel. The petrol range includes the 150 hp 2.0 FSI and the 102 hp 1.6, while the diesel range features the 140 hp 2.0 TDI and the 105 hp 1.9 TDI versions.

In creating the Altea, one factor stood out above design and sporty performance: confidence. Something evidenced by both the comprehensive safety it offers you and your family, and the 5-star rating it received from the prestigious Euro NCAP association. This lofty recognition guarantees construction quality as well as the maximum protection for vehicle occupants. The tests are incredibly stringent and a star is only awarded after the car has performed to the highest standards. The Altea meets the needs of your lifestyle.

Press release after the jump.

2009 Seat Ibiza SC Color Edition

Seat Ibiza revealed today a new special edition Ibiza SC. This special edition is called Color Edition and is being offered with Lumina Orange or Galia Blue colours.

The Color Edition versions are only available in the Sport finish and with the following engine choices – the 85 hp 1.4 and 105 hp 1.6 petrol engines and the 90 hp and 105 hp 1.9 TDI Diesel versions.

The Lumina Orange package includes 17 inch “Saga” alloy rims, dark glass, Mágico Black roof and park position door mirrors, Lumina Orange interior inserts, Carbón Black steering wheel spokes and orange stitching on the steering wheel and front seats.

The Galia Blue version features 17 inch “Saga” rims, dark glass, Candy White roof, park position door mirrors and grille surround, body blue interior inserts, Carbón Black steering wheel spokes and blue stitching on the steering wheel and front seats.

Press release after the jump.

2009 Seat Leon Twin Drive Ecomotive project

Going electric is not just a GM or a Tesla thing. Spanish automaker Seat revealed today its own all electrically-driven vehicle prototype. We’re talking about the Leon Twin Drive Ecomotive vehicle equipped with a lithium-ion battery for urban circuits, connected ingeniously to an internal combustion engine for interurban trips, with optimum consumption level.

The traditional combustion engine has been replaced by an electric one that develops 46 hp and helps the car to hit a top speed of 62 mph. Th autonomy of this car is 31 miles.

The Twin Drive Ecomotive project is a first step towards a 100% electric car, and consists of the development of a hybrid vehicle combining the well-tested efficiency of SEAT’s Ecomotive cars with the advantages offered by electrical propulsion.

Press release after the jump.

2009 Seat Leon Linea R

Seat, the Spanish cousin in the Volkswagen family, is not always missed on these shores, but this is different. This week it revealed a sportier version of the Leon hatchback: the Linea R. Like most Seats, this reaches deep into VW’s parts bin, and in this case it came up with a few winners.

The car comes with the option of two gas engines a 160 hp 1.8 TSI and 200 hp 2.0 TSI from the GTI. The 2.0 can be had with either a manual or DSG twin clutch automatic gearbox. If you still need an oil burner, a 170 hp 2.0 TDI diesel can also be had.

Standard equipment include: ABS and TCS, ESP, low tyre pressure warning, double front airbag, side front airbags and headbags, foglights, dual zone climate control, cruise control, CD MP3 radio and aux-in, and 8 speakers.

Press release after the jump.

2009 Seat Ibiza by JE Design

Seat is known for providing economical cars for the markets its sold to (not the U.S.) So if you bought one of these Volkswagens-on-a-budget, the German tuner JE Design is betting that you have a little money left over to customize the car. They have now introduced a customization kit for the Ibiza Sports Coupe 3-door and 5-door.

The new package features a front spoiler, sport radiator grill, center-mounted trapezoidal tailpipe, headlight eyebrows, side skirts, roof spoiler and a rear bumper apron attachment with carbon look. The biggest visual element is the LSD wing doors, which open in a Lamborghini-like manner.

Press release after the jump.

SEAT: There can be only one driver

Seat does not sell cars in the U.S., nor is the Ibiza usually something to get excited about, but they occasionally make good commercials. Watch as the Spanish Volkswagen-on-a-budget people have a little fun with its factory race team. Bonus: the girl is Christina Sure, another racer from Seat’s German touring car series.

Seat Exeo - first official teaser

Seat launched the first official web page of the future Exeo that will make its world debut in 7 days at the Paris Auto Show. The web page reveal a few teasers of the sedan that show us the front grille, the rear and the front-end. The Exeo will be offered in both sedan and station wagon version.

The rear of the car is clearly inspired by the new Audi A4 and the front keeps the same Spanish design first used in the new Ibiza.

Exeo will compete with models like Ford Mondeo, Renault Laguna and Alfa Romeo 159. It will be built in Seat plant from Martorell, Spania starting 2009.