Seat->ke80 is getting ready to step up its game in the four-door coupe SUV arena with its latest 20V20 crossover concept. Hitting the stage for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show->ke228 this year, the Spanish-automaker has utilized the MQB platform architecture, with the possibility of a sportier Cupra version currently heard whispered from the rumor mill.

The 20V20 name is an allusion to “vision veinte veinte,” which is Spanish for 20:20. With this model, Seat hopes to project itself some five years into the future, using the design language to draw in a younger consumer crowd: “Design is already one of the most important reasons for buying a Seat and we intend to build on this strength, along with technology,” says Jürgen Stackmann, Chairman and CEO of Seat S.A., in a press release. “Many details of the 20V20 will be evident in future production models. Also important is the fact that we are now applying the winning Leon->ke316 formula to the entire range and for sure it will be the winning Seat formula for the future”.

Clearly, the 20V20 is a calling card for Seat’s forthcoming models. Read on to see what you should expect.

Continue reading to learn more about the Seat 20V20.

2015 Seat 20V20

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Seat 20V20
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Using the classic proportions of an SUV four-door sport coupe, the 20V20 concept is painted in a radiant shade of “ultra orange,” which is fitting considering the “look-at-me” proportions and handsome design lines. The greenhouse is low, while the roofline is straight, angling towards the rear hatch with a slant above the front windows. Seat says it’s “in no way aggressive,” but I’ll have to disagree – I think, over all, it’s simple and elegant, but definitely chiseled and asserting its sporting intentions. Robust is another word that comes to mind, like a sharper, less bulbous X6.->ke2396 

The enormous fender wells swallow up equally large 20-inch wheels, while triangular, adaptive full-LED headlamps help create a look that’s simple but bold. The design language makes it appear larger than it really is, with an overall length of 183.42 inches. The wheelbase is extended at 109.88 inches, sporting a width of 64.88 inches in front and 64.48 inches in the rear. Ground clearance is nearly 9-inches.

Seat used the letter X when considering fundamental design elements, as is evident when the vehicle is viewed from the either the front or the rear. The hood features a prominent V-shape, which is continued down into the front grille, flaring up and out in opposition to the lower air intake. Like the headlights, the rear tail lamps are also triangular, accentuating the inward slope of the hatch as it meets the outward angles of the lower bumper. “We love the triangle at Seat Design,” says Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos, Seat designer-in-chief, in a press release. “It isn’t unstable like a circle or immobile like a rectangle. The triangle has direction; it is always dynamic.”

Exterior Dimensions

Length

4,659 MM (183.42 Inches)

Wheelbase

2,791 MM (109.88 Inches)

Width (front)

1,648 MM (64.88 Inches)

Width (rear)

1,638 MM (64.48 Inches)


Interior

Seating inside the 20V20 offers enough space for five adults, with a host of premium technology and materials on hand to enhance the experience. High-quality natural leather, aluminum, high-gloss plastic, and dark glass are all included. The leather comes in saddle brown from Italian producer Poltrona Frau. Contrasting orange stitching mirrors the paint hue adorning the exterior body panels. As expected, the triangle makes numerous appearances as a prominent geometric design feature.

21.2 cubic feet of luggage space is available before any of the seats are moved. Load levels for the rear hatch are at 31.3 inches, while two luggage trolleys help keep baggage nicely sorted.

With the 20V20, Seat is offering a piece of tech called a Personal Drive Device. No larger than a big coin, the PDD acts as an ignition key, mounting to the central console using magnets. It’s also an operational interface once inside the car. Taken out of the cabin, this same piece of equipment can be used as a navigation system to guide you back to the 20V20 if you happen to forget its whereabouts in a large parking garage. It has the ability to remotely control functions like stationary heating, cooling, as well as the charging process on plug-in hybrid models. In all, it’s a cool way to customize your car quickly and easily.

The control center is a continuous high-gloss black piece set with three TFT screens. The largest of these measures in at 12.3 inches and works as the Virtual Cockpit, providing the driver with pertinent information like navigation, entertainment, and serving as the hub for connectivity functions shared between the other screens. These are all highly programmable via the Seat Drive Profile, further increasing customization. Voice command is used extensively. Mobile phones can sync with Bluetooth, while inductive charging is available via the center console Charge Box. An additional touchscreen in the rear extends infotainment control to passengers in the back seats.

The 20V20 uses a high shoulder line to help create a sense of solidity, while a continuous “enveloping line” is used to further the impression of spaciousness. Seat designers say this combination renders something called the “loft effect,” which I understand to be a feeling of safe insulation coupled with openness.

Drivetrain

Details on the drivetrain underneath the 20V20 are not as extensive as those offered for the exterior and interior, but Seat did outline two different powerplant options. These include both a TSI gas-powered unit with roughly 295 horsepower, as well as a TDI oil-burner with 236 horsepower. Seat says both will have the option of adding plug-in hybrid equipment for the opportunity of all-electric driving. A DSG transmission routes the power down through an electronically controlled all-wheel drive system for max grip.

Prices

While just a concept, I’d expect a production version of the 20V20 to leave dealerships at around £30,000, which converts to $46,097 at current exchange rates. That would make it one of the most expensive Seats available, but given the large amount of equipment and generous design specs, the figure isn’t totally out of step with the market.

Competition

Infiniti QX70

Infiniti->ke36 originally offered this five-passenger sports crossover in 2002 as the FX,->ke1260 but changed the name to QX70 in late 2013. Using Nissan’s->ke62 FM platform, the QX70 has undergone extensive improvements throughout the model years, with higher output engines that offer increased fuel economy, improved interior equipment, and additional technology upgrades.

The exterior design of the QX70 is curvaceous, and employs a greater variety of swoops and bends over the design of the new Seat concept. The Infiniti is substantially larger than the Seat, at 191.3 inches in length and 75.9 inches in width. The QX70 is also lower, with only 7.36 inches of ground clearance. Standard features include HID bi-functional projector headlights, an LED stoplight, privacy glass rear windows, heated side mirrors, and a dark chrome front grille. The hood and doors are made from aluminum for even weight distribution.

The interior is characterized by plush materials and advanced gadgetry. The sporty seats come with optional quilted leather, while general ergonomics are good. A premium Bose sound system with 11 speakers, AM/FM/CD, USB media interface, and SiriusXM radio keep passengers entertained. A Hard Drive Navigation system, NavTraffic, NavWeather, Bluetooth connectivity, and Infiniti’s Around View Monitor assist the driver. With the seats nice and flat, rear cargo room is rated at 62 cubic feet.

Infiniti offers two different drivetrain options for motive power, including an all-aluminum 3.7-liter V-6 producing 325 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, plus a 5.0-liter V-8 with 390 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Routing power for both units is a seven-speed automatic transmission controlled via magnesium paddle shifters. Putting the power down is a rear-biased AWD system.

Pricing for the 3.7-liter engine-equipped QX70 starts at $45,750.

Audi Q7

Originally unveiled in 2005 at the Frankfurt Motor Show,->ke235 Audi->ke14 has redesigned the Q7 for the 2016 model year. Retaining the typical four ring look and exterior features, like a large single front grille and squared headlights, the model’s overall curb weight has seen a major reduction. In total, a massive 716 pounds were slashed when compared to the previous model.

Storage in the rear of the cabin for the five-seat model is 31.4 cubic feet, which is increased to 73.3 feet with the second row folded. Either Cricket or Valcona leather is used in the upholstery, with a bit of Alcantara thrown in for good measure. Aluminum, wood, and Beaufort walnut round out trim materials. Several controls have been moved from analog buttons to the TFT screen. There’s a new MMI system plus up to two rear-mounted 10.1-inch tablet monitors. Wifi enables these tablets to wirelessly connect to the car’s radio, media, and navigation.

Behind that vast grille, Audi offers many different engine options. For gasoline-powered variants, these include a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 252 horsepower and 272 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.0-liter V-6 with 333 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque.

A 3.0-liter TDI diesel mill with 272 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque is available for gas-burner lovers, while the forthcoming Q7 e-tron promises a combination of diesel and electric power for 373 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Each engine is mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox.

Prices start at $48,300, but quickly rise as additional options are checked.

Conclusion

While still only a concept, rumors have it that Seat is planning to take the 20V20 to production within the next few years, employing the Czech Republic-based auto manufacturer Skoda->ke82 to put it together.

While impressive inside and out, the 20V20 would be entering a market segment that is already quite bloated. Sporty crossovers are immensely popular, but with so many other options to choose from, it might be difficult for Seat to stand out from the crowd.

One way the company could do it would be to keep the concept’s fantastic exterior design somewhat intact. The advanced technological features, like the Personal Drive Device, are equally enticing. But these are features not normally associated with affordability, which might make it a tough sell in the face of brands customarily associated with high luxury.

However, as a vision for future design, the 20V20 looks quite good. We’ll just have to wait and see what comes out in the wash.