The 2005 model year brings some changes to the SEAT range in time for the new "54" registration in September. There are new model derivative names, revised specifications and a special offer to "move up" on some models.
Altea
The Altea is the latest addition to the range and the first of a new generation of cars which will be instantly recognisable as SEAT by their distinctive design. The eight model Altea line up of spacious and versatile, five-seat, five-door family cars went on sale in July and is already acclaimed for its striking styling and innovative touches such as the windscreen wipers concealed in the A-pillars. It is available in three trim levels, in addition to a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines and features five- and six-speed manual, Tiptronic and DSG gearboxes. On the road prices start at £12,850 for the Altea 1.6 Reference rising to £17,600 for the Altea Sport 2.0 TDi with DSG gearbox.
The entry model is the far from basic Altea Reference. It has a choice of 1.6-litre petrol or
1.9-litre turbo diesel engines (developing 102PS and 105PS respectively) linked to a five-speed manual gearbox. Standard equipment includes six airbags, (front, side and curtain), air conditioning, ABS, TCS, electro-mechanical power steering, 6-speaker radio/CD, electric front windows, remote central locking and a driver’s seat with height and lumbar adjustment. The 1.9 TDi Reference is priced at £14,000.
Next up is the Altea Stylance which has the same engine choice as Reference but gains extra equipment. Two-zone climate control, an eight-speaker audio system with controls on the steering wheel, cruise control, 16 inch seven-spoke alloy wheels, illuminated sun visor mirrors, height and lumbar adjustable passenger seat and leather steering wheel and gear knob are all standard. The Altea 1.6 Stylance is priced at £13,900 and the 1.9 TDi Stylance at £15,050.
The top of the range Altea Sport has the choice of two completely new engines to SEAT. The petrol engine is the most powerful in the range, a 2.0-litre FSi unit linked to a six-speed manual gearbox developing 150PS. The second engine is a powerful EU4 compliant 2.0-litre TDi unit, also with six-speed manual gearbox, which develops 140PS. The equipment list gains over Stylance models are ESP (Electronic Stability Program) and EBA (Emergency brake assistance), racey five-spoke alloy wheels, sports suspension and sports seats. The 2.0 FSi costs £16,000 and the 2.0 TDi £16,700. Both Sport models have an optional gearbox choice. With the FSi a Tiptronic unit is available and with the TDi the latest DSG gearbox is an alternative.
Ibiza
The line up of SEAT’s best-selling model, the Ibiza, was recently revised but now it benefits from a few more enhancements. Reference models (starting at £8000 for the three-door hatch) now have standard 15" steel wheels (14" on 1.2 models) with smart new trims, new standard interior upholstery called "Motion" or an optional blue colour concept interior called "Costa". Cruise control is now also available on Reference as a factory fit option. Three three-point rear seat belts become standard across the range including FR and Cupra models.
Sporty diesel-powered Ibizas at the same price as petrol
Recent price drops on the Ibiza’s most sporty models, FR and Cupra, make the diesel versions unbeatable value. Unusually, there is no price premium for the Ibiza FR powered by the
1.9-litre 130PS TDi engine over its 1.8-litre 20V T 150PS petrol powered sister, which are both amazing value at £12,950. It’s the same story with the Ibiza Cupra TDi, the most powerful diesel-engined supermini available on the market, as it is priced exactly the same as its 1.8 20V T 180PS petrol counterpart at £15,500 on the road.
SEAT’s "move up" offer makes the Ibiza a particularly attractive buy in September. Customers ordering an Ibiza 1.2 S (from £8300) will have their order automatically upgraded to the higher specification 1.2 SX worth £500 more, and gain climate control, alloy wheels, fog lights and SX trim into the bargain.
Cordoba
In line with the new derivative names on Altea and Ibiza, Cordoba also has some changes. The S model is now called Reference, and SE models become Stylance. There are similar specification changes to Ibiza too, with 15" steel wheels, new wheel trims, new "Motion" and "Costa" interiors and the cruise control option on Reference models.
Leon
2005 Leon models will also benefit from improved specification. All models now have illuminated vanity mirrors and front fog lights become standard across the range. SE models have new sporty five-spoke alloy wheels, electric folding door mirrors, 12V socket in the boot and titanium coloured trim on the console. The 1.8-litre petrol Leon SE now equals its TDi counterpart for specification by including a trip computer in the standard equipment. Cupra models also gain the 12V socket in the boot.
Leon also offers the chance for customers to "move up" from the 1.6 S (£11,215) to the 1.6 SX worth £1000 more at no cost. Climate control, traction control, electric windows, special alloys, alarm, sports seats and SX trim are just some of the gains.
Toledo
The Toledo range of eight family saloons in four specifications (S, SE, Sport and V5) with a price to suit every pocket (£13,265 to £16,715) remains unchanged. There is a choice of six petrol and diesel engines with power outputs from 110 to 180PS. The "move up" offer on Toledo transforms the 1.9 TDi SE (£14,665) with 110PS to the higher powered SE 130PS (£15,165) and gains a 6-speed gearbox and sports suspension while saving £500.
Alhambra
There are no specification changes for 2005 on SEAT’s seven-seater MPV, the Alhambra, but the range is adopting the new style derivative names. Alhambra S becomes Alhambra Reference, SX remains SX, SE becomes Stylance and Sport remains as Sport. The range has a choice of two petrol engines (2.0-litre 115PS and 2.8-litre 204PS) and two diesel engines
(1.9 TDi PD 115PS and 1.9 TDi PD 130 PS). Until the end of the year the 1.9 TDi PD 115PS Reference (£18,215) model will become the Alhambra 130PS SX when customers choose to "move up" a class. This means a £1000 saving, 15PS more, cruise control, trays on the front seat backs, six seats plus a cool/warm box and an extra seventh seat to replace the cool box when needed.
All prices are on the road including VAT, delivery, plates, first registration fee, 12 months road fund licence, 3 years warranty and SEAT Assistance including breakdown cover in Europe.
SEAT’s "move up" offer runs until 31 December 2004.
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