Overall rating:

SEAT's new Toledo looks like a saloon, but features a wide-opening hatchback - just like the original car of the same name. Its boot is cavernous and the cabin is generously proportioned too. Competitive pricing and decent equipment levels make it a real contender for the attention of family buyers, though its value-focused remit is a little at odds with the sporty Latin image SEAT likes to portray.

Key Facts

Model tested: SEAT Toledo 1.6 TDI 105 SE
Pricing: £17,840 (line-up starts at £12,500)
Engine: 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel
Transmission: front-wheel drive, five-speed manual
Body style: five-door hatchback
Rivals: Chevrolet Cruze, Kia cee'd, Skoda Rapid
CO₂ emissions: 114g/km
Combined economy: 64.2mpg
Top speed: 118mph
0-62mph: 10.6 seconds
Power: 105hp at 4,400rpm
Torque: 250Nm at 1,500- to 2,500rpm

In the Metal:

The best word to sum up the exterior design of the SEAT Toledo is simply 'neat'. It's a contemporary shape, if more conservative than SEAT's other forthcoming new models (such as the Leon). The flanks have shades of the current Volkswagen Passat in them and clearly the overall profile is shared with the Skoda Rapid it was developed in conjunction with. There are plenty of SEAT-specific details, but not so many to justify using the word 'sporty' anywhere in this car's description.

Nonetheless, the interior is simply brilliant. While there's little in the way of design flair - or soft-touch materials for that matter - there's generous room front and rear and a simply huge 550-litre boot. Buyers can choose between all-black or black and beige colour schemes - and the latter really brightens things up. Remove the SEAT badges and this cabin could be from any brand in the Volkswagen Group portfolio, though there's a clear gap between it and say the new Golf in terms of ambience and 'perceived quality'.

Driving it:

So long as you don't buy the Toledo with sporting dynamics in mind you won't be disappointed. It's competent and, as mentioned elsewhere, a good all-rounder. At a high-speed cruise it proved to be stable and refined, while its damping deals with undulations ably. In tighter cornering it's safe and predictable. The steering hasn't a lot of feel, but the five-speed gearbox and the pedals are light and easy to use and hence the car feels light and agile on the road. Visibility is noticeably good thanks to relatively slender A-pillars.

The 1.6-litre TDI 105 engine is relatively hushed, thanks in part to a high top gear in the five-speed manual gearbox. There's plenty of in-gear performance too. We also tried the 1.2-litre TSI petrol engine in 85- and 105hp formats and it's a willing powerplant that thrives on revs. If you don't travel too far in your car it's worth considering these as cheaper alternatives to the default diesel choice.

What you get for your Money:

SEAT UK will offer the Toledo in E, S, SE, S Ecomotive and SE Ecomotive from the end of September, though not all engines will be available immediately. Glossing over the basic E version (SEAT reckons most buyers will go for SE anyway), the Toledo S comes with air conditioning, Bluetooth, a multifunction steering wheel (in soft, tactile rubber/plastic as opposed to leather), electric front windows, stability and traction control, plenty of airbags and a split-fold rear seat.

SE adds 16-inch alloy wheels, climate control, front fog lights, cruise control, a leather steering wheel, electric rear windows and more.

Worth Noting

Historically the Toledo has been a huge success for SEAT - especially the first two generations of the model. It's hoping that the new version can repeat that, backed up by a whole new line-up of models. We got a glimpse at the Spanish company's plans for the next two years and they include a distinctly sporty Leon SC three-door hatchback, a Leon ST estate and an all-new SEAT SUV based on the platform of the Volkswagen Tiguan.

Summary

There may not be anything ground-breaking about the Toledo, but it puts forward a persuasive logical argument and will no doubt help SEAT continue to grow - especially in the fleet market. It's equally impressive a family car though.