SEAT to launch in China, extending its international reach

2011 SEAT Range

• Company to make official presentation this month at the Shanghai Motor Show
• Presentation of SEAT’s most popular models – the IBIZA and LEON

MARTORELL : April 12, 2011 - For the first time in SEAT’s history the company will be present at the Shanghai Motor Show (April 21-28, 2011) as part of the Brand’s strategy of expansion into new markets. The Company’s immediate objective is to establish the Brand in the mind of potential customers before sales begin with the LEON and IBIZA models in 2012.


SEAT Chairman James Muir said: “the Chinese market offers a great opportunity for a brand like ours. SEAT is synonymous with design, being young in spirit and sportiness, attributes which are greatly appreciated in this market”.

SEAT has identified that there is a large demand for distinctive European cars among consumers in China and believes that the timing is right to expand into this key market. “Our research shows that Chinese car-buyers value performance and dynamism. Furthermore, technology and state-of-the-art engineering are important to them and they are very design conscious. On this basis, we are satisfied that SEAT will bring something fresh and new to the car market in China, helping us to establish a brand identity and a position in the market which is uniquely SEAT’s,” explained Muir.

SEAT’s aim is to gradually enlarge its footprint in China with vehicles manufactured in Spain, at the Martorell production plant.


SEAT is the only company in its sector with the full-range capacity to design, develop, manufacture and market cars in Spain. A member of the Volkswagen Group, the multinational has its headquarters in Martorell (Barcelona), exporting approximately 75% of its production to 72 countries. SEAT is market leader in Spain, and in 2010 reached a trade volume amounting to 4.7 billion euros, with total sales of 339,500 vehicles.

SEAT Group employs 13,000 professionals at its three production centres in Barcelona - Zona Franca, El Prat de Llobregat and Martorell, where it manufactures the highly successful Ibiza and Leon, amongst other models. The Volkswagen Group production facility at Palmela in Portugal supplies the SEAT Alhambra.

The Spanish multinational also has a Centre of Excellence or ‘knowledge hub’, bringing together more than 900 engineers whose remit is to be the driving force behind innovation for the number one industrial investor in R&D+i in Spain. In line with its declared commitment to environmental protection, SEAT undertakes and bases its core activity on criteria of sustainability, namely reduction of CO2 emissions, energy efficiency, as well as recycling and re-use of resources.

[Source : SEAT]

The SEAT Ibiza tops the ‘greencar’ list in Spain

2010 SEAT Production Range

• SEAT also leads the ranks by brand
• One of every two SEAT models registered emits less than 130 g/km
• The Spanish brand firmly stands as the most ecological on the market

MARTORELL : December 13, 2010 - SEAT posted excellent results during the January-October 2010 period in terms of the number of vehicles registered with an emissions level of 130 g/km or less. These figures prove the Spanish brand's dedication to preserving the environment by manufacturing cars with an increasingly lower carbon footprint.


According to the "greencar monitor" report prepared by TNS, the SEAT Ibiza ranks first out of all registered models with emissions levels of 130 g/km or less with a total of 24,047 units, while SEAT is also the overall leading brand in terms of car registrations with the same emissions range with 42,029 units.

Furthermore, the report reveals an interesting fact -- one out of every two SEAT models registered features an emissions level below 130 g/km, and in the case of the Ibiza, seven out of every ten units registered are 'greencars'.

The outstanding result established by the Ibiza is joined by the figures pertaining to the SEAT Leo'n, which adds 10,380 units registered with emissions levels of 130 g/km or less; the SEAT Altea XL, with 4,224 units and the Altea, with a total of 3,378 vehicle registrations until last October.

Despite the current economic downturn, the 'greencar' segment (vehicles that post emissions levels of 130 g/km or less) represents a 43% market share of all vehicles registered in the first ten months of 2010.

[Source : SEAT]

SEAT adds new entry-level version to León-Altea range

2011 SEAT León 1.6 TDI CR 90 hp

• Replaces the 90 hp 1.9 TDI engine
• CO₂ emissions of only 119 g/km on the León and 126 g/km on the Altea range
• Available in Emoción and Reference trim

The 90 hp 1.6 TDI CR engine will be available in Spain on the León-Altea range starting next January 2011. By then all three of the Spanish brand's models will include the new common rail engine in their entire Diesel line-up, which provides enhanced engine performance as well as a considerable decrease in noise levels, fuel consumption and emissions.

2011 SEAT Altea XL 1.6 TDI CR 90 hp

The addition of the 90 hp 1.6 TDI CR power unit has become an enticing entry-level choice on the Diesel engine display of the three models, and replaces the former pump-injector fuelled 90 hp 1.9 TDI version. Mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, the new engine features the DPF particulate filter which fully complies with EU5 emissions legislation.

The engine's performance figures are a clear testimony to the exceptional output it delivers despite requiring even lower fuel consumption and generating fewer emissions. It generates 230 Nm of torque between 1,500 and 2,500 rpm, consumes an average of only 4.5 litres/100 km and emits 119 g/km equipped on the León, compared to 5.0 l/100 km and 135 g/km of the previous 1.9 TDI engine. These results mean that buyers of the Spanish compact are exempt from paying registration tax.

2011 SEAT Altea 1.6 TDI CR 90 hp

The same 1.6 TDI CR engine on the Altea range also delivers better performance compared to the previous version, with an average fuel consumption of only 4.8 l/100 km and emissions of 126 g/km against 5.4 l/100 km and 142 g/km of the outgoing 1.9 TDI unit.

All cars equipped with this engine will still feature the same full standard and optional equipment line-up as on the rest of the range, with Emoción and Reference trim available on the León and Emoción trim on the Altea. The common rail system's greater efficiency and more advanced technology however, has not brought about any price change compared to the versions it will be replacing.

2011 Leo'n-Altea range 1.6 TDI CR 90 hp

[Source : SEAT]

SEAT Ibiza ST – compact dynamics with great usability

2010 SEAT Ibiza ST

• Sporty estate is the third model in the Ibiza line-up
• Expressive design with plenty of load capacity
• Dynamic driving fun with high safety levels
• Six efficient engines, new 1.2 TDI and 1.2 TSI

MARTORELL : February 4, 2010 - With a World Premiere at the Geneva Motorshow, SEAT is pushing forward with its product offensive – the Ibiza ST is the third model to join the successful Spanish line-up. The compact estate car is the perfect vehicle for a youthful and sporty lifestyle, bringing together the brand’s most powerful characteristics – it is emotional and well-designed, it is dynamic and efficient, it is easy to use and financially attainable. SEAT will deliver the Ibiza ST in six modern engine variants and with a broad palette of equipment and technologies. Market launch is planned for early summer.

The stylists at SEAT Design have taken the highly functional concept of the Ibiza ST and clad it in the Spanish brand’s unique design language. Despite the estate layout and generous load capacity, it retains the youthful, sporty character of the Ibiza range. The roofline stretches rearwards, the rear overhang is integrated perfectly into the overall design and the tight span of its flanks lends tautness to its proportions. The front end bears the hallmark SEAT “arrow design”; with the rear end receiving a new look courtesy of the split rear light clusters.

With a length of 4.23 metres, the Ibiza ST is no less than 18 centimetres longer than the Ibiza. This creates ample load capacity to satisfy all the requirements of a sporty and mobile lifestyle. The base capacity of 430 litres is already comparatively generous, and can be increased in stages by folding the split rear seat. Engineers paid particularly close attention to the optimal width and low height of the load opening. Overall, the bodyshell is finished to the high levels of precision and stiffness characteristic of all SEAT models.

The interior of the Ibiza ST is impressively spacious, with an accomplished and high quality character. The designers and engineers paid close attention to the tiniest detail; every single element is functional, practical to use and meticulously crafted, as evidenced by the high material quality and tight tolerances. The cockpit feels taut. Circular air vents, a short gear stick – the emotional character expressed by the design of the Ibiza ST is clearly evident in the interior, too.

Sporty dynamics with a high degree of efficiency is par for the course for every SEAT. The basis for this is delivered by state-of-the-art engines, with the Ibiza ST offering a choice of three petrol and three TDI units with common-rail injection. Four of the six engines operate with direct injection and turbocharging. They span an output range of between 51 and 77 kW (70 to 105 hp). Particular highlights include the exceptionally efficient 1.2 TDI and 1.2 TSI.

Another guarantee of agility and dynamics comes from the precise and safe running gear. Together with the excellent equipment of the three model lines Reference, Style and Sport, as well as the broad range of hi-tech optional equipment – such as the dual-clutch transmission – this makes the Ibiza ST the one to beat in the small estate car segment. Especially as excellent value for money is an integral part of the youthful character that defines this kind of SEAT.

Images : 2010 SEAT Ibiza ST

[Source : SEAT]

Spicy New Seat Ibiza FR Turbodiesel debuts

2010 SEAT Ibiza FR TDI

Continuing the relentless product offensive that in 2009 helped SEAT to an all-time record UK market share of 1.50% (source: SMMT) the sporty Spanish car maker is starting 2010 with yet more exciting new models.

First among these and sure to pique the interest of style- and cost-conscious drivers alike comes an important addition to the Ibiza range in the shape of the Ibiza FR TDI, available in either sporty SC or practical 5dr bodystyles with prices starting at just £16,465 RRP.

Available to order now at SEAT dealerships nationwide with deliveries set to begin in March, the diesel-powered extension to the already impressive Ibiza FR offering underlines SEAT’s commitment to the burgeoning diesel hot hatch class.

The new car’s turbocharged diesel engine is good for a muscular 143 PS – enough to carry it from rest to 62 mph in only 8.2 seconds (8.3 seconds 5dr) and thence onward to a top speed of 130 mph where legal (129 mph 5dr).

Linked as standard to a smooth and precise six-speed manual gearbox the state-of-the-art common rail diesel is fully Euro V-compliant and, in this application, helps the Ibiza to record not only exceptional performance but also remarkable economy.

The fast yet frugal FR TDI is capable of returning 62.7 mpg on the EU’s official combined cycle and the car records an official CO2 figure of just 119 g/km, making it the tax efficient choice both in terms of road fund licence and business drivers’ benefit in kind liabilities.

The option of a 5dr FR, as well as the familiar SC bodystyle which helps SEAT’s petrol-powered hot hatch turn so many heads, means the diesel version is set to have even broader appeal and will doubtless get the attention of drivers looking for a touch more practicality with their auto emoción.

As is customary in today’s SEATs, the Ibiza FR TDI arrives packed to the gunwales with attractive, useful and downright fun equipment.

Standard specification in the newcomer includes climate control, ESP with SEAT’s clever new XDS electronic ‘virtual’ limited slip differential and, of course, exclusive FR detailing inside and out.

SEAT UK’s Ibiza Product Manager, Andy McGregor, said: ‘The arrival of the Ibiza FR TDI signals our intention to make SEAT a leader in the supermini sector.

‘The exceptional success of the Leon FR TDI – it’s the best-selling model in the entire Leon range – proves beyond doubt that we understand the needs of today’s hot hatch fans. The outstanding economy, and performance, offered by these new Ibiza FR TDI models means these cars, too, should power to the top of their class’.

Images : 2010 SEAT Ibiza FR TDI

[Source : SEAT]

Seat quits FIA WTCC

2009 WTCC - SEAT Sport Team

MARTORELL : January 14, 2010 - After achieving all aims set in the World Touring Car Championship, SEAT has newly orientated its motor sports activities for 2010. The Spanish brand will no longer compete with its official team in the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC). SEAT Sport will focus its activities on customer sports in different championships, ranging from the Independent class participants in the World Touring Car Championship to different national championships. Further focus lies on the SEAT León Eurocup and the Supercopa SEAT León that will take place in even more countries in 2010.


With this strategic change SEAT closes a stage, but continues its satisfactory motor sports activities, having more than accomplished the aims that the brand had set itself when it rejoined international competition. In this period the Spanish car manufacturer obtained thirty victories and two WTCC titles. SEAT did not only achieve one of the greatest successes of motor sports and Spanish sports in 2008 and 2009, but also made history in this field being the first brand to win a championship with a diesel-powered engine. This became possible thanks to the León TDI WTCC created and developed in Martorell.

From now on, SEAT Sport will give maximum support to all those drivers who chose the León TDI WTCC, the fuel-powered León FSI WTCC or the León Supercopa/Eurocup that take part in different championships, from road racing to endurance. The technical evolution that SEAT Sport continues providing from his headquarters in Martorell, will allow the drivers to keep fighting for victories and titles.

Jaime Puig, SEAT Sport Director: “After achieving all possible successes with our team in the WTCC, we are now going to focus all our efforts on customer sports in different championships, such as the WTCC, the Eurocup or the Supercopa SEAT León, which will be enjoying a new boost this year with editions in more countries. We are always eager to win when a SEAT is on the track and to do so, SEAT Sport will provide all of our customers with the necessary technical support.”

Dominik Hoberg, SEAT Communications Director: “SEAT will continue with a noteworthy presence in motor sports in 2010, with a team of highly qualified professionals of which we are particularly proud of, but the company will have a different approach as regards to its motor sports activity. The presence of our cars in different championships and countries will continue to be a major value to strengthen our brand image.”

[Source : SEAT]

2011 SEAT LEON

2010 SEAT TRIBU

2014 SEAT ROADSTER