SEAT Toledo Review
Published: 10th January 2006
SEAT Toledo
How It Drove - Performance
The SEAT Toledo 2.0 TDI Sport is powered by a 4 cylinder engine which produces 140 PS at 4000 rpm enabling the Toledo 2.0 TDI to accelerate from 0-62 mph in 10 seconds and continue to a top speed of 125 mph. The Toledo's 2.0 TDI engine offers responsive performance and it certainly felt faster than its quoted 0-62 mph time of 10 seconds.
The 2.0 TDI engine fulfils the EU’s phase 4 emissions regulations and any characteristic diesel chatter is only noticeable at start up or at lower speeds. Fuel consumption is impressive with the 2.0 engine returning approximately 47.9 mpg on a combined cycle. The 2.0 diesel engine delivers plenty of low down torque - ideal for quick getaways and its flexibility compensates for those lazy gearchange's.
The SEAT Toledo 2.0 TDI Sport is equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard which was fluid and easy to operate.
Also available is the 6-speed (DSG) Direct Shift Gearbox (available on the 2.0 TDI 140 PS diesel model only) which provides more economical fuel consumption than a standard automatic gearbox and a pleasant drive and ride without losing torque or acceleration.
How It Drove - Ride/Handling
The new Toledo is equipped with the SEAT-developed Agile Chassis Concept originally developed for the high performance Leon Cupra R. This system provides greater control and greatly enhances safety for the Toledo delivering rapid steering response with surprisingly little body roll, despite its relatively high chassis and seating position and bends can be attacked with enthusiasm. This has been achieved by careful tuning of springs and dampers, specific tyres with a lower slip angle and variable assistance electro-mechanical steering.
The Toledo has MacPherson front suspension with an aluminium subframe and independent multi-link rear suspension that helps deliver a high level of dynamic performance and driving comfort.
The multi-link rear suspension has four links (three transverse and one longitudinal) that control wheel direction and provide exceptional dynamic qualities and driving comfort. With near-perfect wheel alignment, both understeer and slip angles are reduced.
Switchable TCS (Traction Control System) is standard across the entire range and works in conjunction with the engine management to prevent the wheels from skidding or spinning. It also provides that extra bit of control that makes the difference in performance.
ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) with EBA (Emergency Brake Assistance) is standard on the Sport model which detects braking effectiveness on each wheel and adjusts brake force accordingly.
As with all vehicles with a high seating position you do get the
feeling of sitting on rather than in the vehicle but you soon get
used to it. The ride borders a little on the firm side and the road
surface is certainly 'transmitted' to the occupants.
The electro-mechanical power steering is well-weighted, direct and
responsive offering assistance only when the steering wheel is being
either turned or is returning to its original position - reducing
fuel consumption.
