•    The Exeo estate version is the overall winner in its category

•    The Altea XL takes second in the Compact/Mini Van category

•    The Ibiza and León also score well for SEAT

No less than four SEAT models can be found in the leading positions of the Company Car 2009 list after a thorough evaluation made by 150 fleet car managers of the German trade publication ‘Firmenauto’ and the prestigious DEKRA vehicle inspection experts. The new Exeo ST was the brilliant winner in its category, while the judges considered it third in the general classification. In addition, the Altea XL took second place among the compact vans, the Ibiza came in second in the small imported car category, and the León was third in the compact car division.

This is the first prize given to the Exeo ST since its recent market launch. SEAT’s new model came out ahead of its rivals based on its excellent performance and moderate fuel consumption figures, as well as its hallmark refinement and subtle sportiness. It is truly an option to keep in mind for customers hailing from the highly competitive fleet market.

The Altea XL clearly impressed the judges with its innovative design, roomy passenger compartment and generous equipment line-up. Its second place win in the Compact/Mini Van category complements the first place win by the SEAT Altea in the DEKRA 2009 report, which analyses vehicle defects in several mileage ranges, in the Van category with between 50,000 and 100,000 kilometres.

Equipped with an engine range famous for its reduced fuel consumption figures and emissions levels, and an extensive standard equipment list that includes ABS, ESP and TCS + EBA, driver and passenger airbags, head-thorax airbags and hill hold control, the SEAT Ibiza came in second in its category. This outstanding result clearly strengthens the Spanish model’s leadership in its segment.

Finally, the new styling found on the León 2009, its updated engine line-up, signature sportiness and functional 5-door body choice were decisive reasons for granting it a third place win among the compact cars, and a fantastic result for SEAT at Germany’s Company Car 2009 awards ceremony.

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Seat: The new Exeo ST is the “Company Car 2009” in Germany

In both its 5-door and SC version, the SEAT Ibiza is still racking up distinctions. This time, the popular Spanish model has been singled out as the most secure in the ‘City Car/Supermini’ category with the prestigious British Insurance Vehicle Security (BIVS) Award, presented by Thatcham, the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre located in the county of Berkshire, England.

This is the first time a SEAT vehicle has been chosen for this significant award. It places the Ibiza in an enviable position compared to its rivals in terms of security.

The BIVS Awards were established in 2004 to recognise those manufacturers who have produced the most secure cars, and to make consumers aware that the selected models offer the highest levels of security.

The SEAT Ibiza ranked an impressive 5 stars (out of a possible 5) in Thatcham’s New Vehicle Security Register (NVSR) ‘theft of’ category and 4 stars (out of 5) for ‘theft from’, taking into account several aspects such as an electronic security system, the car’s interior and exterior security features, peripheral locks and mechanisms, vehicle code information and glazing, among others.

The Ibiza range is currently expanding. The new Ibiza FR and CUPRA, and the new 90 hp 1.6 TDI CR engine will be in the official SEAT dealerships this month, while the concept-car inspired Bocanegra version is going on sale in September. This attractive line-up will be joined next year by the launch of the Ibiza ST.

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The SEAT Ibiza is the most secure vehicle in its segment in Great Britain

This year the Geneva Motor Show is one of the most significant stages for SEAT since the Spanish brand is showcasing several novelties in its range of vehicles as part of the company’s product expansion strategy, which includes the arrival of up to ten new models in the next six months.

SEAT will be presenting the newest, most modern and up to date range on the market, featuring the Exeo station wagon, called Exeo ST, the new SEAT León and Altea 2009 models, with a completely revamped look and the addition of common rail Diesel engines, and the León ECOMOTIVE Concept prototype, with its record-setting emissions levels of only 99 g/km of CO2.

This morning, SEAT president Erich Schmitt stressed the importance the arrival of new models has for the brand, stating “we have completely renewed our product line-up and have invested in new vehicles and technology. The result is on display today, with no less than seven vehicles showcased, including one prototype.”

The family size version of the Exeo arrives

Coinciding with the commercial launch of the sedan, SEAT is presenting the Exeo ST in Geneva, the family size version of the new model that will make its way onto the market in July, whose engine range and equipment list will be identical to those of the four-door version.

The new Exeo ST features outstanding practicality and functionality. Its family styling and new rear hatch increase load capabilities and comfort, with broader access and a flat cargo area. The new model features greater storage volume compared to the sedan by allowing objects to be loaded up to the ceiling. Furthermore, the Exeo ST is also equipped with an upper cargo net that increases safety by preventing objects from falling into the passenger compartment.

The only differences compared to the sedan lay in the length of the body, which is 4.666 metres long, and the boot volume, of 442 litres. This model will be wholly manufactured at the Martorell factory near Barcelona.

The mid range evolves

Another novelty presented by SEAT at the Geneva Motor Show is the new exterior and interior looks of the León model and the Altea range.

With this unmistakeable evolution, the Spanish brand’s mid-range undergoes a considerable exterior design transformation, mainly affecting the front end, with a new bumper, a newly designed grille with a smaller SEAT brand logo and a more stylish chrome surround, larger headlights and newly designed door mirrors; and a broader rear window for better visibility, a new hatch and new light clusters, among others, at the rear end.

On the inside, the instrument panel, central console and door panels have undergone considerable modifications, resulting in an ergonomically modern passenger compartment.

Customers can choose from five petrol and four Diesel engine variations, featuring common rail technology on the 170 hp 2.0 TDI unit. There are two new petrol engines to choose from – the 160 hp 1.8 TSI, now available with a 7-speed DSG gearbox, and the 211 hp 2.0 TSI, which is exclusive to the León FR and the Altea freetrack. All the models equipped with an automatic sequential DSG gearbox include steering wheel shift paddles, except the 105 hp 1.9 TDI unit.

The company’s new vehicles will feature an extensive equipment list in combination with the Reference, Style and Sport trim levels. The XDS system will be included for the first time, exclusive to the new León 2009, which functions as a self-blocking mechanism but achieved through an electronic device. Further elements will include hill hold control, double xenon AFS headlights with daytime driving lights, a new climate control and new audio equipment, cornering foglights, front and rear parking sensors and an optical parking system visible on the new navigation system’s display panel.

León ECOMOTIVE Concept: a record setter in its segment

SEAT is taking confident strides in its efforts to reduce its cars’ emissions levels and fuel consumption figures. At the beginning of January the company published news of its León Twin Drive Ecomotive electric car project slated for 2014, and at the Geneva Motor Show the Spanish brand is unveiling the new SEAT León Ecomotive Concept.

The company’s prototype features the new 105 hp 1.6 TDI engine equipped with the DPF particulate filter and common rail technology, which greatly contribute to lowering average combined fuel consumption figures and emissions levels compared to the basic version it derives from, delivering a spectacular consumption of 3.8 litres for every 100 kilometres and 99 g/km of CO2 emissions, making the León ECOMOTIVE Concept the most ecological compact car in its segment together with the VW Golf Bluemotion.

A total of 20 g/km has been knocked off thanks to the addition of the new Auto Start/Stop system and the energy recuperation function, two completely new functions in the SEAT range. The new ecological León will shortly join the brand’s ECOMOTIVE range, where the 98 g/km Ibiza and the 159 g/km Alhambra are the most ecological models in their respective ranges, besides the León ECOMOTIVE 2009, with emissions levels of 119 g/km.

Source: SEAT / Fotos © SEAT

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GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: SEAT is presenting the most modern range on the market

• Three petrol engines, three common rail Diesel engines and three generous  equipment levels

• The entire range complies with EU5 emissions legislation

SEAT is making a big entrance in the saloon segment with a great car.  The Exeo stands out as one of the most advanced models in its category and features very competitive pricing. The Spanish company has entered the prestigious B segment with a product that combines luxury, comfort and spaciousness with the underlying sports philosophy that characterises all its models.

The SEAT Exeo offer includes six engine choices, three petrol and three Diesel, the latter being equipped with advanced common rail technology for the first time. The entire range complies with stringent EU5 emissions legislation, and is available in three trim levels – Reference, Style and Sport.

New to the segment

The arrival of the new SEAT Exeo signals the Spanish brand’s move into the B segment, which is the third most important in the European market. Not only will this move attract new customers, but will also allow current SEAT owners to step up to a better, larger model. Importantly, too, many of these new SEAT customers will hail from what is known as the “company car” sector, which makes up a broad percentage of sales in this segment.

The Martorell factory has been adapted in record time to begin production of the SEAT Exeo. The process has taken 18 months, including  the development and organisation of  the 15,000 square metres of facilities to suit production of the Spanish brand’s new saloon. The assembly line has the capacity to produce 450 car bodies daily of the sedan and ST versions, although the initial production output will be lower. The Shingijutsu system has been applied to deliver the highest productivity, which optimises all the processes in order to achieve the highest quality in the shortest time.

A quick look at the exterior of the new Exeo reveals its elegant lines. On one hand, its size and distinctive touches display its saloon traits, while the characteristic SEAT features insinuate its sporty philosophy and enhance its sporty looks with the Arrow Design at the front, the brand logo that doubles as a boot latch at the rear, and the side mirrors located on the door panels.

The chassis of the new Exeo also bears the brand’s DNA. There’s a multi-link suspension system front and rear, and SEAT’s new vehicle features ratings that provide sporty, dynamic performance.

The arrival of common rail

The new SEAT Exeo not only signals the brand’s arrival in the saloon segment, but is also a breakthrough for common rail Diesel engines. They provide lower emissions levels, better fuel consumption figures and lower noise levels. The launch will include the 170 and143 hp models, and will be joined by a further 120 hp model in September. They all feature an optimised DPF particulate filter, helping to make them compliant with the strict EU5 emissions legislation that will become compulsory in 2011.

The petrol range also contains three engines: the 102 hp 1.6, the 150 hp 1.8 turbo and the direct injection 2.0 TSI that delivers 200 hp. All the petrol-powered models also comply with EU5 emissions guidelines, making the SEAT Exeo the first model in this segment whose entire range complies with these strict measures. It is also further proof of the brand’s constant commitment to sustainable development.

The 143 hp Diesel engine’s emissions reach 143 g of CO2 per kilometre and 153 g on the 170 hp model, while the figures for the 1.6 petrol engine are 175 g/km, 184 g/km on the 1.8 and 179 g/km on the 2.0 TSI. Five of the six available engines are turbo-charged, which results in better performance and lower fuel consumption and emissions figures.

All the engine choices are equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox, with an automatic, sequential Multitronic system planned for the 2.0 TSI before the end of the year.

Luxurious and well-appointed

A close look at the new SEAT Exeo reveals impressive quality, luxury and standard equipment levels. From its silhouette to its cosy interior and extensive range of elements, luxury and comfort combine with the sportiness that is characteristic of the brand’s products.

There is an exciting range of 14 body colours and six luxurious interior trim levels to choose from. The entry-level Reference version features seven airbags as standard, with two additional rear seat thorax airbags optionally available across the entire range. The Reference version also features, as standard, dual zone climate control, ABS + TCS, ESP with EBA emergency braking, 16-inch steel rims, trip computer, front and rear power windows, heated electric door mirrors, fog lights, remote controlled central locking, CD radio with MP3, aux-in and four speakers, and Isofix anchoring points on the front passenger seat and rear window seats with the additional Top Tether, among many other things. For those looking for more, the Style and Sport versions are equipped with even more generous levels of standard equipment.

The Exeo is available with a latest-generation navigation system, a new infotainment system with numerous functions and connectivity options (MP3, IPODâ, USB, Bluetooth), as well as a hi-tech sunroof equipped with solar cells that generate power to run the ventilation system and cool the interior while the car is parked with the engine off – thereby removing the risk of running down the battery.

Source / Advanced Information: SEAT Media Center

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SEAT: Making a grand entrance

SEAT receives a historic prize for the Ibiza in Madrid

- The model receives a prize like this for the first time
- The Ibiza celebrates its 25th anniversary in a grand way
- Best-selling car in its segment since 2001

The new SEAT Ibiza continues to pick up awards and distinctions. This time, the publishing group Prensa Ibérica, the La Vanguardia newspaper and the specialised magazine Autofácil gave the “Car of the Year by the Readers 2009” award to the new generation of the SEAT Ibiza yesterday evening in Madrid. The prize is an enormous satisfaction for the Spanish brand.

The ceremony was attended by several national celebrities from the automotive sector, executive management of the prize givers and members of the specialised press. SEAT’s representation was led by the brand’s Communication Director, Isabel Videira, who was also in charge of receiving the award from La Vanguardia publisher Javier Godó, Count of Godó.

When accepting the award, Isabel Videira said “It’s a great honour for me to accept this award for the SEAT Ibiza. This recognition is very special for us, as it has been given by all the readers of Prensa Ibérica, La Vanguardia and Autofácil. This prize is also special since our most popular model is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, and because it is the first time the Ibiza has received a similar distinction. But the aspect for which the Ibiza has been recognised every year is the trust placed in it by its buyers, who have made it the best-selling car in its segment since 2001.”

The Car of the Year voting took place from the beginning of November 2008 until 15 December through SMS messages, telephone calls and the www.mejorcoche.epi.es webpage. The SEAT Ibiza won after receiving 22.94% of the readers’ votes, followed by the Citroën C5, with 21.61%, and the Opel Insignia, with 20,95%. The three models that completed the list of six finalists were the Lancia Delta (16.09% of the votes), Renault Mégane (11.97%) and the Ford Fiesta (6.44%).

Currently made up of two body styles – 5-door and SC, and a total of six engine choices – three Diesel and three petrol, the Ibiza range continues to grow. Besides the recent launch of the Ibiza SC Color Edition versions and the upcoming commercialisation of the new ECOMOTIVE version, the long-awaited FR and CUPRA versions will be coming out in the near future.

Source: SEAT.com

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SEAT receives a historic prize for the Ibiza in Madrid

At this event several conferences were given by top-class specialists from companies such as Telefónica R&D, FICOSA; T-Systems, AT4 Wireless, GMV and SEAT’s Technical Centre. Other participants were the University of Alcalá de Henares, the ETSEIB itself and the Valencia Biomechanical Institute.

The official opening was attended by Jordi Gené, a SEAT Sport driver, winner of the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC), who gave a talk about the application of ICT to motor competition.

Additionally, Juan Manuel Marco, manager of electrical and electronic development at SEAT’s Technical Centre, highlighted the importance of ICT in the automotive industry today and tomorrow, as well as the need for real-time information on road conditions, road services, and its impact on good and effective driving.

‘2nd Car Design Day – SEAT-Elisava projects’

But this is not the only example of SEAT’s engagement with the academic world. In the afternoon SEAT participated in the ‘2nd Car Design Day – SEAT-Elisava projects’, held at the Elisava Design School.

The opening session was attended by Aleix Carrió (Chairman of the Elisava Foundation Trustees’ Board), Xavier Costa (Director of the Elisava Design School), as well as Carmen Tamayo, Manager of Personnel Development of SEAT.

The day began with the presentation of three projects by students from the centre, tutored by SEAT, which might well become designs of future models of the brand: a futurist 4×4, the coupe of the 21st century, and a new concept for a single-seater.

Later, students were given first-hand knowledge of how a new vehicle evolves, from the initial idea to the go-ahead, as well as the techniques and processes which follow other in SEAT in car design.

Design is precisely one of SEAT’s distinguishing features, and one of the most visible marks of the Spanish brand. Hence SEAT’s collaboration with Elisava, the first design school created in Spain, thus supporting future designers both in logistics and training.

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SEAT promotes ‘International ICT Forum in automotive industry’