The SEAT Toledo is an automobile built and marketed by SEAT, a division of the Volkswagen Group. The Toledo brand name was first introduced to the SEAT line-up in 1991, and the third generation was introduced in late 2004.
First generation (1991-1999)
The Toledo was the first SEAT developed entirely under VW leadership. The first generation was built on the Volkswagen Golf Mk.III chassis, but the body was much larger, very close in size to the Passat. In spite of having a sedan body, the Toledo was unusual in that it featured a hatchback boot opening. Being a cheap alternative in the midsize family segment, the Toledo initially featured underpowered engines (standard for VW at the time) compared to the Ibiza and Malaga 's System Porsche units, such as a base 1.6 L with 75 bhp (55 kW) and a GT version using the 2.0 L/115 bhp (85 kW) engine. Later the Toledo would see the addition of more powerful versions, including a 150 bhp (110 kW) 2.0 L GTI 16V and 110 bhp (81 kW) 1.9 TDI. A restyling was also applied to the body in 1996.
Second generation (1999-2004)
The second generation was introduced in 1999. The previously boxy shape was replaced by a much more fluid latin design, although both were products of Giorgetto Giugiaro's Ital Design studio. Now built on the Golf Mk.IV platform, the Toledo was still presented as an economic alternative to the lower level of the D-segment. Unfortunately, one of the features most associated with the Spanish model, the hatchback door, was removed in favor of a more traditional sedan boot opening (in 2000, the Toledo would be spun into a proper hatchback, the León). Base model was now a crossflow 1.6 L/100 bhp (74 kW), while the top of the line was represented by the 2.3 L/150 bhp (110 kw) V5 engine. Still, the more interesting versions used the 1.9 TDI engine, with a variable geometry turbine and power of 110 bhp (81 kW). Later in the series, the Toledo received a 1.8 Turbo with five valves per cylinder, capable of delivering 180 bhp (132 kW) and the final evolution of the VW TDI engine, which pumped out 150 bhp (110 kW). Both versions featured a six-speed manual transmission.
Third generation (2004- )
The third generation was introduced in 2004, and it is completely different from the previous two. Abandoning the sedan design, the Toledo Mk.III uses a very controversial design, penned by Walter de Silva , becoming a tall-bodied hatchback with the Altea MPV and a rear end inspired in the not very successful Renault Vel Satis, paying homage to the original Toledo's hatchback rear. All pretense of a sporty identity was thrown out, in favour of a more upscale and alternative image. A class-leading luggage compartment capable of holding over 500 litres (DIN) is its most interesting feature. Under the bodywork, the Seat Toledo uses the same underpinnings as the VW Golf Mk.V.
