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The new Alhambra – highly functional and efficient perfect for the active family

•    All-new model range with the latest technology
•    Intelligent versatility with up to seven seats and sliding doors
•    Surprisingly dynamic with outstanding efficiency
•    TDI and TSI power units with the lowest CO2 emissions in the segment
•    Innovative hi-tech equipment, exceptional quality standards

The new SEAT Alhambra is the perfect companion for an active and sporty lifestyle. The Spanish brand‘s all-new Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) offers far more than plenty of space for family, business and hobbies. Its innovative versatility fits just as well to family requirements as it does to the demands of the high-mileage business driver. Just like every SEAT, sporting character and driving fun stand side by side with a high degree of usability. Thanks to its surprisingly dynamic handling, powerful drivelines ranging from 140 to 200 hp and the latest hi-tech equipment, every kilometre driven in the Alhambra is a joy – especially as they don’t come at the expense of outstanding efficiency. With average fuel consumption of only 5.5 litres, the Alhambra sets a benchmark in its segment.
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Popularity: 1% [?]

SEAT IBE CONCEPT

The young sports car for the electric age

•    Dynamic concept for urban mobility
•    Stunning evolution of design DNA
•    Electric drive with 75 kW (102 hp) for zero-emissions driving
•    Continuation of efficiency strategy
•    Development of electric car expertise in Spain under SEAT leadership

SEAT is delivering a powerful statement with a compact sports coup? that carries stunning design and great driving fun into the age of electric mobility. The SEAT IBE concept car uses the zero-emissions drive of the future in a sporty and dynamic concept for urban mobility, while the clean, athletic styling of the IBE concept offers an exciting perspective on the ongoing development of the next generation of SEAT design. Powerful proportions and a precise, clear design language define the continued evolution of the Spanish brand’s design DNA.

Short, low and wide, an extremely low front end and broad shoulders – at first glance, the SEAT IBE displays the proportions of a classic sports car. Yet, it interprets this style genre in an innovative and unique manner – in a compact vehicle optimised for youthful living in urban areas.

“With the IBE, we are demonstrating that, for SEAT, electric mobility will always be combined with excellent design and outstanding driving fun,” says James Muir, President of SEAT, S.A. “The IBE is in the best SEAT tradition of always offering the boldest and most youthful cars in its class. On top of that, our first electric concept car represents the continuation of our strategy for the future; after the huge success of the highly efficient ECOMOTIVE models, we are now working intensively on electric mobility; and that includes plug-in hybrid drive, as well as an all-electric vehicle.”

The design

The IBE concept car delivers an enticing perspective on the ongoing development of SEAT design. The pure forms, the precise lines and the exact surfaces depict a consistent and unique design language that clearly sustains the SEAT identity in all its modernity. “The IBE is like a concentrated gene pool for our next generation of vehicles. It will have a clear impact on all our models.” says SEAT Chief Designer Luc Donckerwolke. “And it also represents a promise for the future of the automobile – even with electric drive, design will still be exciting and driving will still be fun; at least, in a SEAT.”

The SEAT IBE  is 3.78 metres long – making it more than 25 centimetres shorter than an Ibiza – but its unusual breadth of 1.80 metres and overall height of only 122 centimetres lend it classic sports car proportions. Another classically sporty feature of the two-door layout is its extremely low bonnet and its long roof line. The short front overhang and muscular rear end with almost no overhang work together with the 19-inch wheels to underscore the car’s powerful and compact look.

The front end is characterised by full-LED headlamps that are as sophisticated in their design as they are distinctive. They bear the characteristic V typical of SEAT’s so-called “arrow design”. The entire front end takes a powerful V form that then carries on through the bonnet. The two air intakes in the lower bumper section are ample for the relatively low cooling requirements of the electric drive. The SEAT logo is located on a trapezoidal functional surface. The alternative drive enables an extremely high degree of consistency in the design – because the compact electric motor and its power electronics require less packaging space, it was possible to stretch the V-shaped bonnet a lot flatter across the front end than would have been possible with an internal combustion engine.

The side profile of the IBE emphasises its powerful stature – its broad shoulders, its sculpted flanks with a distinctive cut-in behind the front wheel, and the large wheels featuring an aerodynamically optimised five-spoke design all serve to underscore the dynamic look. The tires, on the other hand, with their 175 format, are far from extreme – with their low rolling resistance, they contribute to the high efficiency of the electric concept car. The roofline stretches rearwards, with the side glass surfaces kept low.

The rear end picks up the characteristic form of the front and reinterprets it. The rear light clusters featuring LED light guide technology once again display the “arrow” thematic with a hint of a diffuser beneath the rear bumper area reflecting the visual of the front air intakes. The entire vehicle is completely free from ornamentation – good design needs no decor. Every single line has its function in structuring the volumes and surfaces of the car; every muscle emerging from the form emphasises the sporty design. The reduction of forms, their consistent application and the precision in every detail are fixed elements of the SEAT design philosophy – and will be even more evident in future.

The concept

With its manageable dimensions, its agility and dynamics, the SEAT IBE is the perfect fit for city streets. Tightly cut as a 2+2-seater, it is conceived for youthful lifestyles. It has plenty of space for a couple, while also offering capacity for four. The long roofline ensures good interior headroom, while still retaining space for luggage or leisure equipment.

“SEAT has set itself the challenge to develop new concepts for new mobility demands in large cities,” says Frank Bekemeier, who is Executive Vice President for Research and Development at SEAT. “The IBE is a zero-emissions vehicle, which is becoming increasingly important in many areas, and is optimised for future information systems. With its compact dimensions, its great manoeuvrability and high degree of usability, it is the perfect fit for the multi-faceted demands of a young target group.”

The SEAT IBE is an all-electric vehicle that generates zero local emissions. The drive motor is located together with the power electronics beneath the extremely flat bonnet, with the lithium-ion battery positioned in the car’s very short rear. With a maximum output of 75 kW (102 hp) and 200 Nm of torque, the power unit delivers exactly the kind of dynamic driving fun suggested by the exterior styling. The city dash from 0 to 50 km/h takes only 3.4 seconds; within 6.3 seconds, the IBE has reached 80 km/h, and after only 9.4 seconds it arrives at 100 km/h. This impressive performance is a function not only of the powerful off-the-line characteristics of the electric motor, but also the low weight of the SEAT IBE, which tips the scales at only 1,000 kilograms.

The continuous power rating it limited to 50 kW (68 hp), with the top speed pegged at 160 km/h – which is more than enough to cut an impressive figure even on urban motorways. Battery capacity is 18 kWh, which is plenty to cover all the daily mobility requirements of city life. It goes without saying that the SEAT IBE is equipped with the latest safety and communication systems and, in particular, is prepared for car-to-x communication. Within the information network of the future, the SEAT IBE exchanges data concerning status or safety alerts directly with other vehicles or the traffic infrastructure.

The expertise

SEAT is a vehicle manufacturer with a particularly high degree of expertise in environmentally friendly technologies. Recent years have seen fuel consumption systematically reduced across the individual model ranges, with SEAT ECOMOTIVE emerging to enjoying enormous success on the market as a brand for exceptionally high-efficiency vehicles. The pinnacle is the Ibiza ECOMOTIVE, which, despite its powerful 59 kW (80 hp) output consumes only 3.7 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres and emits only 98 grams of CO2 per kilometre. SEAT continues to expand the ECOMOTIVE range, with the Leon, Altea, Altea XL and Alhambra also set to receive exceptionally low-consumption TDI variants.

The next step in the SEAT strategy is the Leon Twin Drive ECOMOTIVE. Its drive is derived from a combination of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. Yet it is far more than a conventional hybrid; it is a plug-in vehicle. Its lithium-ion battery can be charged at a regular electrical socket and has a range fully-charged of around 50 kilometres. For longer trips, the internal combustion engine takes over. The first series production version of the Leon Twin Drive ECOMOTIVE is planned for 2014.

The development target is the all-electric vehicle, with the SEAT IBE concept car serving as a taster. At the same time, the IBE marks the start of a targeted project for the promotion and development of electric mobility in Spain. The Cenit VERDE initiative brings together the capabilities of 16 leading technology companies and 16 leading universities and research establishments.

With its expertise in research, development and production, SEAT has taken over the industrial leadership of this project. Support by the Spanish Ministry for Science and Innovation (CDTI), the company will explore, develop and establish the fundamental requirements for electric mobility. The objective is to explore technologies for the production of electric vehicles in Spain and for the establishment of the associated infrastructure.

“This project is very important for Spain, for its technological development, its future perspectives and its industrial network,” says Frank Bekemeier, SEAT Executive Vice President for Research and Development. “The initiative is one of the most ambitious challenges faced by this country. With the SEAT IBE concept car, we are providing this process with very clear impetus.”

Popularity: 1% [?]

SEAT Ibiza ST – compact dynamics with great usability

•    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

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.

Popularity: 1% [?]

SEAT and Shakira get together again

•    Car manufacturer to sponsor Shakira’s forthcoming European tour
•    Spanish car brand also to collaborate with the singer’s Barefoot Foundation.

SEAT and Shakira have signed a collaboration agreement whereby the car manufacturer will become the main sponsor of international pop star’s forthcoming European tour. This agreement will link the young, sporty image of the SEAT brand to the musical talent of Shakira, currently enjoying great success with her latest album ‘She Wolf’.
The Colombian-born singer will thus become a distinguished ambassador for SEAT throughout her European tour.

Another aspect covered by the agreement between SEAT and Shakira is support for universal education. The Spanish brand will enter into close collaboration with the Barefoot Foundation, created by Shakira when just 18 years of age, so as to support and help provide education for children living in extreme poverty.

This is not the first time that SEAT and Shakira have joined forces for a good cause. In 2007 the car manufacturer sponsored the ‘Oral Fixation’ European tour off the back of the singer’s ‘Oral Fixation’ album, taking it to Oslo, Prague, London, Paris, Stockholm and Berlin, amongst other cities. SEAT also spearheaded a charity campaign which brought in more than 100,000 ? for the Pies Descalzos Foundation; for her part, Shakira autographed a purple SEAT Le?n re-named the SEAT Le?n Pies Descalzos, which was presented at the Barcelona International Motor Show to the winner of a draw which included everyone who had made a 1? contribution to Shakira’s foundation.

Popularity: 1% [?]

The Ibiza range is adding the 105 hp 1.6 TDI CR to its engine line-up

• More common rail engines for the Ibiza range
• CO2 emissions of only 112 g/km and a low consumption figure of 4.3 l/100 km
• Replaces the 105 hp 1.9 TDI engine

Both the SEAT Ibiza 5-door and SC models will soon be available with the 105 hp 1.6 TDI CR engine as part of the company’s efforts to keep adding common rail technology to the Ibiza range for better engine performance and considerably lower noise levels, fuel consumption and emissions.

The 105 hp 1.6 TDI CR engine is an equally attractive option that joins the recently added 90 hp 1.6 TDI CR and at the same time replaces the 105 hp 1.9 TDI. The new engine is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, is fitted with the DPF particulate filter and fully complies with EU5 emissions legislation.

Its exceptional performance figures speak for themselves and combine with increasingly low fuel consumption and emissions levels to make the Ibiza one of the most ecological models in its segment. With an engine torque of 250 Nm between 1,500 and 2,500 rpm, average fuel consumption of only 4.3 l/100 km and 112 g/km of emissions, customers buying the new 105 hp Ibiza 1.6 TCI CR are exempt from paying registration tax.

The models equipped with this engine feature the same standard equipment line-up and optional elements as on the rest of the range. Prices are the following:

CO2 emissions

1.6 TDI CR 105 hp STYLE DPF     112
1.6 TDI CR 105 hp SPORT DPF     112

1.6 TDI CR 105 hp STYLE DPF     112
1.6 TDI CR 105 hp SPORT DPF     112

Popularity: 1% [?]

SEAT ENTERS MOBILE GAMING

The SEAT Leon CUPRA joins the SEAT CUPRA Race

The new version of the ‘SEAT CUPRA Race’ game for iPhone/iPod touch now includes the SEAT Leon CUPRA and a City Track. New features such as Nitro and Protection Shield are also available to add more excitement to the race. The game is available in five languages and users can download it at no charge at the Apple iTunes App Stores starting 26 October.

SEAT’s previous game, starring the SEAT Ibiza CUPRA, became one of the most popular for this platform, and could be found in the Top 3 list of free applications in all categories. Until now, nearly 400,000 games of the first version have been downloaded.

If you are a member of the Club SEAT (www.clubseat.com), you can benefit from an additional feature called ‘The Championship Race’. With this application you can play in ‘Championship’ mode and accumulate points to exchange for special equipment to improve the cars’ performance. Scored points are registered and you can compete against other players around the world.

Popularity: 1% [?]

The new SEAT Leon CUPRA R – a paradigm of power and sportiness

•    265 hp 2.0 TSI engine, the most powerful in SEAT history
•    Impressive looks of a sporty competition vehicle
•    Excellent dynamic performance provided by the electronic self-blocking XDS mechanism

After making its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the Leon CUPRA R is now on sale amid a great deal of expectation. Equipped with a 265 hp engine, the new model is the brand’s most powerful car to date, and has definitely earned a special chapter in SEAT’s history books.

Mated to a certifiable thoroughbred engine, the Leon CUPRA R features attention-getting exclusive interior and exterior styling. Its striking silhouette is mirrored on the passenger compartment’s full-fledged sports-car allure.

Almost nothing has been left off the equipment list, which features the electronic self-blocking XDS system for excellent road handling, spectacular five double-spoke 19 inch wheels and a broad array of standard elements that provide both safety and on-board comfort.

Exclusivity on the interior and exterior

The new Leon CUPRA R is equipped to the highest level of specifications. Driver and passenger safety is one of the highlighted aspects, with the possibility of protection offered by up to eight airbags – two at the front, two front side airbags, and a head airbag at the front and rear. These six airbags come as standard, with the further optional possibility of rear side airbags. The rear window seats are also equipped with Isofix anchoring points for child seats.

The following elements have all been added to the standard equipment line-up: ABS + TCS, ESP + EBA, XDS system, passenger airbag disconnection, height adjustable seatbelts with fastening warning (driver side), low tyre pressure warning, cruise control, volumetric alarm with back-up battery, anti-theft roof aerial, double headlights, cornering foglights, Coming Home function, dark glass, glossy black door mirrors, body colour bumpers with integrated mouldings, specific CUPRA R suspension ratings, 19” ‘Potenza’ silver alloy wheels with 235/35 tyres, dual zone climate control, height and reach adjustable specific multi-functional 3-spoke leather steering wheel with CUPRA logo, specific leather gearknob with CUPRA logo, sport seats with specific upholstery and CUPRA logo, height adjustable driver and passenger seats, anti-dazzle rear-view mirror, storage drawer beneath driver seat, aluminium pedals, glove compartment light, boot light, front power anti-trap one-touch windows, remote control central locking, CD radio + MP3 + 8 speakers + MDI, combined USB + Aux in docking port, electric heated parking position door mirrors, trip computer, recommended gear indicator, automatic lights on, rain sensing wipers, rear parking sensor, power rear windows and headlight beam adjustment from the inside.

Additionally, the Leon CUPRA R is available in nine different body colours – Candy White, Emocion Red, Crono Yellow, M?gico Black, Citrus, Speed Blue and the Lumina Orange, Kiwi Green and Furia Grey Custom Colors.

Furthermore, the complete standard equipment line-up found on the new CUPRA R can be complemented with the Technology Plus package, including Bi-xenon headlights + AFS, daytime driving lights, SEAT Mediasystem navigator, Bluetooth and front parking sensors + Optical Park System.

The list of optional equipment comes complete with the following elements:

- Bluetooth telephone installation
- SEAT Mediasystem navigator + Bluetooth + additional Aux-in
- Hill Hold assist
- Front and rear parking sensor (Integral Parking Pilot)
- Front and rear parking sensor + Optical Park System (requires the SEAT Mediasystem navigator)
- Bi-xenon headlights + AFS + daytime driving lights
- 19” ‘Potenza’ alloy wheels in white
- Rear side thorax airbags
- Leather sport seats
- Heated washer nozzles + headlight washers
- Electric sunroof
- Metallic paint
- Emocion red paint
- Custom color paint

New SEAT Leon CUPRA R

2.0 TSI 265 hp (195 kW)

CO2 emissions: 190

Popularity: 1% [?]

The SEAT Exeo wins the Golden Steering Wheel 2009 award in Switzerland

•    The Spanish sedan wins against strong competition
•    Technicians, drivers and readers of ‘Auto Bild Switzerland’ award the prize to the Exeo
•    The Ibiza ECOMOTIVE, candidate for the Green Steering Wheel

SEAT has won the Golden Steering Wheel 2009 award in Switzerland with the SEAT Exeo in the upper medium category. The prestigious award is a testimony to the quality, elegance and workmanship put into the manufacturing process and materials used on the Exeo.

The current edition featured a total of 46 vehicles competing in six categories. The voting panel included technical experts, professional drivers and readers of the ‘Auto Bild Switzerland’ magazine, whose votes decided the victory for the Exeo in its category. Two drivers, former F1 world champion Mikka H?kkinen and Christina Surer, evaluated parameters such as the cars’ dynamic quality and engine and brake performance. The remaining jury members focussed on the cars’ quality, technical aspects and trim details.

Several thousand readers participated in the selection, and most of the votes cast put the Exeo in first place among the competing midsize cars. The Exeo faced strong competition, including the Audi A5 Sportback, BMW 5 Series, Infiniti G37, Mercedes E Class, Subaru Legacy and the Toyota Avensis. The final list of the European Golden Steering Wheel winners will be published next month in Berlin.

This has been an excellent result for the SEAT Exeo, which is available in showrooms in both the sedan version and the ST family-size variant, equipped with three petrol engines -the 102 hp 1.6, the 150 hp 1.8 turbo and the 200 hp 2.0 TSI-, and three Diesel engines-the 120, 143 and 170 hp 2.0- fitted with the DPF particulate filter and common rail technology.

Furthermore, the Ibiza ECOMOTIVE also received an extremely positive evaluation with a nomination in the Green Steering Wheel category in Switzerland. This award is given to the most ecological models on the market, with special attention paid to the technical innovations that lead to fuel consumption savings and reducing cars’ CO2 emissions.

Popularity: 1% [?]