Seat Toledo
Ratings
3 stars
Summary
Average. This saloon version of the Altea people carrier has loads of space - but the strange looks will put most off.
Review
Beauty might well be in the eye of the beholder, but even the Seat Toledo's greatest admirer would be unlikely to describe it as a particularly elegant or harmonious piece of design.
Previous generations of the Toledo were conventional to the point of being dull, so Seat decided to try something different with this one, creating what is (in effect) a saloon version of the Altea people carrier.
The resulting car looks strange, to say the least, with the addition of the substantial rump doing nothing for the underlying Altea's sporty lines.
Fortunately for buyers, the rest of the experience is pretty much identical to the Altea. The quality of some bits of interior trim doesn't feel that great, but there's plenty of room for both front and rear seat occupants and that protruding boot is predictably spacious.
It drives like the Altea, too - putting in a credibly sporty performance over twisty roads, certainly once its high centre of gravity is taken into account. It tackles motorway cruising well, too, but the firm suspension gives a sometimes crashy low-speed ride.
Only a limited engine range is available, with punters getting to choose between 1.6 and 2.0 litre petrols and 1.9 and 2.0 litre TDI diesels. Of these, the 2.0 litre units are definitely the stand-out stars, with both producing strong performance and the TDI combining this with excellent fuel economy.
Ratings Breakdown
Styling
2 star
The Toledo's bizarre proportions look clumsy and rump-heavy compared to the far more elegant Altea that it's based on.
Handling
3 star
Respectable driving dynamics for something this size and shape, although it's not on a par with conventional family cars costing the same money.
Comfort
3 star
The driving position is good and motorway cruising is composed, but poor quality ride knocks the Toledo's case over bumpy roads.
Quality & Reliability
3 star
Tough interior is well assembled but lacks quality feel.
Performance
3 star
Less engine choice than the Toledo and Altea. The basic 1.6 litre petrol motor spins sweetly but lacks urge, while others give respectable performance, especially the punchy, frugal 2.0 litre TDI.
Roominess
5 star
There's no arguing against the Toledo's utilitarian credentials. If you're looking to combine an MPV and a saloon car, this is the only way to do it.
Running Costs
3 star
Highish depreciation reflects the motor trade's suspicion of the Toledo, but it's reasonably cost effective to keep on the road. Diesel versions are impressively frugal.
Value for money
3 star
Small supplemental cost over the equivalent Altea - but we're still struggling to see the point.
