New Seat Exeo Sport Tourer Breaks Cover

Having unveiled the sedan version of its rebadged previous-gen Audi A4 at the Paris Motor Show last October, SEAT is moving ahead with the presentation of the station-wagon variant of the Exeo that will make its global premiere in Geneva. Called Exeo ST that stands for Sport Tourer, the SEAT-branded A4 Avant will go on sale accros Europe before next summer with an engine range and equipment list that is identical to the for-door model. The only differences will be a longer body, at 4.666 meters in length, and a boot capacity of 442 liters.

The Exeo ST's initial range will include three petrol engines – VW Group's undying 102HP 1.6-liter, a 150HP 1.8-liter turbo and the 200HP 2.0 TSI, and two diesel versions – the 143HP and the 170HP 2.0-liter equipped with the DPF particulate filter and common rail technology. The entire range is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox and complies with the stringent EU5 emissions legislation that becomes effective in 2011. Like the sedan, the Exeo ST is available in three trim levels, Reference, Style and Sport.

2009 SEAT Altea Range Receives Minor Facelift

Along with the updated Leon hatchback and the new Exeo Sport Tourer, SEAT will also take the covers off the facelifted Altea range that consists of the standard model, the long-wheelbase XL and the Freetrack crossover in Geneva. Since the Altea MPV is a Leon spin-off, it comes to no surprise that all three variants feature similar styling changes with the hatchback. These include the new grille and headlamp treatment plus a larger rear window which now wraps the corners of the car.

Likewise, the Altea's interior has been updated with a revised instrument panel, central console and door panel trim and materials. Under the hood, the 2009 Altea continues to be offered with a range 10 different engines choices, five petrol and five diesel all of which have been updated in way or another according to SEAT.

Geneva Preview: 2009 SEAT Leon Facelift with Styling Tweaks and Revised Engines

At next month's Geneva Motor Show SEAT will showcase the facelifted Leon hatchback featuring minor cosmetic revisions and an updated engine range. On the outside the most identifiable traits of the 2009 model concern the newly shaped grille with the smaller SEAT logo, larger headlights and new door mirrors while at the rear, there's a larger window that now covers the whole length of the hatch and restyled tail light clusters which bring to mind the word "Alfa Romeo"... Inside, SEAT's designer have made modifications to the instrument panel, central console and door panel trim and materials.

The Spanish automaker claims that all available engines on the Leon have all been tweaked for better performance and reduced fuel consumption figures and emissions levels. These include the more powerful 2.0 TSI engine that now delivers 211 HP and the arrival of common rail technology to the 170 HP 2.0 TDI engine. Furthermore, all the versions equipped with the DSG automatic sequential gearbox, now also available on the seven-speed 160 hp 1.8 TSI, feature shift paddles on the steering wheel.

Other improvements for the Leon facelift concern the addition of the XDS electronic system that works in conjunction with the ESP as a self-blocking differential, the Hill Hold Control, dual xenon headlights with AFS and daytime driving lights, a new climatiser and new audio equipment, cornering foglights, front and rear parking sensors and an optical parking system displayed on the new navigation system.

Video: SEAT Exeo Sport Tourer 3D Renderings

Volkswagen Group's Spanish subsidiary SEAT has released a new teaser video of the Exeo Sport Tourer which, as we informed you in a previous post, will be revealed at the Geneva Show in March. With the Exeo Sport Tourer the firm's German bosses are giving the previous Audi A4 Avant a second chance in life as the differences between the two models are limited to a few styling adjustments on the front and rear end of the car.

Like the sedan variant, the Exeo Sport Tourer will be launched with three 4-cylinder petrol-engines ranging a 102 HP 1.6-liter unit to a 2.0-liter TFSI producing 200 HP and three common rail Diesel engines with outputs ranging from 120 HP to 170 HP.

Via: es.Autblog.com

Geneva Show: SEAT to Reveal Leon and Altea Facelift, and Exeo Break

Despite the gloomy outlook on the automotive sector, this year's Geneva Salon looks like it is going to be packed with new cars that will be making their world premiere at the Swiss show. The latest piece of information to come by our hands is that VW Group's Spanish brand SEAT will take the veil off the facelifted Leon and Altea range that includes the Altea XL and Altea Freetrack crossover, as well as the station-wagon variant of the Exeo that as you already know, is in essence a re-skinned previous-gen Audi A4. We'll have more details on all the new SEATs closer to the opening of the Geneva Show in March.

Seat's Leon "Twin Drive" Petrol-Electric Hybrid

Seat has revealed a new prototype version of the Leon hatchback conceived to run on electric power or a conventional petrol engine. As its name suggests, the Leon "Twin Drive" Ecomotive sports a hybrid powertrain that consists of a 35 kW electric motor fed by a group of lithium-ion batteries located at the rear of the vehicle, and a conventional petrol engine. The initial aim is for the Leon to run on electricity in urban areas, switching to conventional petrol power for longer trips out of town.

In all-electric mode, the prototype Leon has a range of 50 km (31 miles) and a self-imposed top speed of 100 km/h (62mph).

Aside from the hybrid powertrain, the Leon Twin Drive Ecomotive features extensive modifications of the gearbox, brakes, heating and cooling systems, while major changes to the vehicle's electronics have also been carried out.

While the specific Leon is not intended to enter production, Seat plans to introduce a hybrid-electric model by 2014. The prototype Leon will offer Seat's engineers valuable information on advanced electrical propulsion techniques, battery recharging and vehicle range.

New Seat Exeo Priced from £17,740 in the U.K.

Seat has revealed U.K. pricing and full specification details for its all-new Exeo saloon that is due to go on sale in April. The previous-generation Audi A4-based saloon is offered in S, SE, Sport and range-topping SE Lux trim levels, with an initial choice of three engines, a 2.0 TDI turbodiesel producing 143 HP or 170 HP, as well as a 2.0 TSI turbocharged petrol unit with 200 PS. All engines are mated, as standard, to a six-speed manual gearbox. Prices for the Exeo start from £17,740 for the entry-level 2.0 TDI S. Comparatively, a similarly powered Ford Mondeo sedan 2.0 TDCi 140 Edge starts from £18,449, though Ford does offer discounts.

All Exeos will come equipped with standard USB connectivity that allows MP3 music players to be used in-car; cruise control; steering wheel-mounted audio controls; dual zone climate control; alloy wheels; front fog lamps; electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors; electric windows; ESP; ABS; six airbags; volumetric alarm with tilt sensor and remote central locking.

Stepping up to the Exeo SE adds rear parking sensors, automatic lights and wipers, auto-dimming rear view mirror, leather steering wheel and gearknob, and an acoustic windscreen to the standard features.

Exeo Sport buyers will benefit from the likes of sports suspension, sports seats and 18-inch alloys, while those who opt for the range-topping SE Lux will enjoy black leather upholstery and bi-xenon headlights with AFS among their standard-fit kit.

Model	Engine	PS	Recommended On The Road Price
S	2.0 TDI	143	£17,740.00
SE	2.0 TDI	143	£18,345.00
Sport	2.0 TDI	143	£19,230.00
SE Lux	2.0 TDI	143	£20,410.00
Sport	2.0 TDI	170	£20,160.00
SE Lux	2.0 TDI	170	£21,340.00
Sport	2.0 TSI	200	£19,410.00

SEAT to Reduce Production in First Half of 2009

Volkswagen's Spanish carmaker SEAT has announced that it will further cut production at its Martorell plant near Barcelona for the first half next year due to sluggish demand in Europe. SEAT said that for the period between February 2nd and June 30th 2009 it would halt work at the Martorell plant for between 7 and 29 days at different production lines. The Spanish automaker did not release any specific details on the number of workers that would be affected by the production stoppages.

SEAT Launches New Collection of Accessories for its Entire Model Range

These days automakers are looking for ways to increase their income any way they can. In the U.K. SEAT is hoping to lure customers into spending a few extra pounds with the introduction of a new series of styling and protection packs for the new Ibiza 5dr and Ibiza SC, Leon, Altea, Altea XL, Freetrack 4 and Alhambra. The latest accessory deals include a Protection Pack for the new Ibiza which adds high quality carpet mats, a protective boot tray along with front and rear mud flaps for £204.50. Ibiza buyers can also opt for the Style Pack (£295.50 including fitting) which adds a color-coded dashboard decorative kit, a set of not so cool chromed door mirror caps, bespoke handbrake and gearknob covers, and a two-metre auxiliary lead for connecting iPods or MP3 players.

The Spanish brand also offers similar Protection and Style packs for other SEATs. Depending on model the packages include a variety of additions such as flexible load liners, roof bars, door mirror covers, door and sill moldings and interior trim additions. As an added bonus, for each pack buyer SEAT provides a free reflective vest and warning triangle which are worth £25.

SEAT Leon Linea R with 170HP 2.0 TDI, 160HP 1.8 TSI and 200HP 2.0 TSI

It seems like SEAT's marketing team is on rampage lately. After the Cupra, FR, Cupra R, FR550, FR1 and who knows how many other versions, the Spanish firm is launching yet another trim level for the Leon hatchback called the 'Linea R'. It is available with the 170HP 2.0-liter TDI diesel and the 160HP 1.8-liter TSI and the 200HP 2.0-liter TSI petrol units. Compared to the FR, the Linea R stands out thanks to the more aggressively styled front and rear bumpers that feature oversized faux air-vents, new tailpipes and 18-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels with 225 /40 R18 tires.

The Linea R's interior is distinguished by a new leather steering wheel, a round leather gearknob embossed with the "SEAT Sport" logo, a chrome surround joining it to the console and a cross-stitched gaiter in SEAT red.

All variants of the Leon Linea R get an extensive list of standard equipment including ABS and TCS, ESP, low tire pressure warning, double front airbag, side and front airbags, foglights, dual zone climate control, cruise control, CD MP3 radio and aux-in, and 8 speakers, among others.