Seat Toledo Hatchback

Review Of The SEAT Toledo Hatchback

The new SEAT Toledo Hatchback looks like a saloon, drives a bit like a saloon, but is very much a four-door hatch for families who need space, a no-nonsense driving experience and an outstanding boot.

Sitting somewhere between the Leon and the Ibiza, the more conservatively styled Toledo is the bigger, sensible choice. It lacks the sexiness of a SEAT Leon but makes up for it with its usefulness and versatility.

OSV takes a closer look at what it’s all about with our 2017 SEAT Toledo Hatchback review.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

On The Road

In terms of the way it drives, the Toledo is as unexciting as its traditional looks suggest. It’s good in the city and fares well on the motorway, but there isn’t any fun to be had. If you’re looking to take a car out for a spin on a lazy Sunday afternoon in the country, this isn’t the one you’d do it in.

That said, there are still positives. It’s hugely accomplished, and its responsive steering makes it safe and predictable. Its pedals are also nicely positioned for ease of use, while its engines are strong. However, there aren’t many available.[vc_single_image image=”61362″ img_size=”article-image”]

The 1.6-litre EcoMotive diesel and the 1.0-litre TSI petrol are OSV’s top choices. They both do 0-62 in around 10.0 seconds, which suggests that the Toledo has enough in its tank of everyday driving in the town.

Each engine also has enough power to just about cope on the motorway. They both come with a 6-speed manual gearbox that suits the car well, too.

There is also the option of a 1.4-litre diesel engine that comes paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. It takes a more plodding 11.7 seconds to complete the 0-62 sprint, but that time is in keeping with a budget hatchback. It actually feels quicker than those numbers suggest, thanks to how lightweight the car is.

You can specify a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission if you prefer, and we recommend doing so. It’s only jerky at low speeds and when you’re parking. Other than that, it makes the car feel genuinely relaxed and sophisticated.

The suspension feels fine at higher speeds, but at lower speeds it does feel overly firm. Overall, the car is easy to drive, if not riveting.

SEAT Toledo Hatchback Interior, Design & Build

[vc_single_image image=”61361″ img_size=”article-image”]The SEAT Toledo Hatchback is middle of the road in every aspect. Its driving experience is middle of the road, and so is its cabin. That means it’s reasonable – nothing more, nothing less.

Comfort is decent for the most part, with the cushioned suspension doing a good job at protecting you all from Britain’s worst roads. Insulation is also reasonable, but some noises will intrude, especially on the motorway. Compared to rivals, the Toledo suffers more than most when it comes to intrusive wind and road noise.

In terms of its design, the cabin is all a bit plain Jane. On the other hand, that will please a lot of buyers who will appreciate how clearly laid out the dashboard controls are. Everything is easy to locate, and the cabin has been set up for user-friendliness.

Perhaps the SEAT Toledo’s biggest strength is its practicality. This is a large car that uses its dimensions well. For example, its outstanding 550-litre boot is one of the biggest in this class. It’s a boot that’s easy to access too. But while all models come with split-folding rear seats, the seats don’t fold totally flat.

Moreover, the high loading lip is a bit of an issue. The Style model negates this issue with standard fit nets.

In terms of passenger space, there is plenty. Head and legroom is good up front and in the rear, and four adults should be able to sit in comfort even on longer journeys.

Equipment & Safety Of The SEAT Toledo Hatchback

Standard kit across the range is sparse. The entry-level SE models get Bluetooth, a 5” monochrome touchscreen, a leather steering wheel, and air conditioning.

Upgrade to the Style trim and you get treated to 16” alloys, front fog lights, tinted rear windows, a unique dash trim and climate control. You also get a 6.5” colour display that comes with sat-nav.

The Xcellence trim rounds the range off, adding 17” alloys, exterior lighting, full-LED headlights, parking sensors and keyless entry.

The Xcellence trim is the safest, then, but all models are secure. The car bagged all five stars when it was crash-tested by Euro NCAP, and standard safety kit for all includes electronic stability, airbags and anti-lock brakes.

Costs Of The SEAT Toledo Hatchback

Prices for the new car start out from £16,500 and rise to £21,900. If you prefer to lease, you can pick up a deal from £193 + VAT per month. For more information on our leasing deals, check out our page here.

In terms of its running costs, the Toledo is a champion. Its 1.4-litre TDI diesel engine returns 72.4mpg and emits just 103g/km of CO₂ when fitted with a manual gearbox. Opt for the 7-speed DSG automatic instead, and you’ll still see returns of 70.6mpg.

If you’ll still be putting in a decent amount of miles but fancy a petrol, the 1.0-litre turbocharged TSI unit is a good choice. It returns 61.4mpg economy and costs less to buy than the diesel.

All models cost £140 to tax per year.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

Pros and Cons Of The SEAT Toledo Hatchback

Pros:

Massive Boot

Boots don’t come much bigger in this class than the SEAT Toledo’s 550-litre gaping hole.

Spacious

Despite having such a large boot, there is still plenty of interior room for passengers, thanks largely to its hatchback body.

Affordable

With prices starting out from £16,500, the Toledo offers impressive value for money.

Cons:

Bland Looks

Unusually for a SEAT, this one is as dull as cars come these days.

Boring Drive

Again, it’s unusual for a SEAT to put together such a lifeless driving experience.

SEAT Toledo Hatchback vs Ford B-MAX Hatchback vs Fiat 500L Hatchback

Let’s see how the car fares against its rivals in the comparison section of our 2017 SEAT Toledo Hatchback review.

SEAT Toledo Hatchback vs Ford B-MAX Hatchback

The new Ford B-MAX Hatchback is one of the most astute cars in this sector. Arguably more fun to drive than the SEAT, it’s affordable to buy and run, and comes with sliding rear doors for breathlessly easy access.

It’s based on the popular Fiesta, which explains why it’s so good to drive. Naturally, it’s taller than its sibling, but it shares the same responsive handling and sharp steering. The overly firm suspension is a bit of a pain, though.[vc_single_image image=”61358″ img_size=”article-image”]In terms of the engines, none are what you’d call quick. The most lively are the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol unit that can get you from rest to 62mph in just under 11.0 seconds if you opt for the 123bhp variant.

It feels at home on the motorway, which is more than can be said of the smaller 1.4-litre petrol engine, a power plant that crawls into its shell once it’s out on the big bad highway. In the town, however, it’s right at home. For those weekend family getaways, we recommend going for the 1.0-litre option.

The diesels cost a bit more money but don’t offer any more performance. In fact, they’re a lot slower, with the 1.5-litre 74bhp unit taking 15.1 seconds to complete the 0-62 “dash.”

A 94bhp variant of the same engine puts a bit more meat on the bone, and takes 13.0 seconds flat to cover the same distance.

Where running costs are concerned, the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine grabs the headlines. It returns 57.7mpg at best, and emits less than 120g/km of CO₂. The 1.4-litre petrol engine is less performative and costs more to run, returning 47.1mpg and emitting almost 140g/km.

The diesels are cheaper to run than both petrols, with the 1.5-litre TDCi unit returning 74.3mpg and emitting under 100g/km of CO₂. But their sluggish nature and lack of oomph might be off-putting.

Inside, the biggest drawback is a cluttered dashboard. There is nothing wrong with the interior materials or the Fiesta-inspired design, but too many buttons will get confusing.

Still, comfort is assured by comfortable seats, the steering wheel adjusts for rake and reach, and air conditioning, Bluetooth and lashings of leather are part of the standard kit.

Where practicality is concerned, a 318-litre boot lets the side down a bit. It’s over 220-litres smaller than the SEAT Toledo. However, there are a few clever practical touches in here that smooth over that particular crack somewhat.

The split rear seats fold totally flat, the front passenger seat folds so far forward that you can slide in an item of luggage that’s 2.35 metres in length, and the loading lip is low and smooth. The Ford B-MAX Hatchback also comes with an artificial boot floor, no awkward central pillar, rear sliding doors and ISOFIX child seat mount points.

So, not all bad.

Price:

SEAT – £16,500 – £21,900
Ford – £16,145 – £20,595

SEAT Toledo Hatchback vs Fiat 500L Hatchback

The new Fiat 500L Hatchback is a stylish, spacious, affordable family car that’s got enough about it to distinguish itself from the crowd.

It looks like the popular, retro Fiat 500, but unfortunately, takes its driving cues from another Fiat – the uninspiring Punto. As a result, it’s a bit of a lump on the road. The steering is too light, and a total lack of feedback means you’re never quite sure how much grip you’ve got.[vc_single_image image=”61357″ img_size=”article-image”]Body lean is also an issue, with the Fiat 500L feeling more like a rugged SUV than a smaller family car.

Engine-wise, there isn’t much to crow about. A 1.4-litre T-Jet petrol engine is reasonably performative and can do 0-62 in 12.8 seconds, but it just feels too dull to drive.

Instead, we much prefer the 1.6-litre diesel engine, as it suits the car’s character more. It’s got plenty of mid-range grunt, does 0-62 in 10.7 seconds, and copes well with a full load.

Special mud tyres and a traction control system are added to the evocatively named Cross model, but without four-wheel-drive, no Fiat 500L Hatchback variant is a serious off-roader.

Two-wheel-drive helps to keep the costs down, though. The 1.4-litre T-JET petrol engine is also turbocharged, and can return 40.9mpg at best. Not fantastic, but the smaller petrol engine is good for returns of 46.3mpg.

At the other end of the spectrum, a 1.3-litre diesel engine can return well over the 70mpg economy.

Inside, sound insulation is a bit of an issue. The Fiat 500L Hatchback is comfy enough (although the Cross model is stiffer), but the engine, road and wind roar is intrusive, especially at speed.

The dash has taken its design cues from the Fiat 500, which means you can expect plenty of retro touches. However, it’s in contrast to poor plastic quality.

In terms of how practical it is, the car fares well. The steering wheel is both reach and height adjustable, while the raised driving position means that visibility is excellent. There are no sliding doors and there is a central pillar, but interior space is good. Head and legroom are fine, and three adults can get comfortable in the rear.

Fiat claims there are up to 1,500 seating combinations, including one where the front passenger seat turns into a picnic table. The cabin also has twenty-two cubbies, while the boot measures 400-litres. That’s still miles off the SEAT, but it’s average for this class.

Price:

Fiat – £16,200 – £21,200

Verdict Of Our 2017 SEAT Toledo Hatchback

It’s a SEAT – but not as we know it. Marketed between the Leon and the Ibiza, it’s less attractive and less entertaining than that pair, but much more practical and useful. Its 550-litre boot is outstanding, its running costs are low, and there is plenty of interior space and versatility.

Where value for money is concerned, family cars don’t come much better than the dependable, usable and affordable SEAT Toledo Hatchback.[vc_row content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1464089844166{margin-right: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1494257310211{margin-right: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;border-bottom-width: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”]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

Fancy the SEAT Toledo Hatchback? Request a call back from one of our Vehicle Experts

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