SEAT will unveiled a thinly-disguised fourth generation SEAT Toledo in Geneva Motor Show next week. The new Toledo marks the return of Toledo nameplate to a more conventional sedan concept, which the 3rd generation unsuccessfully drifted into the midi-MPV arena.
SEAT Toledo traditionally is based on the VW Golf platfrom, but with an added rear overhang to give a massive boot, even greater than the VW Vento which is the Golf-derived sedan. The first two generation were designed by Italdesign Giugiaro and shares major parts with the rest of VW model such as Audi A3, Skoda Ovtavia, and VW Golf ( including Bora). However, the 3rd generation dramatically shift into the midi-MPV arena, when chief designer Walter de Silva penned that generation Toledo into the unsuccessful Renault Vel Satis format. Refer photos below for the evolution of Toledo generations of cars, the 3rd gen is on the right-most.
The latest Toledo concept adopts the classic proportion of a saloon, with a clearly defined 3-box design. Its design language is a further development of the new SEAT corporate design with a powerful and solid stance, clear and precisely-executed surfaces and lines, and with the new SEAT signature headlamp design. SEAT has previously presented its new style language with the highly acclaimed IBE, IBX and IBL concept cars.
The SEAT Toledo front end design is characterized by the trapezoidal radiator grille with honeycomb mesh, with the lower radiator opening adopting the same meshing pattern. The pentagonal headlamps holds some distinctive features too with the chromed ‘wing’ between the main headlamp and daytime running light.
Meanwhile, the broad rear lights also underscore the mature styling of the new SEAT saloon, while the entire rear end conveys the impression of quality and solidity with its few, simply drawn lines. However, MMN is beginning to feel the somberness of cold Germanic design, which influenced anything from the VW Jetta to Proton EMAS ( and P3-21A) to certain extend. The rear fascia especially, is very familiar sights among the VW Group. More elaboration after the jump.
