Seat Toledo Concept

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.

Volkwagen MQB platform - from Polo to Passat in one sweep

Volkswagen has released the detail of its new permutation of MQB vehicle platfrom, which is said to offer extreme flexibility in stretching the underpinning from the Polo supermini to the Passat mid-range saloon. MQB or Modularer Querbaukasten to name it in full, is sets to underpin a host of new model for the next generation of Audi, Seat, Skoda and Volkswagen itself.

As depicted above, MQB platform will be able to accomodate various range of wheelbase, as well as the easier part such as the extension of rear floor and front beam. The only fixed constraint is the distance between the front axle centre line and the firewall, which is for MQB, is further 40mm further than the current distance for Golf platform.

MQB platform has been design-protect for various engine installation. Common mounting points has been established for a series of petrol and diesel engine which should simplify the production process and hence saves some assembly cost. While the firewall location is fixed, the structure that connect upwards to the A-pillar and support the Instrument Panel can be interchanged to accommodate various model height. The illustration below showcased various installation of dash panel for a variety of model covering Tiguan, Passat, Octavia, Polo, Fabia and all the Golf's siblings.

The MQB platform also will utilize state-of-the-art weight reduction technology, such as the use of ultra high strength steel, more aluminium content as well as a patented technology to weld the two afore-mentioned material together. Volkswagen said the 2013 Mk7 Golf will weighs the same as the Mk4 from the 90's. More after the jump.