The New Seat Leon Cupra R: The Best One Isn’t Yet To Arrive, It’s Already Here

The New Seat Leon Cupra R: The Best One Isn’t Yet To Arrive, It’s Already Here

The New Seat Leon Cupra R: The Best One Isn’t Yet To Arrive, It’s Already Here

The New SEAT CUPRA R is making its public debut at the International Frankfurt Motorshow where SEAT is presenting a new definition of exclusiveness, performance and distinction within the CUPRA model. Only 799 lucky drivers will be driving the New SEAT Leon CUPRA R, the most powerful and exclusive road car ever manufactured by SEAT. This will be a limited edition destined for those CUPRA fans that are looking for an even exclusiveness car in the CUPRA world. If a SEAT CUPRA customer likes to drive powerful sports cars that are fun to drive, of course with that fine balance between dynamism, comfort, versatility, safety and technology, the New SEAT Leon CUPRA R is the peak of exclusivity, taking driving pleasure to another level, never seen before in a SEAT. More sports car qualities, yes, but above all a unique model that won’t be made again. A demonstration of the best technology, the best safety, the best connectivity, the best versatility, the best design and the best dynamism. In short, it represents the very best qualities of SEAT and what SEAT is capable of, hence why it will be available to only 799 lucky drivers.

There will be two versions of the new SEAT Leon CUPRA R, both with front wheel drive; 300 units will come with a six-speed DSG and the familiar 300 horsepower 2.0 TSI, while the other 499 will come with a manual gearbox, also with six speeds. This model come with the same engine but with a slight increase in power to 310 horsepower, a new record for the Spanish brand. The new Leon CUPRA R of course has the most advanced and efficient technology to satisfy the likes of even the most demanding driver. That’s why, in order to get the most out of such a brilliant engine, the Leon CUPRA R comes with adaptive suspension DCC (Dynamic Chassis Control), a progressive steering system and a VAQ self-locking differential as standard. The drivers of the New Leon CUPRA R will be able to adjust the car’s driving mode to their preferences thanks to five Drive Profile modes; Comfort, Sport, Eco, Individual and of course, CUPRA. This new driving mode increases the emotion during the driving.

The bodywork of the New SEAT Leon CUPRA R has received some significant revisions. The wing mirrors come in copper, the 19-inch alloy wheels have been exclusively designed and the wheels are powerfully framed by the new wider wheel arches that really bring out the car’s character. Carbon fiber is one of the most visually striking features of the new Leon CUPRA R; easily seen on the front and rear spoilers, side decorative skirts and the rear diffuser, which frames the exclusive and powerful double exhaust. The front bumpers look impressive and are enhanced by newly designed lateral air intakes.

In the interior, an exclusive serial numbered engraved on the console just in front of the gearstick as a reminder that we are in a very limited edition. The bucket seats have copper stitching that also appears on the steering wheel and the gearstick is upholstered in Alcantara®. The seats are also upholstered with Alcantara. The copper colour also appears on the frames of the dashboard, while the door panels are covered in look carbon fiber. The instruments receive new aesthetic details, a new white cluster has been created, and when the start button is pressed, there is a welcome message exclusive to the CUPRA R that appears on the 8-inch colour screen.

The production of SEAT Leon CUPRA R will begin in the second week of November and will go on sale at the end of the year.

The New Seat Leon Cupra R: The Best One Isn’t Yet To Arrive, It’s Already Here

A little bit of history

The new Leon CUPRA R is SEAT’s fifth model with this exclusive name. The first model was the 180 horsepower Ibiza CUPRA R 1.8 20VT introduced at the end of 2000. It was the first road car developed by SEAT Sport on the second generation Ibiza chassis and only 200 units were made. It came with bigger Brembo brakes at the front, it was wider, had bigger wheels and tyres from OZ and firmer damping. ESP and air conditioning came as standard, its safety belts were red and the SEAT Sport badge was stitched onto the bucket seats.

At the Barcelona Motor Show in 2001 the first Leon CUPRA R, also created by SEAT Sport, was presented, going on sale a year later. It also had the 1.8 20VT engine but this time wth 210 horsepower. In contrast to the first Leon CUPRA, which came with a naturally aspirated engine and all-wheel drive, this CUPRA R had front-wheel drive and as such was lighter, plus more straightforward rear suspension. It could reach 237 km/h and went from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds. SEAT Sport modified the front brakes (also Brembo) and damping, which was also firmer.

Not much time passed for SEAT to improve the CUPRA R, which went on to have 225 horsepower. This allowed it to get up to 242 km/h and go from 0 to 100 km/h in only 6.9 seconds. Recaro sports seats could also be ordered which limited the cockpit to four seats.

The fourth CUPRA R – although a third generation Ibiza prototype that was exhibited at the Geneva Motor Show in 2003 – arrived in 2009 with the second generation Leon. With its 265 horsepower engine, the SEAT Leon CUPRA R 2.0 TSI was at the time SEAT’s most powerful car in its history. It could go from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds and reached a top speed of 250 km/h. Next to the normal Leon CUPRA which had 240 horsepower, the CUPRA R came with firmer springs, and sport steering feeling, modifications to its engine management and exhaust, as well as small changes to the gearbox. The electronic self-locking XDS differential stood out from a wide range of equipment that came as standard.

courtesy: seat-mediacenter.com

Seat’s New Suv Will Be Named Alboran, Aranda, Avila Or Tarraco

Seat’s New Suv Will Be Named Alboran, Aranda, Avila Or Tarraco

Seat’s New Suv Will Be Named Alboran, Aranda, Avila Or Tarraco

Alboran, Aranda, Avila or Tarraco. One of these four Spanish place names will designate SEAT’s new SUV, which will be going on sale in 2018. SEAT President Luca de Meo made the announcement today during his speech at the Frankfurt Motor Show, which opened its doors this morning to the press.

From today and until next September 25th, anyone who wants to vote for their preferred candidate can make their selection via the webpages seat.es/buscanombre or seat.com/seekingname. The place name which receives the highest number of votes will be the winner.

The four finalist names made it through to the second last stage of the initiative to designate SEAT’s large SUV, the third one following the Ateca and the Arona. This phased required the brand to organise several focus groups in its main markets, as well as testing in the countries where the company operates in order to select the four finalist names among the nine previously shortlisted.

Speaking about the four candidate names and the excellent response obtained by the initiative, SEAT President Luca de Meo pointed out during his presentation at the Frankfurt Motor Show that “Alboran, Aranda, Avila and Tarraco meet all the necessary requirements for becoming another one of SEAT’s emblems. The project has been a clear success and we would again like to thank all of the more than 133,000 fans in 106 countries who collaborated on the initiative. All that remains now is the final stage, and we encourage everyone to participate in the vote”.

Seat’s New Suv Will Be Named Alboran, Aranda, Avila Or Tarraco

The four finalists

Alboran: the Alboran Sea is the westernmost portion of the Mediterranean Sea. A major driver of the western Mediterranean water cycle, it is home to the greatest diversity of species in the seas of Europe.

Aranda: a city of more than 32,000 inhabitants in the province of Burgos, located in the region of Castile and Leon, it is the capital of the Ribera del Duero county, famous for its production of wine.

Avila: a city in the region of Castile and Leon, at 1,131 metres above sea level it is the highest provincial capital in Spain. The wall surrounding the old town is a symbol of the city.

Tarraco: it is the name of the former Roman city, one of the most important of ancient Hispania, which today is Tarragona. Its archaeological remains received the UNESCO World Heritage designation in 2000.

The initiative #SEATseekingName, launched last 1 June, received a total of 133,332 proposals from SEAT fans in 106 countries, who put forward 10,130 different Spanish place names following the guidelines defined by the brand. The selection continued through a strict process involving linguistic and legal criteria, as well as ensuring that the names matched the brand values and the product characteristics of SEAT’s new SUV.

After selecting the finalists, the name of SEAT’s new SUV will be announced before next October 15th. For the first time in the history of the brand, the name given to one of its models will be chosen by popular vote, and will join the 13 other Spanish place names that, beginning in 1982 with the Ronda, have designated vehicles in the SEAT model lineup.

The new Arona, the CUPRA R and Amazon Alexa , SEAT highlights at the Frankfurt Motor Show

In the framework of the Frankfurt Motor Show, SEAT also announced today that will be the first car brand in Europe to integrate the Amazon Alexa interactive voice service in its vehicles, developed by the US e-commerce giant Amazon. The voice-controlled interactive service will be available at the end of this year in the company’s Leon and Ateca models, and in the Ibiza, Arona and the large SUV in 2018.

In a world’s first, SEAT also presented in Frankfurt the brand’s new urban crossover, the SEAT Arona, which is on sale as of today with prices starting at €15,990. Two further great breakthroughs have also been highlighted: the exclusive Leon CUPRA R, a limited edition of the brand’s most powerful car, of which only 799 units will be on the market when it becomes available in late 2017; and the new Ibiza 1.0 TGI, the compressed natural gas fuelled version of SEAT’s bestseller.

courtesy: seat-mediacenter.com

The new SEAT Arona: Modern Urban Character

The new SEAT Arona

The new SEAT Arona


The New SEAT Arona is here. The last SEAT creation made its first appearance during a media event in Barcelona, in front of 250 international journalists. The New SEAT Arona will make its public debut at the Frankfurt International Motorshow in September.

The New SEAT Arona is the Spanish brand’s third new release in 2017, after the upgraded Leon and the New Ibiza. This is yet another addition to the SEAT range in its biggest product offensive ever, which also includes the Ateca and the upcoming large size SUV that will be released in 2018. The New SEAT Arona sits neatly within the SUV range as the younger brother in the family, in an outstanding and bright way, that combines the advantages of its compact dimensions in the city with its crossover attributes to get out of the city and go even further. It’s also the fact that the SEAT Arona is so elegant, spacious, practical and comfortable both in the normal Monday to Friday working week and adventurous, robust, sporty and efficient at the weekend. All of this combined with applied safety and connectivity technology that is only seen in higher segments of the market, plus SEAT’s undoubtable attractive and distinct design without failing to mention a huge amount of personalisation options as well as the sports DNA dynamism and finesse of the Spanish brand. The Arona, manufactured exclusively in Martorell – the plant with the largest production volume in Spain – will play a key role for SEAT, strengthening the brand and increasing sales.

“We at SEAT are very persistent. With our biggest product offensive, by the time the Large SUV reaches the market, SEAT will have launched, in average, a new vehicle every six months in two and a half years. SEAT has allocated a total of 900 million euros in investments and R&D expenditure to the Ibiza and Arona. These investments are a part of the total investment of 3.3 billion euros for the 2015-2019 period”, says Luca de Meo, President of SEAT. “The commercial launch of the New Ibiza is taking place this very month, and Arona will be premiered at the Frankfurt Motorshow”.

The New SEAT Arona is the SEAT’s first model in the A0 compact crossover segment, which has increased four-fold since 2015.

Far from confining itself to a specific category, the Arona is a lesson in versatility. Thanks to its compact size and the sensations of safety and control offered by its high driving position and modern design, it is perfect for everyday city driving, but it’s not afraid to show its fun and adventurous side either. With the added bonus of its bold crossover look, the Arona is not just any car; it goes much further.

The New SEAT Arona is designed for drivers looking for a sense of excitement, distinction and functionality. People who know that age is just a number, not an outlook on life. This is a car that fits their lifestyle, that works in both the city and the countryside, that is loaded with technology and that is comfortable, spacious, safe, dynamic, customisable, and all-purpose. It is a car that’s easy to get in and out of, and if that weren’t enough, a car in which your luggage can fit easily with no hassle whatsoever.

Always ready for an adventure

When it comes to passive safety, the New SEAT Arona performs at the highest level in an environment that is much more demanding nowadays.

“We’re certain that the New SEAT Arona is the perfect answer to the current demands of our customers, in terms of dynamic behaviour, comfort, safety and state of the art technology. We are once again setting new standards in the segment” says Dr. Matthias Rabe, Executive Vice-President for Research and Development.

The New SEAT Arona has all of the driving assistance and infotainment systems you know and love from other SEAT models, such as Front Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Stop&Go (combined with ACC and DSG transmission), Hill Hold control, Fatigue Detection, Rain and Headlight Sensors, Multi-Collision Brake, Keyless Entry and Start System, precise and high-quality rear camera, premium 8″ black panel touchscreen, and wireless charger with GSM signal amplifier. The Arona also offers an optional Rear Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Detection and the Park Assistance System, which works for both parallel and angle parking.

Dimensions

In terms of its dimensions, the SEAT Arona is 4,138 mm long, which is 79 mm more than the New Ibiza. However, the real difference lies in its height, as the Arona is 99 mm higher. As a result, the New SEAT Arona offers not only higher ground clearance for those off-road adventures, but also more front and rear headroom, and, above all, a larger boot, with a 400-litre capacity. Another important feature is the seat cushion, which is 52 mm higher and gives it a dual advantage: first, a higher driving position for a better view of traffic; and, second, it makes it much easier to get in and out of the car. The passenger seats are also 62 mm higher. The headroom is 37 mm higher in the front and 33 mm in the back. The suspension goes up by 15 mm and the windshield is slightly more vertical than in the Ibiza to make for a roomier interior.

MQB A0 Platform

The key for the major improvement in roominess and dynamic behaviour is the latest technology from the Volkswagen Group, the MQB platform (Modular Quer Baukasten). The MQB A0 platform allows higher manufacturing flexibility, more robust implementation and different models with different body types within the same segment. Also different wheelbase configurations can be achieved within the same base platform. SEAT’s investments and R&D expenditure in recent years were partially allocated to adapt Line 1 at the Martorell factory to the new MQB A0 platform, allowing SEAT to be the first company of the Volkswagen group to use this technology.

Fully connected and with its own style

In terms of connectivity, Arona features Apple Car Play™, Android Auto and Mirror Link™. And in the sound department, the New SEAT Arona features optional BeatsAudio™ with 6 premium speakers, a 300W 8-channel amplifier and a subwoofer in the boot.

Like the Leon, Ateca and Ibiza, the New SEAT Arona offers Reference, Style, FR & Xcellence trims. The dual-coloured (red and white) ambient indoor LED light and dual-zone climate control with an aircare filter are also available on the Arona, while at the front of the car, the triangular headlights with its attractive colour and excellent luminance make the New Arona instantly recognisable. At the back the tail lamps are also LED and they provide extra visual width thanks to their double tail lamps. The FR trim includes dual-mode suspension, and the SEAT Drive Profile with four modes: Normal, Sport, Eco and Individual. To simplify the process of outfitting the New SEAT Arona, the optional equipment is grouped into packages.

Multi-use without a single compromise

On the emotional side, Arona offers the thrill that drivers once looked for in the three-door versions, with the advantage of the space offered by a family car body, and the enhanced capacity made possible by its higher frame. The Arona also shares features with the Ateca. After all, it is its younger brother within the SUV range, as we await the arrival of the family’s biggest member, the large SUV scheduled for 2018. The Arona’s robust front follows the same structure as the Ateca, with a three-dimensional look that’s more pronounced, without being aggressive. Also, the license plate on the tailgate, allows a more robust bumper design and raises the car visually.

Alejandro Mesonero, Design Director at SEAT, says, “We wanted to give the New SEAT Arona the distinct feel of a crossover, a sturdy car for everyday life, for the urban jungle. That’s why it features such strong protection in the bumpers, the wheel arches and the dark coloured rubber side skirts, as well as the roof rack and the aluminium look-like protection at the bottom of the bumpers”. All of which makes it look tougher and taller. The 665 mm larger diameter wheels also help to make the car higher.

The New SEAT Arona is very expressive. In addition to the rack, the roof features evoke the aesthetics of all-terrain vehicles. It has many aspects in common with the new design language shown in the recent SEAT cars. No doubt this car has its own personality. This is clear in its interior, which stands out not only in horizontal proportions that emphasise and enhance the car’s size, giving an even greater feel of roominess and space inside, but in its increased sophistication as well. Special care has been taken with the details to underscore the improvements made to the New SEAT Arona in terms of its perceived quality.

The High Console Concept also gives the console more prominence, which affects the safety and ergonomics, since every element is positioned such that the driver barely has to look away from the road while driving. The driver’s seat has been given particular attention, and all of the instruments are oriented toward the driver. Everything is within reach, allowing for easy adjustments and increased safety. The seats are more comfortable and provide a greater feeling of protection while holding the occupants in place more securely. The fabrics, shades and colours are exclusive to the New SEAT Arona, whose interior colours and trims offer many possibilities for personalisation, with the console, for example, being painted to match the dashboard.

In this regard, the ability to customise the Arona is very important. There has been a trend in customers demanding individualisation for their vehicles. Colour-wise, the Arona is divided into two: the lower body, on the one hand, and the roof, plus the A and C pillars, on the other. Added to the colour palette for the bodywork is Eclipse Orange. The roof can be grey, black, orange or the same colour as the body. There are 68 possible colour combinations. Prominent on the C pillar is the X graphic engraved in the sheet metal to highlight the Arona’s crossover look. While every model in the SEAT line-up has a dynamic, versatile, technological and sporty character, the Arona maintains all of those features but has a more spacious interior and a wider range of possible uses.

The perfect companion

Strength nowadays lies in efficiency and reliability. All of the engines available in the New SEAT Arona range have direct injection, a turbocompressor, and feature an automatic stop & start system. There are three different petrol engines to choose from, all with an aluminium block. The first is the 3-cylinder, 95 PS 1.0 TSI, which is linked to a five-speed manual gearbox. Next we have this same engine but in a 115 PS version, which comes with a six-speed manual gearbox or the dual-clutch seven-speed DSG transmission. The third is the new four-cylinder, 150 PS TSI with active cylinder disconnection technology, which is exclusive to the FR trim and is connected to a six-speed manual gearbox. As for diesel options, the efficient and reliable 1.6 TDI will be available with 95 and 115 PS. The 95 PS version can be paired with a five-speed manual transmission or the seven-speed DSG, and the 115 PS with a six-speed gearbox. Finally, in mid-2018 the 90 PS 1.0 TSI engine, powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), will make its way into the Arona range. SEAT is the first manufacturer to offer an engine of this type in this class of compact crossover. Also, for certain overseas markets, a 110 PS 1.6 MPI engine with a manual and automatic gearbox will also be offered.

SEAT sales are rising steadily. Between January and May, SEAT delivered 201.300 vehicles worldwide, an increase of 13.9% over the same period in 2016. Sales growth has increased SEAT’s turnover by 20.2% in the first quarter of the year, reaching a record of 2.487 billion euros. Last year, the company posted the highest operating profits in its history. SEAT’s operating profit reached 56 million euros in the first three months of 2017, 4.1% more than in the same period in the previous year.

Take Command
Top of your game? Get the tech to match. Whether it’s Wireless Charger, 8” display with Full Link, BeatsAudio™, Keyless System with Heartbeat button or Ambient Light, the new SEAT Arona keeps you connected and in control.

For Fearless Moves
Go on, be daring. The new SEAT Arona’s got your back. ACC with Front Assist. Six Airbags. Blind Spot detection. Rear Traffic Alert. Tiredness Recognition System. So you can take on every journey with confidence in this new crossover.

Sporty. Sportier. Sportiest
The SEAT Arona FR trim is what happens when you take a sporty design, and add 18” Alloy Wheels, twin exhausts, a commanding grill and Alcantara leather upholstery. And that’s just the start. Customisation options let you decide how it finishes.

This Is How You Own It
Not afraid to make a statement? Xcellence trim is for the confident. For the decisive. Optional Full LED Headlights and rear LED pilots. A customised interior. State-of-the-art Infotainment System. Get ready to own the road.

courtesy: www.seat.com

The New SEAT Ibiza, An Excellent Option in the Segment

The New SEAT Ibiza, An Excellent Option in the Segment

The New SEAT Ibiza, An Excellent Option in the Segment

The decision on a car demands careful customer assessment, whether it be an individual or a company. It is essential to take into account not only the purchase price but also maintenance costs and residual value over time. This is why SEAT has put these crucial elements at the heart of its strategy when developing the new Ibiza.

SEAT’s efficient engines ensure reduced maintenance costs, and the price/equipment ratio puts the New SEAT Ibiza among the best options in the market. The maintenance periods in the after-sales service are scheduled to make SEAT, the best investment. “Thanks to its dynamic and timeless design, its improved interior roominess combined with the advanced technology coming from higher segments, the new generation of SEAT legendary model will bring the Brand to the next level in the Fleet industry.” says SEAT Vice-President for Marketing and Sales Wayne Griffiths. In other words, it does not only give total driving pleasure but also a high level of added value at each stage of the vehicle’s life cycle.

The New SEAT Ibiza, An Excellent Option in the Segment

No wonder Autovista Group, a leading provider of pricing and specification intelligence for Europe’s automotive decision-makers, considers “the new SEAT Ibiza to be the car with one of the lowest depreciation among competitors included in the CarToMarket-Study and, what can turn to be the best possible buy in its segment”. Autovista Group has rated the new SEAT Ibiza with an uplift versus current Ibiza between 4 and 9 percentual points in the main six European markets. The information put together by Autovista Group, is completely independent, trustworthy and critical when taking decisions, meaning that users such as individuals or companies are able to take the most informed decision when it comes to purchasing a fleet or acquiring a new vehicle.

The fifth generation of the SEAT Ibiza, that just made its debut appearance at the last Geneva International Motor Show and just finished the International Press Presentation, will go on sale in June 2017.

The Spanish brand’s most iconic model, completely renovated, has been developed and built on the new MQB A0 modular platform of the Volkswagen Group. The new Ibiza debuts this platform for the first time in this segment, comprising the Volkswagen Group’s latest technology and also states the importance of the SEAT brand within the Group. The new MQB A0 platform contributes to a notable increase in interior space, and also allows to have a stiffer car body resulting in improved dynamic behavior and improved crash performance.

The New SEAT Ibiza gets the most advanced technology such as Front Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Keyless Entry System, new generation of front and rear parking sensors, rear view camera, 8’’ touchscreen, wireless charger, Full LED headlights and Full Link Connectivity. The new Ibiza is the only available car 100% connected thanks to three options: Apple Car Play, Android Auto and Mirror Link. Its extraordinary dynamic performance added to a comprehensive increase in comfort and interior space were highlighted by 120 international experts from all over Europe who test drive the new SEAT Ibiza during the SEAT Residual Value Event early February. Residual value experts underlined its superior driving dynamics and functionality, emotional and timeless design, overall perceived quality and its generous roominess with the largest boot amongst competitors. The new SEAT Ibiza becomes more mature. At the same time, it keeps its youthful spirit and remains as functional, comfortable and sporty as it has always been, continuing with the brand’s DNA. But on top of that, the new SEAT Ibiza brings with it, fantastic added value in terms of price, maintenance costs, residual value, quality and equipment.

The New SEAT Ibiza, An Excellent Option in the Segment

Achieving the highest classifications according to Autovista Group, in the main European markets with the new Ibiza is key for SEAT. It is not a coincidence that SEAT has seen a 90% growth in true fleet sales in the last five years owing to SEAT’s solid fleet strategy. No doubt, the launch of the new Ibiza is going to make SEAT’s presence felt in the fleet management industry once again thanks to its increased dimensions, superior dynamic performance, quality, equipment, advanced technology and total cost of ownership (TCO).

The new Ibiza reflects the culmination of a consolidation phase and the beginning of a new period of growth happening precisely in the year that SEAT launches the largest ever product offensive. SEAT sales are making solid headway, with 158,700 vehicles delivered from January to April 2017, which is 14.5% more than the same period in 2016 (138,600). The growth in sales has increased turnover sharply by 20.2%, reaching a record figure of 2,487 million euros in first quarter of 2017. After closing 2016 with the best-ever financial results in its history, SEAT’s operating profit reached 56 million euros in the first three months of the year, 4.1% more than the same period last year.

courtesy: www.seat.com