Skoda to Build Next SEAT Toledo

MADRID – Volkswagen Group’s SEAT and Skoda brands will collaborate in the production of a new notchback sedan, which will be sold as the SEAT Toledo by the Spanish brand and Skoda Rapid by the Czech marque.

Skoda’s Mlada Boleslav plant in the Czech Republic will produce both models, with total output forecast at 120,000 units annually.

The Toledo name was abandoned by SEAT in 2009 when the model’s third generation flopped in the market.

Styled by Walter da Silva, now head of design for Volkswagen Group, the ill-fated car was positioned halfway between a sedan and small multipurpose vehicle. It offered a roomy interior, but its exterior styling was not well received.

About 860,000 units of the three Toledo generations were produced between 1991 and 2009.

Now, SEAT has decided to revive the car, which will be unveiled as a concept at the Geneva auto show Tuesday.

The new Toledo will be positioned between the Ibiza and Leon models, a few steps down the range from the first-generation car.

The platform used for the new Toledo/Rapid notchback is nearly identical to the one underpinning the SEAT Ibiza model, but its overall length has been increased to 176.5 ins. (448.0 cm), with a 102.4-in. (260-cm) wheelbase. Trunk capacity will exceed 17.7 cu.-ft. (500 L).

Only two engines likely will be offered, a 1.6L gasoline 4-cyl. and 1.4L diesel, mated to either manual or automatic 5-speed transmissions.

Sales are expected to begin in second-half 2012. Prices for the Toledo could start at about E15,000 ($19,800).