Spanish Car Maker Unveils New Models
14 May 2000
SEAT's new Alhambra MPV, Ibiza Supermini, Cordoba 4-door Sedan & Cordoba
Vario Wagon
London - Visitors to the Lisbon and Madrid Motor Shows on May 25th will be
the first to see SEAT's all new, 50th anniversary offerings. The new
Alhambra MPV is described as giving more choice, more style, and is more
fun-to-drive. The model's exterior styling has been updated and its
interior totally transformed; while new engines, sharper handling and
increased equipment have been designed to make it even more fun to own and
drive. The Alhambra is then expected to be available at dealerships in
Britain by the end of the Summer.
A broader range of Alhambra models will offer the option of a six-cylinder
engine - a first for a production SEAT - and, with 204 bhp, the Alhambra V6
will also be the most powerful version ever produced. Additionally, the
new Alhambra will be available with the option of four-wheel drive -
another first for SEAT UK.
Known for its design flair, SEAT has applied a contemporary, new look to
the latest Alhambra. The clear lensed front headlamps, now also available
with xenon bulbs, are framed in black linking the Alhambra with other SEAT
models, the Leon and Toledo. The central "nostril" grille sported by these
models now also distinguishes the Alhambra but framed in chrome, just like
on the Salsa concept car.
Inside, the dashboard has been designed with practicality and even higher
build quality in mind - revised seating increases comfort for both the
driver and passengers. Three trim levels will be available: S, SE and
Sport. Exact specifications are to be decided but all new Alhambras will
naturally feature a minimum of air-conditioning, anti-lock brakes, twin
front airbags, remote central locking and electric front windows as
standard. Depending on model, ESP (electronic stability programme),
satellite navigation, front seat mounted side airbags, leather or combined
leather/alcantara upholstery, electronic climate-control with separate
front and rear control and even a fridge will also be available.
All Alhambras will now feature a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. In
addition to the above mentioned new 2.8-litre V6 204 bhp engine, other
options include the 2.0-litre 115 bhp and 1.8-litre 150 bhp 20V T
units. There will also be two diesel engines, a 90 and 115 bhp
TDi. Depending on engine, a 5-speed Tiptronic transmission and total
traction 4, permanent four-wheel drive system, will offered.
Prices have yet to be announced, but they are expected to represent very
good economic value. Sales of the Alhambra have increased every year since
its launch in May 1996 - last year more than 25,000 units were sold, an
increase of 17.1% over the previous year. The new Alhambra will be
produced at the Autoeuropa factory in Palmela, Portugal.
SEAT continues its 50th anniversary celebration by introducing a new range
of special edition Ibiza and Cordoba models starting at about $13,000, and
referred to as "dot cool". They all have standard air conditioning and
are being offered with various low rate finance packages including 0% over
two years . They will be on sale through mid summer.
The Ibiza is a totally air conditioned supermini, available in three trim
packages: .cool, .cool/S and Sport. Equipment levels include power
steering, a driver's side airbag and a three year unlimited mileage warranty.
The .cool is based on the entry-level Ibiza three-door with a choice of
1.4-litre 60 bhp gas or 1.9-litre SDi diesel engines. They are priced
between roughly $12,800 and $14,400; respectively. Air conditioning, which
is usually an option priced at around $1,000 is now standard on these Ibizas.
Stepping up to the .cool/S, there's a split folding rear seat, electric
front windows, remote control central locking, height adjustable driver's
seat and a more luxurious interior. This trim package is presented in a
choice of four models with either three- or five-doors. Two are powered by
the 1.4-litre 60 bhp gasoline engine with prices of approximately $13,800
for the three-door and $14,400 for the five door. The other two models
powered by the 1.9-litre TDi 90 bhp diesel with standard anti-lock brakes
are priced at approximately $17,600 for the three door, and or $18,200 for
the five door version.
The Ibiza Sport features a 1.6-litre 100 bhp engine. It is packed with
even more equipment, including front passenger and side airbags, anti-lock
brakes, 15" five-spoke alloy wheels, sports interior, an alarm, traction
control and front fog lights for just about $18,400. The Ibiza Sport will
go from 0 to 62 mph in 10.7 seconds.
The Cordoba line-up ranges from four-door sedans to the Vario compact
station wagon models that are also identified as "dot cool-ed". All
versions of the sedans and wagons are powered by either a 1.6-litre 75 bhp
gas engine or a 1.9-litre TDi 90 bhp diesel unit. They are equipped to the
same level as the Ibiza .cool/S, and include items such as 'Autoclima' air
conditioning, electric windows, and central locking. The diesel models
also include anti-lock brakes .
Prices for the Cordoba 1.6 .cool/S and Cordoba Vario 1.6 .cool/S are
$15,550 and $16,200; respectively. The diesel models are priced at $18,800
and $19,500; respectively.
SEAT is making its range of Ibiza and Cordoba .cools an even more
attractive buy with the availability of various zero and low rate finance
packages. The offers apply to the retail sale of any Ibiza three and five
door hatchback, or Cordoba four-door sedan and Vario station wagon.
Zero % APR is offered at participating dealers with a choice of deposits
and the remainder paid over one year or two years. Those wishing to pay
over three or four years can do so with various low rate APRs and a deposit
as low as $300.
All prices quoted above are approximate conversions from pound sterling quotes.
MJR