I’ve covered just over 6000 miles since collecting the Toledo and thought I’d post up my thoughts regarding my new car. Thus far the pros are as follows:

 

Engine - the new 1.0 3 pot TSi is a remarkable unit, given its diminutive size. I'd previously owned 2 1.2 TSi 105 BHP TSi engined cars and find the newer unit is both more "characterful" and free revving. The fuel returns thus far also suggest it is 10-20% more economical than the older TSi units (I record MPG brim-to-brim).

 

Gear change – the car has the usual 6 speed gearbox. This gives relaxed cruising – 70 MPH in 6th equates to ~2200 RPM. The change is typical VAG fare and is slick, although occasionally baulks when changing down to 4th.

 

Headlights - the Toledo has full LED headlights and these are the best lights I've experienced, despite previously owning cars with Xenons. The dipped beam is exceptional and main beam is akin to stadium flood lights! The car also has LED indicators at the front and partial LED rear lights (rear indicators are halogen).

 

Infotainment - In typical VAG fashion the infotainment system is well integrated into the car and provides a number of options for playing / streaming music (Bluetooth, USB, x2 SD cards), a functional / responsive voice control system and a number of the features (sat-nav instructions etc) are mirrored on the dash display.

 

Practicalities - The boot is enormous and the car is supplied (as standard) with a spare wheel. Many years ago I was pleased to find my Mark I Skoda vRS came with 5 alloys. The SEAT however has the usual VAG 15" spare wheel and 195/55/15 tyre.

 

Interior - the interior is half alcantara / leatherette (much like Mercedes Artico) and is much plusher than the Rapid's I've owned previously. The car has keyless entry, which despite the reported security implications I find useful in everyday use.

 

As for negatives:

 

Wheels / tyres - the Xcellence model comes with 17" rims and 215/40/17 tyres (Bridgestone Potenza RE050). I would have preferred a more comfortable tyre profile, but had no choice in the matter.

 

Interior - this is a cheap car and the interior plastics / fixtures & fittings are a little dated / low rent in places. This is perhaps a little harsh, given the alternatives available at similar prices - I recently sat in a Dacia and can confirm the SEAT (or any VAG product for that matter) is simply light years ahead in this aspect. The glovebox is much smaller than the older Rapid’s, as the infotainment system unit occupies at least 2/3 of the available space.

 

Engine - Whilst the engine is eager to rev, there is no escaping its low capacity / 3 cylinders and it's much easier to catch it "off boost" at low revs. This contrasts markedly with the older 1.2 TSi 4 cylinder units which are much happier "lugging" at low revs and display almost diesel like low rev torque.

 

Technical updates - I enquired regarding map updates and it seems SEAT UK does not operate the free map updates seen in Europe (and in the UK for Skoda, VW and Audi). I assume the new Toledo has a reasonably up-to-date map version installed, but as with any pre-installed system, the maps tend to lag a long way behind stand-alone units / phones running Google maps etc. A family member has just taken ownership of a 2016 Fabia and I was frustrated to see how easy it was to update both the maps, and system firmware, using the online Skoda portal. This free service is attached to the car for 3 years and is available for SEAT in Europe!

 

Warranty – The SEAT warranty is equivalent to the Skoda new car warranty (3 years / 60K miles), but I was disappointed to see the breakdown cover only applies for 2 years, whereas it is 3 years for a Skoda.

 

All in all I'm fairly satisfied with the Toledo and hope it continues to provide spacious and economical family transport for years to come.

Edited 7 March, 20188 yr by pinkpanther

I agree with almost all of that comprehensive report.

 

However, for me the 1.0 is a gutless little motor, and I cant beat, indeed rarely match, my previous 1.2 for mpg either.

 

I think the problem with the ride is the OEM tyre brand not the size. My previous 215/40R17 were by Continental, and they were quiet and smooth riding for 36000 miles. The Bridgestone RE050 in the same size currently fitted by Skoda (who build the car) are markedly inferior.

 

A nice little car then, but I should have kept the 3 year old one instead - with it's more agreeable engine and ride.

On 07/03/2018 at 18:02, camelspyyder said:

I agree with almost all of that comprehensive report.

 

However, for me the 1.0 is a gutless little motor, and I cant beat, indeed rarely match, my previous 1.2 for mpg either.

 

I think the problem with the ride is the OEM tyre brand not the size. My previous 215/40R17 were by Continental, and they were quiet and smooth riding for 36000 miles. The Bridgestone RE050 in the same size currently fitted by Skoda (who build the car) are markedly inferior.

 

A nice little car then, but I should have kept the 3 year old one instead - with it's more agreeable engine and ride.

Fuel economy has been the opposite for me.

 

A 2013 1.2 TSi Rapid (105 BHP) I ran for 16k miles averaged 38.8 MPG, whereas current 1.0 TSi (110 BHP) Toledo is averaging 44.6 MPG (+15%).

 

Links to Fuelly: 2013 Rapid 2017 Toledo

 

I'm interested regarding comments on tyre brand's. I've never been keen on Bridgestone tyres, but changing all 4 is probably prohibitively expensive. I may well continue to run my 15" steelies  year-round and get some cross climates in nice and comfy (and relatively inexpensive) 185/60/15

Edited 11 March, 20188 yr by pinkpanther

Had a new Ibiza with the 1.0 TSI engine in it and I found that it was fine on the flat but on steep inclines in was lacking in torque in the lower half on the rev range so much so that it caused the clutch to actually smell.  MPG was good ie in the mid 40s even with the aircon working hard with the temperature in the 40s C even when running at 120-130 kph on the motorways.

 

 

Edited 11 March, 20188 yr by lol-lol

7k miles now and no mechanical issues to report.

 

I'm avergaging around 44 MPG, in generally urban use, which is 10-16% better than the previous 1.2 TSi cars I ran.

 

Just switched back to summer tyres and am missing the softer ride from the 15" wheels / higher profile tyres.

 

Full-link activation turned into a disaster, so planning to live without this feature.

 

First service will be due in a few months - £189 for what is essentially an oil and filter change!!!

 

All things considered I remain pleased with my decision to buy this car.

On 11/03/2018 at 09:30, lol-lol said:

Had a new Ibiza with the 1.0 TSI engine in it and I found that it was fine on the flat but on steep inclines in was lacking in torque in the lower half on the rev range so much so that it caused the clutch to actually smell.

I've had this - the 1.0 TSi won't reverse up a steep incline without needing lots of revs, often resulting in a smell of burning clutch lining.

Edited 2 April, 20188 yr by pinkpanther

Nearly 16k miles covered now and despite not being the most engaging car to own / drive, it continues to function well as a roomy urban commuter, First service (oil & filter) was £189 and no issues to report.

 

Currently  running 15" winter tyres / steel rims, which give a vastly better ride than the OEM 17" alloys / 215/40/17 Bridgestones.

 

I replaced all the interior bulbs with LED's and similarly upgraded the front fogs. I was also able to switch on the cornering function, with Carista, which helps in the dark.

 

Residuals are predictably poor, but would struggle to find anything (at the price) to replace it with.