Seat Toledo to cost from 12,495

The new Seat Toledo will cost from 12,495 around 400 cheaper than its sister car the Skoda Rapid.

The Toledo and Rapid share most interior, exterior and mechanical parts, with just different bumpers, lights, tailgate and bonnet to distinguish the Seat from the Skoda and to keep it in line with the latest Ibiza and the forthcoming Leon.

Like the Rapid, the new Toledo features a conventional hatchback tailgate, despite its saloon-like styling.

With a class-leading loadspace of 550 litres, the Toledo outstrips the Ford Mondeo hatchback's 528 litres and the 350 litres offered by the Volkswagen Golf.

The Toledo will be available with two petrol engines: a 1.2 with 74bhp, 84bhp, or 104bhp, along with a 120bhp 1.4 TSI unit. The 104bhp 1.2 TSI features Ecomotive technology adding engine stop-start and brake energy recuperation which helps it to an average economy of 56.5mpg and emissions of 116g/km.

The 1.6 TDI diesel develops 104bhp and, in Ecomotive trim, averages 72.4mpg and emits 104g/km of CO2.

Three trims are available E, S, and SE. Standard E trim brings 15-inch wheels, front electric windows, stability control, driver and front passenger airbags, front, side and curtain airbags, ISOFIX fixings and an MP3/CD player with four speakers.

The Toledo S adds body-coloured door handles and mirrors, heated door mirrors, air-con, Bluetooth, a USB port, remote audio controls, six speakers, split-folding rear seats, a height-adjustable drivers seat, and remote central locking.

Range-topping SE models gain 16-inch alloys, front cornering foglights, climate control, refrigerated glovebox, cruise control, rear electric windows, leather-trimmed steering wheel and gearknob, front and rear armrests, boot storage compartments and a height-adjustable passenger seat.

Prices for the new Seat Toledo range start from 12,495 for the entry-level 1.2 and rise to 17,840 for the 1.6 TDI CR in SE trim. It's available to order now, with first deliveries expected from December 1.

By Pete Barden