A selection of wild cars from the 2013 GTi Meeting

Every year, in Austria, a group of GTi enthusiasts come togethere for a special even presented by the Volkswagen Group. GTi Meeting or Worthersee Tour, whatever you want to call it, it's all about the noise, the girls, the smokes, the speedo boys, the celebration, and some wild modified concepts presented by the Volkswagen Group as part of saying "thank you" for their loyalty. This year though promises to be even more because here are a small selection of cars as seen on this year's GTi Meeting...

Design Mission GTi Concept - The star attraction of this year's GTi meeting because it maybe a hyped-up version of the Golf VII GTi but with 299kph of top speed and 503PS of power, which is less than 2007's GTi W12 Concept,  you might be surprised that VW sure knows how to make a GTi even more wilder...

Skoda Rapid Sport - How do you make the Skoda Rapid more hotter for this year's meeting? The Sport Concept, that's for sure! The red and white paint scheme adds a nice touch on it!

Golf GTi Cabrio Austria - A group of rookies from all sorts spend the whole year creating this car which is based on the Golf VI GTi Cabrio and hard work pays off.

VW Amarok Power Pickup Concept - From the looks of it, the Amarok Power Pickup doesn't look quite as sporty as expected to be but it comes with a body kit and large 22-inch wheels, together with some sporty upgrades om the interior and the fitment of a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 diesel (TDI) that churns out 268hp and a peak torque of 600Nm.

Seat Leon Cup Racer - Using the latest generation Leon, the Cup Racer version adds some racing peripherals on it as well as the 330PS engine equipped on it.

Seat Ibiza SC Trophy - The race-spec version of the Ibiza SC was made to compete in one-make races in Spain and Italy. It was rigged with a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine with 200 PS (197 hp) mated to a 7-speed DSG gearbox.

Audi TT ultra quattro Concept - Guess this Audi TT's taking too much Zumba sessions and losing so much weight really means more fun for this kind of TT here...

Seat Leon Third generation (Typ 5F)

The SEAT Leon...if my memory serves me correctly, the Leon is nothing more of a Volkswagen Golf with a bit of se habla espanol because it is just a Spanish equivalent to the Golf. This car may have spawned two generations but it still won't deny that it's still a VW Golf after taking Spanish lessons. Besides, it does come with the same engine choices from the Golf as well...

2013 Seat Leon

At long last, a full model change for the Seat Leon and hey, do you think it still has the guts of other Leons to prove it has the wit to stay competitive? Do you think it's going to feel like Leon the Professional? Leon Guerrero? Leon S. Kennedy? Sadly, it's a no because this is just the same old Leon for nothing because even though it's an all new model, it still just based on the Golf 7 because of its new MQB platform developed by Volkswagen Group for future models. Let's not forget that future VW Group models will be using this new platform no matter which body style they're on.

2013 Seat Leon interior

First of all is the design and this one's rather looking similar. The new Leon is becoming more like the big brother of the recently facelifted Seat Ibiza compact car. When you put them both, just look at them. Their fronts really look like it was some sort of inheritance of genes, just like when a little boy has the nose of his father's and the pubic hair of his. Okay, it's going to be too cheesy for words but anyway, how about the interior? It seems that VW's doing the right thing to make the Leon more accessible for the drivers because most of the switches, buttons and controls in the new SEAT Leon are located exactly where the driver would expect them to be. New to the Leon is the techie-favored Easy Connect system which features a user-friendly touch-screen. For beginners, the Media System Touch gets a CD player with SD card slot, four speakers and a five-inch touchscreen while for the advanced yuppies, the Media System Colour includes a better screen, six speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, USB and aux-in. Then, comes the Media System Plus, which adds iPod connectivity, DAB, voice recognition, eight speakers and sat nav, and finally, the SEAT Sound System, which upgrades to ten speakers and a sub-woofer. Sounds lovely and this is becoming a premium hatchback in its own right when most of the concessions to comfort and convenience are bundled together in the all new Leon.

2013 Seat Leon

There are several kinds of engines available on the new Seat Leon such as a 1.2 TSi, 1.4 TSi, 1.8 TSi, 1.6 TDi, and a 2.0 TDi engine. Choosing either of these engine lineups is like choosing for your Pringles flavor of choice at your nearest 7-Eleven convenience store but whichever side you're on, you might be expecting a choice of either a five- or six-speed manuals and seven-speed DSG twin clutch systems.

When you take your foot on, the Seat Leon feels like you're swimming with hard candy that smells like menthol and tastes like fruit...and menthol. They're like MAXX menthol candies to me when I'm driving one because when I bite one of these, it feels a bit rough but by not biting one of my MAXX's, it feels a bit okay to me, it soothes me right until the MAXX in my mouth is shrunken down to nothingness. That's how the driving feel of the new Leon feels like, having a piece of my favorite fruit-menthol hard candy in my mouth and decide if I'm going for the fast but rough way or the slow but sensual way.

It might be a VW Golf taking so much Spanish lessons but the new Seat Leon (Typ 5F) can make a decent opponent to the likes of the Citroen C4, Alfa Romeo Giuletta, Peugeot 308, or the brand new Renault Clio. As for me, I didn't like this new model in terms of its design because it looks like an oversized Ibiza to me. Seems like some alien boy's busy playing with his grow ray and he accidentally zap it on the parked Ibiza in Madrid until it grew into something. He he he... Anyway, as for the driving style, it's harsh but when you take it slowly, it's not that harsh. Remember the fruit-menthol candy reference I'm talking about. It was quite a surprise that VW Group invested a few Euros just to regenerate the Leon...only know is can the Leon cope up in Spain's current economic climate? I mean of course, there's been a huge debt crisis lingering on in Europe for several months now and I think the Leon might not work here unless it has the chance. Besides, now that SEAT is coming to China, will the Chinese appreciate the new Leon more? Spoilers...

PRICE LIST:


León 1.6 TDI CR 90 CV (66 kw) Emoción 17.720 €
León 1.6 TDI CR 90 CV (66 kw) Reference 19.770 €
León 1.6 TDI CR 105 CV Start&Stop (77 kw) Reference 20.300 €
León 1.4 TSI 122 CV Start&Stop (90 kw) Style 20.330 €
León 1.4 TSI 140 CV Start&Stop (103 kw) Style 20.870 €
León 1.6 TDI CR 105 CV Start&Stop (77 kw) Style 21.900 €
León 2.0 TDI CR 150 CV Start&Stop (110 kw) Style 23.250 €
León 1.4 TSI 122 CV Start&Stop (90 kw) FR 21.790 €
León 1.4 TSI 140 CV Start&Stop (103 kw) FR 22.330 €
León 2.0 TDI CR 150 CV Start&Stop (110 kw) FR 24.710 €

New Skoda Rapid and New Seat Toledo

This is the first of one of today's offerings. It's the new age of Skoda, the first of its kind, a compact sedan. The Skoda Rapid. It maybe essentially a production version of the MissionL concept car as seen on 2011 Frankfurt International Motor Show but this one though is a bit more clever than that...

2013 Skoda Rapid

Now, if you're from India, then to you, your India's Rapid is different from our Rapid. As I want to say, the real Skoda Rapid we'll talk about is the new one. The real one. The made-in-Mladá Boleslav one. The one from the Paris Motor Show. Not the poor man's Rapid which was made in Pune. Indian Rapids had the old Skoda badge on it while the Rapid that was made in Mlada Boleslav, Czech, has the new Skoda trademark front as well as the new Skoda logo. See the difference? Yep, it stays true to its brand slogan; "Simply Clever".

Hopefully, I don't want anyone from India reading this article or searching for it. Anyway, this new Rapid is coming back fighting and the most powerful version as of now is the 1.4 TSi model that produces 122PS of power, 0-100kph time of 9.5 seconds, and top speed of 206kph. Most fuel efficient is the one with the 1.6 TDi engine mated with the 5-speed manual that promises combined consumption of 23.8km/L (4.2l/100km). There are other engine types available such as the 1.2 MPi, 1.2 TSi, and a 1.6 TDi with 105PS power output and whichever engine you're on, transmission offerings will be a 5-speed MT, 6-speed MT, or a 7-speed DSG.

Prices start at about 289,000 Koruna or about an estimated 11,500 Euros for the basic Skoda Rapid Active 1.2 MPi 5MT varnat up to 459,900 Koruna or about an estimated 18,210 Euros for the top of the line Skoda Rapid Elegance 1.4 TSi 7-speed DSG model.

2013 Skoda Rapid interior

It looks nice though and somewhat practical because what's underneath the Rapid is a chassis from the current generation Volkswagen Polo, which means there's a bit of cleverness going on. Sure, Skoda is the Czech subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, the Germans have done it again to keep the new Rapid well-made for the developing markets, even China's going to get one of these soon.

2013 Skoda Rapid

It may look like a saloon car but it is essentially a 5-door liftback promising a luggage capacity of 550 litres. That makes it a good compact car all-round for everyday use and I think the all new Rapid could claim to be Czech's first of its kind.

However, it must now face this. A car that seems to be the identical twin of the Skoda Rapid...

2013 Seat Toledo

The se habla español SEAT Toledo. It's back. The compact saloon is back and now it uses the same aesthetics from the Skoda Rapid. It might be more of the production version of the concept version as seen from the 2012 Geneva Motor Show but by the looks of it, the Seat Toledo's dramatic design blows the Rapid out of the water. It looks even more premium and stylish unlike any other compact saloons in this category.

2013 Seat Toledo interior

Even though the new Toledo, like the new Rapid, comes with the same engine choices such as the 1.2 MPi, 1.2 TSi, 1.4 TSi, and the 1.6 TDi engine but when it comes to dimensions, the Toledo is longer than the Rapid thanks to its long wheelbase.

2013 Seat Toledo

However, there are a couple of chinks behind the Toledo's elegance; while the Rapid costs about an estimated 11,500 Euros for the entry-level grade, the entry-level grade for the Toledo will cost you 13.990 Euros, that's more than the Rapid even though they are made at the same line and they used the same A05+ platform. Also, the Toledo's less wider than the Rapid. You really can't tell which one has a wide stance.

But still, the Toledo is much more better looking than the Rapid because while the Rapid is focused to be more simple but the new Toledo is very stylish, very practical, and very emotional in every corner. These two compact saloons is what the Czech and the Spanish are capable of in the midst of the Euro Debt Crisis that hampering European carmakers for days but would they work in today's economy? You'll have to find that out soon...

Photo: Skoda Auto, SEAT

SEAT Ibiza Mk4 minor change

You might imagine that the Mk4 Seat Ibiza is slowy becoming a template for the Skoda Fabia and the Volkswagen Polo, well probably because of the PQ25 platform they've shared. Few years ago, I still think that this Mk4 Ibiza is getting a bit pretty well for the Spanish member of the Volkswagen Group. However, there are somebody really batter my point of view regarding the Ibiza.

There is another example of this; because in my blog, someone looking for the terms "SEAT Ibiza Fully". SEAT Ibiza Fully? Hello! We don't have one!! How come there are Algerians reading this? If you're an Algerian spend most of the time doing nothing but Google searching "SEAT Ibiza Fully", all I have to say to you, Algerian SEAT enthusiasts, is...YOU BIG DAFT C**K.

Now however there is a solution. It's the facelifted version of the SEAT Ibiza Mk4. Something that those cocks from SEAT Algerie won't be mentioning the "Ibiza Fully" thing again so those Algerian idiots won't bothering me again. For the minor change, the Ibiza 5-door, the Ibiza SC 3-door, and the Ibiza ST estate, now comes with a new front view that harkened back to the facelifted SEAT Exeo sedan and tourer, as are the new rear, signalling a new styling direction for SEAT.

2013 SEAT Ibiza range

2013 SEAT Ibiza FR range

2013 SEAT Ibiza interior

That is my idea of a good looking Ibiza Mk4. Something that those Algerian idiots won't be laying a finger on, but its difficult to explain why. Firstly the minor change is all about being fascinated. It's got SEAT's new styling direction that was adopted on the SEAT Exeo and the SEAT Mii, probably because the front lamps of the Seat Ibiza Mk4 minor change gained some kind of spaceship-like daytime running headlamps. Once more, the bumpers are revised to provide a sportier look than the pre-facelifted model. The Mk4 Ibiza may be four years old since its tenure in 2008 but with this new look, it gets even more interesting and even more delicious. It kinda feels like this is a cherry at the top of the cake. If that wasn't put you in, there's a sportier Ibiza FR variants that looks...pretty much the same as the normal Ibizas except for the FR badge on the grille, and the 16-inch alloy rims wrapped in 215/45 tyres.

Happily however, the SEAT Ibiza ST now comes with the FR variant but sadly, no 2.0 TDi engine. This engine is reserved for the Ibiza FR 5-door and SC.

Anyway, here are some of the engines offered if you picked the Ibiza 5DR:

• 1.2 60CV - 125 g/km CO2
• 1.2 70CV - 125 g/km CO2
• 1.4 85CV - 139 g/km CO2
• 1.6 GLP 82CV - 139 / 123 g/km CO2
• 1.2 TSI 105CV - 119* g/km CO2
• 1.2 TSI 105CV DSG - 124 g/km CO2
• 1.4 TSI 150CV DSG - 139* g/km CO2
• 1.2 TDI CR 75CV - 99 / 102 g/km CO2
• 1.2 TDI CR 75CV E-Ecomotive - 89 / 92 g/km CO2
• 1.6 TDI CR 90CV - 109 g/km CO2
• 1.6 TDI CR 105CV - 109 g/km CO2
• 2.0 TDI CR 143CV - 119 / 123 g/km CO2

Then, here are some of the engines offered for the 3DR Ibiza SC:

• 1.4 85CV - 139 g/km CO2
• 1.2 TSI 105CV - 119* g/km CO2
• 1.2 TSI 105CV DSG - 124 g/km CO2
• 1.2 TDI CR 75CV - 99 / 102 g/km CO2
• 1.6 TDI CR 90CV - 109 g/km CO2
• 1.6 TDI CR 105CV - 109 / 112 g/km CO2

And here are some of the engines offered on the Ibiza ST estate:

• 1.4 85CV - 139 g/km CO2
• 1.2 TSI 105CV - 119* g/km CO2
• 1.2 TSI 105CV DSG - 124 g/km CO2
• 1.2 TDI CR 75CV - 99 / 102 g/km CO2
• 1.6 TDI CR 90CV - 109 g/km CO2
• 1.6 TDI CR 105CV - 109 / 112 g/km CO2

Depending on those engine types, you could expect either a 5-speed MT, 6-speed MT, or a double-clutch transmission.  Those equipped with engines that produces 105CV of power may also get XDS electronic differential lock for neutral handling and powerful traction, just like a mechanical differential lock. When the electronics recognise that there is too little load on the front inside wheel during cornering it applies a brief braking impulse. A good example was in the form of the anti-lock brakes.

I'd buy the one with the 1.2 TDI CR E-Ecomotive because of the average fuel consumption of just 3.4 litres/100 km or 89g/km of CO2 emissions. It comes with an idling stop system that stops the engine when the car stopped and then start again when your foot is on the pedal, to save fuel. Surprisingly, the Aerodynamic package will provide an enclosed radiator grille and a lower air intake that optimises airflow within the engine compartment. It even comes with a front spoiler, rear wing, special deflectors on the rear wheel arches and 15-inch wheels with closed covers. With these, you can expect a drag coefficient of 0.30 and once more, a shift recommendation display and slightly increased tyre pressure completes the whole Aerodynamic package.

Depending on the variant, available colors of the new SEAT Ibiza Mk4 minor change are Speed, Boal, Tribu, Blanco Nevada, Rojo Montsant, Negro Cosmos, Plata Estrella, Gris Pirineos, Verde Lima, Azul Apolo, Blanco, and Rojo Emocion.

My comment:

It takes a very sensible man or woman to be indulged into this sensible new look of the facelifted SEAT Ibiza Mk4. Even though it sports a new look that was now a SEAT Design DNA, you still have a choice of either a normal 5-door hatch for your balanced proportion, 3-door SC for your sporty pleasure, and the ST estate that has more room at the back. With this minor change, this SEAT Ibiza Mk4 is now becoming the most sensible SEAT ever made for the sensible drivers.

If you're Algerian, don't expect this facelifted Ibiza approaching to you yet because SEAT Algerie has no plans to introduce the facelifted Ibiza. This facelifted Ibiza will be available for the first time in the Chinese market because as you know, SEAT is officially arrived in China to boost sales because China plays a major role in the automotive industry. Hmmmm, China....Why would they want to sell the Ibiza on China? That is a question, I'm afraid, I can't answer for now but anyway the SEAT Ibiza is made in the state-of-the-art SEAT plant in Martorell near Barcelona, Spain. Later this year, a facelifted Ibiza Cupra will be introduced but this takes time...

Scoop: SEAT S.A.

Welcome Back: 2007 Seat Leon Cupra & 2010 Seat Leon Cupra R

We never seen a Spanish hot hatch driving
around the Top Gear Test Track

The Incredible Stig in his
Incredible Cupra R!

Some say that the Seat Leon is more like the Volkswagen Golf's Spanish cousin but this is a bit more than that. What you see here are a bunch of Seat Leon Cupra models to choose from. If you were to ask "What is the difference between Seat Leon Cupra and Seat Leon Cupra R?", there is a simple answer to that...

About the Leon Cupra:

The SEAT Leon Cupra comes with the 2.0L TFSi engine that produces 241PS of power and a 0-60mph time of 6.4 seconds. It has 18-inch rims, red brake calipers, and a special exhaust, as well as special paint finishes and sport seats embroidered with the Cupra logo.

This car was made using the know-how from their World Touring Car Championship season and little known fact that the Spanish is, in fact, one of the favourites for the WTCC constructors and drivers championship. For SEAT, whose goal is to create sporty cars with cutting-edge design and the latest technology, the arrival of the new Seat Leon Cupra is not just a source of satisfaction and pride; it is also essential.

About the Leon Cupra R:

Debuted at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, the R model is a much tamer version of the SEAT Leon Cupra. The 2.0L TFSi engine, which did come from the regular Leon Cupra, now comes with 265HP of power thanks to Seat Technical Centre that made significant effort into modifying the engine's electronic management system and increasing the maximum turbo pressure.

The Cupra R comes with XDS system that works together with ESP and functions as a self-blocking mechanism. It improves the car's performance when traction is lost by applying braking power to the wheel that loses grip.

So, now you know their differences but what if it's not enough? Let's settle their differences with a bit of a power lap time...

By science and due consideration, my SEAT Leon Cupra did it in 1:33.471 and my Leon Cupra R did it in 1:32.457. I believe that the Cupra R is more of a hardcore for SEAT but it's not more hardcore than its big cousin, the Volkswagen Golf R because unlike the SEAT Leon Cupra R, which is front-wheel drive, the Golf R has 4WD for added traction.

Welcome Back: 2009 Seat Ibiza Cupra

Are you the Ibiza Bocanegra?

This is one of my favorite cars returned on Forza Motorsport 4. It's a 2009 SEAT Ibiza Cupra and even though it comes from Spain, it's still comes from Volkswagen, which is German. The Ibiza Cupra has a striking exterior design, sporty on-board atmosphere, twin charger 180 hp 1.4 TSI engine, excellent traction capacity, and top-notch equipment that what makes it so special for a car made by the Spanish arm of the Volkswagen Group.

Stories told that SEAT made an Ibiza Bocanegra model and here in Forza 4, the front face of the Seat Ibiza Cupra may just be perfect enough to shade it black to replicate the Ibiza Bocanegra, which is a bit too easy for a geek. If you show it to your friends, they might be saying "Ooh! A Bocanegra!" and this trick can fool even the stringent of the aristocrats. Wow indeed and the SEAT Ibiza Cupra is just one of the hot hatches offered on Forza 4. I never knew that there are joys of driving a hot hatch because they're more fun to drive as supercars and you could get someone in the boot and somewhat reasonable to maintain than supercars. They really are that nimble on the racetracks.

Previewing the Seat Ibiza Cupra Minor Change

2012 Seat Ibiza Cupra Concept

Now, back at the AUTO CHINA 2012 in Beijing and Volkswagen's Spanish division, SEAT, began selling in China because their offensive on this growth market is a further stepping stone in the development of the brand and just as important as our investment in the highly attractive, new products that we will introduce in the near future according to SEAT chairman, James Muir.

Their opening salvo in China also previewed what might look like a facelifted version of the Seat Ibiza Mk4 Cupra. The facelifted version of the Seat Ibiza Mk4 was unveiled in Geneva last March and this hotter version is gone up in the world. Some say that the production version of the facelifted Seat Ibiza Mk4 Cupra will go on sale in Europe in Q4 2012.

Further reading: http://www.netcarshow.com/seat/2012-ibiza_cupra_concept/

Seat Mii

2012 Seat Mii

The Seat Mii...

This car may sound like Konori-senpai from To Aru Kagaku no Railgun but this is the cheapest of the SEAT lineup. What you have here is the Spanish cousin of the Volkswagen up!, which is the replacement for the VW Fox. Although the exterior may be different from the up!, it's still the same thing because it's part of Volkswagen Group New Small Family (NSF) series of models.

Konori-sempai is powered by a 1.0L MPi petrol engine that produces 44 to 55 PS of power and 95Nm of torque. It can go 0-100km/h in 14.4 to 13.2 seconds and flat-out the up! can go as much as 160 to 171km/h. It is mated with 5-speed manual transmission only. If that wasn't enough, the Ecomotive variant for her will get a CO2 figure of just 97 g/km.

Konori-sempai comes in four variants; Reference, Style, Style Chic, and Style Sport. She comes in five colors; Tribu, Negro Deep, Plata Reflex, Rojo Tornado, and Amarillo Sunflower.

My Comment;
If only Jeremy Clarkson watched "A Certain Scientific Railgun", he will most likely to blurt out the Seat Mii as "Mii Konori", or if Jeremy Clarkson making his own Mii on his Wii, same situation here. The Seat Mii may be cheap but it may not be cheerful. This low-cost Seat is all about being General Patronage but no, it's too rubbish...

Photo: Seat

New Seat Alhambra II

2011 SEAT Alhambra

With the Volkswagen Sharan reached its second generation, why would European car enthusiasts ever forget the Spanish VW Sharan Seat calls it the Alhambra? Now that the Seat Alhambra molted out from its ugly look as seen on the first generation, and into the sportier detail only the second generation has to offer. Since this is Seat's version of the new Volkswagen Sharan, the Alhambra gained a new look and new packaging well enough for an average Spanish family to fit in, even when the entire European summer getaway draws near to the end. What it will make up for the new Alhambra is for the "madre del fútbol" or soccer moms taking on their hectic schedules ranging from going to work, fetching their kids to school, and everything else only a soccer mom can do.

On the inside, the new Seat Alhambra can accommodate seven people, ranging from the kids in their school age to the adults who are done with their desk jobs. In addition, the new Easy-Fold system allows the owner to fold the seats for a wide range of seating arrangements depending on luggage capacity, passenger capacity, and multiple lifestyles suited for everyone.

Depending on the trim levels ranging from the Reference trim and the Style trim, the new Seat Alhambra has four different engine types available and how these engines react is up to the owner. First, there is an entry-level 1.4 TSI engine with Seat's Ecomotive Technology, engineered to behave like an eco-car. After that, a 2.0 TDI engine that runs in either 140 - 170PS of power output, turning the new Alhambra into a game-changing minivan.

My thoughts about the Alhambra:
Finally, the Seat Alhambra is graduated from the ugly look to the sporty look that makes it appealing in the eyes of European families. Now that summer is coming close to the end, and kids are going back to school, the new Alhambra is ready to make it memorable. Since this is Seat's version of Volkswagen's new Sharan, the new Alhambra will do anything to do better as its Sharan counterpart.

Photo: Seat

SEAT Ibiza ST

Rewind back at the 2009 IAA from Frankfurt, Germany, and when you step nearby to the Seat IBZ Concept Car, it made other enthusiasts triggered many questions that could that be the Sport Tourer variant of the Seat Ibiza. In reality, this is the Seat Ibiza ST, which is recently unveiled at the 2010 International Auto Show in Geneva, Switzerland. Based on the fourth-generation Ibiza, this new addition to the Ibiza range, consisting of the regular, FR, and Cupra, is built for spacing purposes as European families brace themselves for the long summer vacation, meaning they are ready for more fun outside.

The Ibiza ST is more of a stretched version of the Ibiza 5-door, just how Renault's Megane do for the estate variant. When it comes to pricing, the Ibiza ST's pricing is barely cheaper than the Renault Megane Estate, but as for the styling cues, we can give it to the Renault Megane Estate because it is more stylish than the Ibiza ST.

The Ibiza ST still retains the plain Ibiza interior, only this time, as a tourer, spacing is top priority for the Ibiza ST, but would that be enough for an European family to pack it all for the long summer vacation? In fact, it could have a possible chance to bring every summer vacation preparedness stuff and the kids before beginning the super-long weekend trip all over Europe.

The Ibiza ST has an array of Volkswagen-engineered engines available such as the entry level 1.2L engine, 1.4L engine, 1.2L TDI diesel engine, to the high-end 1.6L TDi CR engine. Choosing which engine type depending on performance, ecology, and style, can be a challenging task for the first-time buyer of the Ibiza ST, but only the customer can pick the right engine for the right journey. Depending on the variant, the Ibiza ST may get the following features necessary for their trip such as the Electronic Stability Program, Anti-Lock Braking System, rain sensor with anti-dazzling mirror, and tire pressure warning. You will be glad to have it on your European summer trip.

My thoughts about the Ibiza ST:
When the European summer is near, meaning European kids are getting out from school and parents packing up for the super-long weekend with the kids, the Ibiza ST is the perfect addition to the list of family movers needed to begin the long European summer excursion from town to town. Kids are going to enjoy playing "I spy" all over again while the Ibiza ST travels across the road from left, right, up, down, round and round. With the driving style seems too bland for the Ibiza ST, it is almost not so fun to drive with this grand touring sports wagon, unless if the Ibiza ST tries to make room against the Renault Megane Estate and the Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon. Glad if this is engineered for the European families preparing for the super-long vacation.

SEAT Ibiza Mk4

Honestly speaking, the fourth-generation Seat Ibiza finds its true distinctive sportiness from the outside to the inside. With other competitive hatches, including the latest Volkswagen Polo V and the upcoming Audi A1 mini compact car, seem to be roaming around the European peninsula, the Ibiza tries to stand out the crowd with its distinctive taste available from the Spanish marque of Volkswagen.

Ibiza 5DR/3DR

SEAT Ibiza

Normally, the 5-door Ibiza and the 3-door Ibiza SC does not seem to be standing out, despite the sporty character involved in the exterior. With the design courtesy of Luc Donckerwolke, the fourth-generation Ibiza attained a sporty exterior that is a tradition of Seat's design philosophy. No one knew in the eyes of a Spaniard, the reaction to the Seat Ibiza would be elegante y deportivo or sleek and sporty as what would the Spaniards want to say about it.

Under the hood, the Ibiza is armed with Volkswagen-engineered engines to choose from depending on your taste for performance, ecology, or different perspectives. Many would pick the entry-level 1.2 12v engine, some would pick the 1.4 16v engine, and a few would pick the 1.6-16v engine. Please take note that some engines I mentioned were gasoline engines offered for the Ibiza and Ibiza SC. Aside from these gasoline engines, there are diesel engines offered on these Ibiza variants, including the 1.9L TDI engine which is classified as the top-tier diesel engine for the Ibiza.

To give out the best for the Ibiza and the Ibiza SC to maneuver various directions, the Dynamic Steering Response is equipped for fine-tuned handling and enhanced safety that gives out the best of the cornering basics for this Seat. The Power Steering equipped on both of these Ibizas are speed-sensitive assisted to give out enhanced steering response on various speed conditions, no matter how slow or fast your Ibiza reaches. Electronic Brake Assist and Electronic Stability Program are also equipped for enhanced safety on the road.

However, aside from all of these features, the Ibiza's interior seems to be plain, even if it is sporty enough to relax some Spaniards from the outside. If a Spaniard gets bored enough while driving the Ibiza, the sound system packed with 6-speakers, radio, CD/MP3 player, and USB connectivity are sure enough to bring enjoyment while taking a spin on the Ibiza. The board computer equipped on the Ibiza/Ibiza SC got the drivers covered with some various options, but it seems plain to use it.

Ibiza Cupra

SEAT Ibiza Cupra interior

Go ahead; Seat dared the Spaniards to try the high-velocity ferocity of the Ibiza Cupra on the streets, the highway, the Circuit de Catalunya, all the way to the legendary Nurburgring Nordschleife. The Ibiza Cupra has it all: aerodynamics, race-inspired cockpit, sports-tuned suspension, 7-speed DSG automatic transmission, and 180 hp, 1.4 TSI, twin-charger engine that is destined to be the alternative to the Renault Megane Renault Sport.

Ibiza FR 5DR/3DR

SEAT Ibiza FR

If the Ibiza Cupra seems to be expensive, the Ibiza FR and the Ibiza SC FR are the cheaper alternatives for the Ibiza Cupra. With the FR delivering both of these Ibiza some moderate tuning to the exterior, FR badge, race-inspired cockpit, Electronic Stability Program, Anti-Lock Braking System, Traction Control System, and two available engines (1.4 TSI and 2.0 TDI CR) offered. You will be glad to have it.

My thoughts about the Ibiza:
With an odd flavor of sportiness and luxuriousness combined for the fourth-generation Ibiza, this Spaniard would try to play fair in the competition already leaded by European hot hatches, including newer ones such as the Citroen DS3. If other Spanish car enthusiasts found out that if the regular Ibiza does not stand out to their senses, there is the Cupra variant dedicated for adrenaline-pumping Spaniards. The Cupra variant ranks out against other Ibiza variants, including the latest Ibiza FR variant. However, can it outflank against the Renault Megane Renault Sport and the Volkswagen Golf R?

SEAT Exeo

Volkswagen Group's Spanish marque, Seat (pronounced Seh-aht) stands a chance against other executive medium-sized sedan with their Exeo sedan, and if that was not enough to satisfy the needs for moderate buyers, the station wagon variant of the Seat Exeo, known as the Exeo ST (Sport Tourer), was engineered to be almost premium. It is the first time this Volkswagen marque from Spain did not use the names of Spanish cities (for instance, the Altea and the Ibiza) as part of the Seat tradition.





When I acknowledged the words "engineered to be almost a premium sedan,” well take at look how the Exeo's platform was derived from, it was derived from the latest-generation Audi A4 premium compact sedan’s body frame; you might check that it is somewhat more similar to its Czech counterpart, the Skoda Superb. The Exeo’s built not for luxuriousness, but for the grand touring experience. If I meant to say the statement "Grand Touring”, take a glance on the list of engines the Seat Exeo is in store for you. Depending on the variant, there is a choice of an entry-level 1.6L engine, turbocharged 1.8L engine, 2.0L TSI turbo engine, and for the diesel lovers, 2.0L TDI diesel turbo engine,

My pick was the 2.0L TDI diesel turbo engine because of this Spanish executive sedan's diesel capability, so saying that a car with a diesel engine has so many benefits from a low emission eco car.

There are other valuable technology offered on the Exeo sedan and ST:
1. Bi-Xenon headlamps with AFS, parking sensors for parking safety,

2. Rain and light sensors that allows the Exeo to activate the windshield wipers when rain occurs and the headlamps when travelling through dark areas,

3. Lastly, anti-theft system is equipped as an option to thwart the case of car theft.

My expressions about the Exeo:
Although it is a Spanish grand touring medium sedan and station wagon, built with the German flair, I might consider this would be a good start from other executive medium sedans, which are much pricier than the Exeo. With other rivals trying to stepping up for a chance, the Exeo sedan and the Exeo ST prove that this Spanish car might look for a prizefight ubiquitously.

Source: http://leopauldelr.multiply.com/reviews/item/185