Review
The SEAT is a very different beast to the Rover, although both have attracted admiring glances from passers-by. However, the 75 has a more sober image whereas SEAT is associated with fun and sun.
The model we are testing is the Toledo V5 and although smart looking from the outside it is the interior that impresses the most. From its leather and alcantara seats to the satellite navigation screen, it is a joy to the eye. For practicality, drivers will be interested to know that the Toledo's boot is huge, but the same can't be said for cabin space, especially in the rear.
In fact, much to my 21-month-old daughter's amusement, she is able to rest her feet on the seat in front of her - although for the benefit of SEAT's press office, it is a habit I do not condone!
It is definitely in the driver's seat where the most fun is to be had. The car offers exceptional value for money with a truck-load of equipment fitted as standard - including the guidance system that effortlessly guided me in and out of London the other day during a family outing.
I estimate that we saved a good half an hour each way on our journey due to the system (my own internal human navigation system is useless). It surely is a must-have for the travelling businessperson and not just a fancy gadget. The system can even guide drivers to a destination in Europe, simply asking for a new disc to be inserted once a border has been crossed - brilliant.
Other goodies fitted as standard are electronic climate control, electrically adjustable front sports seats, 6-CD autochanger, ABS and switchable traction control, cruise control and rain-sensing wipers - the list goes on. My only real criticism is that the dashboard is constantly lit up – easily fooling some drivers that their lights are already switched on.
The car emits 211g/km of CO2, meaning that under next year's emissions-based company car tax regime, a driver will pay tax on 24% of the car's P11D price. A 22% taxpayer covering between 2,500 and 18,000 business miles a year will pay £925 a year in tax now, compared to £887 from April 2002.
