Review
In the big-screen behind-the-scenes insight into the fictitious British rock band's disastrous US tour, Tufnell points out that whereas the dials on Marshall amplifiers usually go up to 10, Spinal Tap's amps were calibrated to 11 for a little extra kick. This came to mind when driving the latest diesel version of the SEAT Toledo.
Introduced towards the end of 2003, the car uses the familiar 1.9-litre Volkswagen Group turbodiesel engine, turned up to 11.
Just a few years ago, this pumpe duse engine was routinely available with power outputs of 90bhp and 115bhp. With the launch of the latest Passat, it was upgraded to 100bhp and 130bhp.
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The 130bhp unit has recently gone into the SEAT range, in the Ibiza Sport, Leon and the Toledo. While the 130bhp unit is available in SE trim for £15,150 on-the-road, a 150bhp version is also on offer for an extra £365.
There are no four-cylinder diesel cars on sale with more power, which gives the SEAT an obvious advantage when looking at lower-medium saloons. The best that can be mustered by the cars selected for running cost comparisons is 136bhp from the Nissan Almera, where 110bhp to 120bhp is more the norm.
However, compare the torque figure of the 150bhp Toledo TDi with the 130bhp variant and the difference is just 7lb-ft. The 130bhp car's maximum torque of 229lb-ft is reached at 1,900rpm, where the 150bhp engine gets to 236lb-ft at 2,000rpm. It means in real-world terms the 150 model never feels much faster than the 130 version, but then the price difference is just £365.
The Toledo TDi Sport is well equipped with electric windows, automatic climate control, alloy wheels, four airbags, a trip computer, a CD player and six-speed manual gearbox as standard.
The benchmark performance figures are impressive for a car at this price: 0-62mph in 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 133mph, along with 52.3mpg on the combined cycle. Although its outward appearance is stylish for a lower-medium saloon, inside the Toledo is beginning to show its age. Hard, shiny plastics on the doors and dashboard betray its years, while the glove compartment is relatively small, even without the optional CD autochanger.
For passengers it is reasonably roomy for a lower-medium car, but the latest generation of small saloons, such as the Renault Megane Sport Saloon, have far more generous rear compartments and boots.
Engine noise is an issue in the SEAT at lower speeds, or at least the vibration and harshness that transfers through to the cabin. Pumpe duse engines have traditionally suffered in this respect when compared to common rail units from other manufacturers, as the higher pressure from PD units produces a greater 'knocking' effect.
This is less noticeable on the move and at a steady 70mph in sixth gear the Toledo is barely registering 2,000rpm.
SEAT has been quite clever in how this car fits into the Toledo line-up. The 130bhp diesel is only available in SE trim, while the Sport is in this 150bhp version only. Otherwise, reasons for choosing the 150 version over the 130 appear to be few.
SEAT Toledo 1.9 TDi 150 Sport
Delivered price, standard car (P11D value): £15,362
CO2 emissions (g/km): 146
BIK % of P11D in 2004/05: 18%
Graduated VED rate: £115
Insurance group: 15
Combined mpg: 52.3
CAP Monitor residual value: £4,775/31%
Depreciation (16.36 pence per mile x 60,000): £9,816
Maintenance (2.66 pence per mile x 60,000): £1,596
Fuel (7.40 pence per mile x 60,000): £4,440
Wholelife cost (26.42 pence per mile x 60,000): £15,852
Typical contract hire rate: £326 per month
Three rivals to consider
P11d price
IT'S no longer a secret that a good turbodiesel engine can provide high-performance motoring, and the Toledo has a power output that would shame several premium sector saloons. The Megane is the most modern competitor in this line-up at about the same price as the SEAT, while the four-door Nissan Almera seems to offer the most bangs per buck with 136bhp at a shade over £13,000. The MG ZS is tuned for sharp handling and fares well in performance and economy.
SMR costs
THE SEAT costs marginally more on running costs than the MG, with the three year/ 60,000 mile SMR bill reaching £1,596, compared with £1,524 for the Longbridge car. The Renault is comfortably ahead of these two at £1,320, a clear result of its 18,000 mile service intervals, while the best of the four is the Nissan at £1,146. Compare the Almera with the SEAT on test and the difference is £450 in favour of the Nissan over 60,000 miles.
Nissan 1.91ppm
Renault 2.20ppm
MG 2.54ppm
SEAT 2.66ppm
Fuel costs
THE fuel cost comparison follows a pattern of engine size. The two 1.9-litre engines (in the Renault and SEAT) are the most frugal, costing £4,440 over three years and 60,000 miles, with the MG's 2.0-litre turbodiesel reaching £4,596. The MG has a more powerful version of the 100bhp 2.0 TD engine, which has some history and began production in the mid 1990s. The 2.2-litre Almera dCi doesn't quite manage 50mpg on the combined cycle, which results in a total cost of £4,848.
Renault 7.40ppm
SEAT 7.40ppm
MG 7.66ppm
Nissan 8.08ppm
Depreciation costs
WITH just £84 separating the SEAT from the MG in depreciation costs over three years and 60,000 miles, the Toledo appears to fare well, particularly when you look at the Megane. The Renault's depreciation bill is £10,236, compared with £9,876 for the SEAT. However, with a £2,000 list price advantage, the Nissan Almera loses a miserly £8,586 over three years/60,000 miles, a considerable cost advantage over these rivals. It means the Almera finishes two pence per mile clear of the second-placed MG. The Renault is a distant fourth.
Nissan 14.31ppm
MG 16.32ppm
SEAT 16.46ppm
Renault 17.06ppm
Wholelife costs
THE SEAT comes a worthy second in our running costs comparison, with a narrow win over the Renault and a comfortable margin over the MG. However, you have to ask whether the new high-power diesel Almera is the best-kept secret in the motor industry? After all, have you seen one? It is no less modern – indeed, the Nissan appeared a year later than the current Toledo – but its cost advantage over the SEAT over three years/60,000 miles is £1,272. It must be worthy of consideration.
Nissan 24.30ppm
SEAT 26.42ppm
Renault 26.66ppm
MG 27.02ppm
Emissions and BIK tax rates
NONE of these cars yet comply with Euro IV emissions rules so therefore incur the 3% supplement on diesel, but the variance between the different models' emissions compared with P11d price means there is little difference between them during the forthcoming financial year. The Renault will maintain its advantage as the emissions rules tighten, but for 2004/05 the SEAT would cost a 22% tax-payer nearly £51 a month, rising to £54 in 2005/06.
Renault 141g/km/18%
SEAT 146g/km/18%
MG 150g/km/19%
Nissan 161g/km/21%
Verdict
THE Toledo 1.9 TDi Sport represents a balance of diesel performance and economy with good equipment levels, but its case is harmed by its less powerful sibling – the 1.9 TDi SE with 130bhp – which doesn't feel much slower, while the Nissan Almera romps home in first place on running costs. Such is its running cost advantage, the Almera saloon would be the choice.
At a glance
For
Strong performance
Fuel economy/emissions
Standard equipment
Against
Diesel rattle at idle
Not much faster than 130
Interior showing its age
