Seat Toledo (1991-1999). The forgotten anniversary

Sometimes you find yourself behind the wheel of a car that has long escaped the collective memory. The first generation of the Seat Toledo is such a car. When you look at the Spaniard you think: hey, he was still there. And at the same time it feels like it wasn't that long ago that the Toledo was shown to the world. Yet for that moment we have to go back to 1991. The first Seat, developed entirely under the direction of Volkswagen, is thirty years old. High time to take this Toledo out of anonymity.

Giugiaro signed the German Spaniard, who actually ushered in a new segment. The slender Toledo was based on the platform of the Golf II, and thus officially fell into the C-segment. But with its length of more than four meters and its enormous trunk, it was still a lot longer than many C-segment cars. That also meant that he became active in a very busy and popular area of ​​the market. We can be brief: the usable passenger compartment and driving behavior (see below) are really more C- than D-segment, the same applies to the technology to a lesser extent, which overlaps. The practicality, on the other hand, exceeds that of the historic C-segment competitors, the boot space is a ballroom. More than five hundred liters without a folded bench, with the bench folded, the volume is more than 1300 liters.

Bold design combination, tough competitive position

But that combination of compact en big characteristics of the Toledo made its position within the established order difficult. And then mother VW also had the Golf at home, of which a new model was in the pipeline in 1991. Moreover, in 1991 Seat did not yet have the market position and image of today. During the XNUMXs, this translated into modest quotations within the (Dutch) sales rankings.

Elegant design

But the Toledo fulfilled his career in his own way. You couldn't ignore the Italian lines for a moment, so the signature of the masterly Giugiaro was now under the newcomer from Seat from Martorell. And tastes may differ, but the compact front and compact midsection matched perfectly with the huge luggage compartment, which was neatly tucked away under a rather sloping rear window and an adjacent butt. The slenderly lined Seat Toledo became an extremely useful and elegant five-seater, which could fully rely on the existing Volkswagen technology.

Good technology, enough choice

And that technique worked. 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 engines became available. And for the dieselers, 1.9 engines were available, with and without turbo. With the facelift of 1995, the engine range was rearranged. The entry of the acclaimed 1.9 TDI engine was important for the business market, and the 1994 2.0V engine, available from 16, was intended for the other end of the Toledo spectrum, which otherwise offered fine technology across the board.

Full nineties experience

Whatever engine (and trim level) you chose, the Toledo's construction could handle any engine. I notice it when I get an old Toledo from Gerard and Anne Kramer in Wolvega. They have had the car for years, and they also bought the Seat from the first owner. The Kramers are always up for a separate (trade) stock, and this Seat used as a service car actually belongs to that category. Immediately I feel the inspiration to put this model, so rare today, in the spotlight. The Toledo is a child of its time, inside it really breathes the early nineties. In terms of layout, in terms of operation. In terms of materials. In terms of firmness. Because we're in a car that was bolted together pretty solid. This is also a matured version, because this Toledo 1L really a very late delivery of the first series in the Netherlands. More specifically: this is a 1.6i E. Without air conditioning, without electrically working door windows, but with a tachometer, a height-adjustable steering wheel and perfectly adjustable (and height-adjustable) seats. Extra pampering in the year 1999, this is clearly a run-out version. In terms of exterior, the side skirts and the set of original Seat alloys add to the value.

Adult driving behaviour, less balanced than success number of concern mother

The handling is quite mature, but the Golf II and III of the concern mother both drove more balanced, were more all-round. With the Toledo, the spring deflections are quite long, they do not completely harmonize with the short irregularities that are resolutely passed on thanks to the sturdy shock absorbers and the fairly short wheelbase. The power assisted steering works nicely and offers a solid feel. The cornering behavior is quite neutral and confidence-inspiring: keep the speed in mind with turners. When you cut corners more sharply (read: at a higher speed) you will notice that the rear of the Toledo puts weight in the scale. The mass displacement then leads to some imbalance. But again: with quietly cut corners, you will not be bothered by this in this basic version.

nice engine

The 1.6 engine (75 DIN hp, torque 125 Nm at 2.600 rpm) is also a very nice aggregate. No, he does not make the Toledo a traffic light sprinter, but the excellently chosen baking ratios and the early acting and the gradually built up torque ensure very decent intermediate accelerations. The running culture of the 1F engine is quiet, and so is the noise level on board. That is perfectly neutralized. Add to this a pleasant seat, a finely tackling steering wheel and a long poker resting almost under the arm with pleasant strokes. The easy-to-dosage clutch and braking system tell another part of the Toledo story. The all-round visibility is also excellent. The buttons for operating various functions do require some flexibility and detective work. They are placed less conveniently here and there. It does not detract from the fact that the first Toledo generation was a good alternative within a broad market spectrum.

Milestone for Seat

The Toledo was a milestone in Seat history. The model was the first Seat to be conceived and designed entirely under VW auspices. And with that, the Toledo set a new tone for Seat on behalf of the Spaniards, which, after the Malaga, Ronda and Ibiza generation one era of the eighties became quite a fixed and solid value within the automotive landscape. Intuitively, it seems not so long ago that VW gave the current group sisters a boost, which is partly why many will still regard Seat as a relatively new brand. That is one of the reasons why the Toledo will not become a coveted classic.

Lack of classical history makes quest a challenge

That would probably have been different if it were Toledo 1L design of Giugiaro the emblems of SAAB, Lancia or Alfa Romeo had worn. But that is not the case. It only increases the challenge of finding a beautiful Toledo from the years 1991-1999. Gradually, enthusiasts recognize the beautiful and special specimens. The 2.0i GT (8V or 16V) have now reached the higher price categories, and those who still prefer delicious diesels in this day and age can especially go for the fine 90 or 110 hp TDI engines. Whatever you are looking for and choose: the rarity has made the first Toledo series (including the facelift version) a forgotten youngtimer. But one that can be used whistling and completely problem-free today. And has sufficient qualities to benefit from it for a long time to come. That is also why thirty-year-old Toledo deserves to be taken out of anonymity. He surprised in 1991. And he still surprises today, in many ways.

Thanks to Gerard and Anne Kramer