Local prices, engine specs, performance, fuel economy data, reliability and safety listings for every car
sold in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait!
The Altea was one of the first Seat models to adopt the sensationalistic new styling direction of the VW-owned Spanish company. It is supposed to be a so-called Multi Sports Vehicle, but in reality is just a tall hatchback. The Altea has enough space inside for five occupants, and has a two-tiered luggage compartment. The vast engine range includes a 1.6-litre, a 2.0-litre, and a turbocharged 2.0-litre, all four-cylinders mated to a front-wheel-drive platform. All are available with a manual or an automatic, and the turbo motor is exclusively available with a DSG automanual dual-clutch gearbox. Available features include power windows, electric mirrors, CD stereo and keyless entry. Active safety features include ABS-assisted four-wheel disc brakes, traction control, stability control system and the built-in emergency braking system. The Altea is also equipped as standard with driver and passenger airbag, side airbag and head airbag.
Competitors:
Chrysler PT Cruiser
Hyundai Matrix
Volkswagen Golf Plus
Price Range
Dhs 54000 - 80000 (US$
14600 - 21800)
Body Styles
5-door hatchback
Weight (kg)
1395 -
1490
Version
Performance
Engine
Gearbox
Power (hp)
Torque (Nm)
Fuel Econ (l/100km)
0-100 kph (sec)
Top Speed (kph)
1.6 I4 FWD 2.0 I4 FWD 2.0TC I4 FWD
5M/6A 6M/6A 6M/6AM
102 150 200
148 200 280
7.7 8.3-8.9 8.1
12.8 9.6-10.1
7.7
181 203-206 220
Good
Manoeuvrability, interior volume, engine options
Bad
Slow base model, geeky shape, pricey options
Seat Cordoba
The Cordoba is designed to appeal to sedan customers who like the Ibiza hatchback. Though similar to the Ibiza, it somehow appears a lot more conservative than the Ibiza, and the engine choices here carry forward that notion. It is keeping pace in the market with variations of the original car, by adding new Seat styling features to what is essentially the same car that was launched ages ago. In the Middle East, it is offered with only a VW-derived 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine, with an automatic transmission. Standard equipment includes ABS brakes, driver and passenger airbag, power steering, front power windows, remote central locking, 15-inch steel wheels with hubcaps, CD radio with six speakers, height adjustable front seats, split rear seat, cloth upholstery, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, double headlamps, three-point rear seatbelts and three rear headrests, among others. Stability system with brake assistance is an option, as are rear power windows, alloy wheels and what not.
Competitors:
Honda City
Hyundai Accent
Toyota Yaris
Price Range
Dhs 46000 - 54000 (US$
12500 - 14700)
Body Styles
4-door sedan
Weight (kg)
1182
Version
Performance
Engine
Gearbox
Power (hp)
Torque (Nm)
Fuel Econ (l/100km)
0-100 kph (sec)
Top Speed (kph)
1.4 I4 FWD
4A
75
126
7.5
15.9
172
Good
Price,
headroom, economical, safety features
Bad
Very slow,
odd profile, rear legroom
Seat Ibiza
The Ibiza is based on the VW Polo and is the hatchback variant of the Cordoba. Though similar to the Cordoba, it somehow appears a lot more sporty than the dull Cordoba, and the engine choices here carry forward that notion. In the Middle East, this front-wheel-drive is offered in three-door or five-door body styles, with numerous VW-derived powerplants, including a 1.4-litre, a 1.6-litre and a turbocharged 1.8-litre, all four-cylinder engines, with some manual and some automatic transmissions available, depending on model. Standard equipment includes ABS brakes, driver and passenger airbag, power steering, power front windows, electric mirrors, remote central locking, 15-inch to 17-inch wheels, CD stereo, height adjustable front seats, split rear seat, cloth upholstery, traction control and even an optional stability control system. These cars are quite well-packed with features for their size. Sport and FR models get larger alloy wheels, stiffer suspension, body-colour rear spoiler, sports seats and unique exhausts as standard.
The five-door Leon is arguably the sportiest model in the Seat line-up, and the best interpretation of the new Seat design language yet. Named after a Spanish city, yet based on the VW Golf, the Leon offers an array of engines, including a 1.6-litre, a 2.0-litre and a turbocharged 2.0-litre, all from Volkswagen. Depending on model, there are manual, automatic or DSG automanual gearboxes available. Standard features include power front windows, electric mirrors, cloth upholstery, keyless entry, ABS brakes, traction control, electronic stability control and anti-slip regulation. Also available are front airbags, side and curtain airbags, a tyre pressure sensor, electric mirrors and a quality CD audio system. Basic models get 16-inch steel wheels with hubcaps, while climbing up the model range allows for 16-inch or 17-inch alloy wheels. Options include special upholstery, cruise control, onboard computer, rear power windows and side mirror with electric parking position. The sporty FR gets the turbo engine, sports seats, lowered suspension and other trim bits.
Competitors:
BMW 1-Series
Renault Megane
Volkswagen Golf
Price Range
Dhs 56000 - 93000 (US$ 15200 - 25300)
Body Styles
5-door hatchback
Weight (kg)
1205 - 1369
Version
Performance
Engine
Gearbox
Power (hp)
Torque (Nm)
Fuel Econ (l/100km)
0-100 kph (sec)
Top Speed (kph)
1.6 I4 FWD 2.0 I4 FWD 2.0TC I4 FWD
5M 6M/6A 6M/6AM
102 150 200
148 200 280
7.6 8.2-8.4 7.9
11.7 8.8-9.4
7.2-7.3
184 208-210 229
Good
Interesting styling, handling, safety features
Bad
Slow base
model, simple cabin design
Seat Toledo
The Toledo used to be a handsome compact sedan in a previous life. Now it is one of those weird cars which cannot be categorised with any certainty. We saw one in person and believe it could be competition for compact sedans, but with an upward-opening tailgate instead. In reality, it is an extended version of the Altea, but aiming for a more conservative crowd, but unfortunately with an unconservative design. Sold here with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder with manual or automatic, it does pack a lot of features. Equipment includes power windows, electric mirrors, 16-inch alloy wheels, standard six airbags, split-folding rear seat, CD/MP3 stereo with 6 speakers, folding electric mirrors, front fog lamps and ESP stability control with EBA brake assist and DSR traction control. Options include turning front lighting system with bi-xenon headlights, special upholsteries, stereo controls on the steering wheel, better speakers, rain-sensing wipers, anti-dazzle rear-view mirror, rear parking sensor, cruise control, 17-inch alloy wheels, lowered suspension and sports seats.
