It has the good looks of the new generation of SEAT products first seen on the Altea. Its shape is based on this model, and so it also inherits some of the distinctive lines of the Salsa concept. An outstanding design feature of the Salsa was the dynamic line running from the bonnet, over the front wheel and gradually descending to the rear wheel arch.

The front end features a broad chrome grille with a centrally mounted SEAT symbol, and dual headlamps behind polycarbonate cat's eye glass covers.

The bumper design is, likewise, eye-catching. The air intake grille under the front bumper is covered in honeycomb mesh. The foglamps are embedded at each end like diamonds.

The clean, sweeping line from bonnet to roof hides one of the most exclusive details on the Toledo - wiper blades camouflaged in the central pillars of the windscreen (pillar A).

The striking side view includes the dynamic line and the wheels, whose structure and design vary according to the chosen equipment level. All the rims in the range, both the steel and light alloy variations, are at least 16-inches in diameter. The alloy rims have two distinct designs - seven spokes on the Stylance finish and a sportier five spoke arrangement on the Sport and Sport-up versions. This wide offer is completed with 16-inch five-spoke rims available on the Stylance and Sport-up finishes.

The exterior is identified with a TDI or FSI badge beneath the side indicator repeaters. On the 140 bhp diesel version the "T" is silver and the "DI" combination is red, while on the FSI, the "F" is silver and the "SI" is in red.

Distinctive rear hatch

At the rear a carefully designed roof-hinged hatch provides a wide loading area for easy and comfortable boot access. Moreover, the careful design of the hatch has allowed fitting of a large rear window, which gives the driver excellent visibility through the rear-view mirror and lets in plenty of light.

The model is identified by the word "TOLEDO" centred on the hatch under the traditional large "S" brand symbol, which doubles as the boot latch.

The rear light clusters are designed like the iris of an eye, with the sidelights, brake lights and indicators arranged in concentric circles. The light clusters are located at the outer edge of the body, giving the model a compact, sporty look.

All the models feature a visible twin exhaust pipe, except the 102 bhp 1.6 which has a single pipe.

On either side of the rear bumper there are two sets of reflectors, as well as a foglamp on the left, and the reverse light on the right.

Value added boot

The two-tiered boot on the new SEAT Toledo has room beneath to store a normal size spare, a space-saver wheel, or the complete puncture repair kit.

At 1,034 mm long and with a 500 litre capacity, the boot is large enough for everyday needs.

The rear seats can easily be folded for added cargo space. There is no need to remove the headrests, as they fit underneath the front seat cushions. Simply pulling on a ribbon, the back of the seats push the seats forwards and downwards. The resulting area is flat and at the same level as the boot floor. With the parcel shelf in place, the boot capacity is 1,007 litres or 1,440 litres when the shelf is removed.

The lower level of the boot compartment is reached by sliding the floor lid back up against the rear backrest.

This space has a movable dividing panel and its capacity depends on the chosen puncture repair option (standard size, spacesaver wheel or repair kit).

With serviceability in mind, the boot is equipped with several accessories for holding objects: sturdy hooks on the floor to fasten a net, side nets beside the wheel covers and two further hooks to hang bags on.

Furthermore, the folding two-tier rear tray can hold the mandatory warning triangles.

Interior roominess

The new Toledo's passenger compartment is spacious and comfortable for both driver and passengers in the front and rear seats, and still has a fabulous boot capacity of 500 litres.

The dashboard has two distinct areas, prevails in the passenger compartment. One is closest to the windscreen; the other, closer to the driver and passenger. The latter has a technical engraving, and a sporty and visually attractive finishing. Both areas stand out with varied shades and textures, which create a pleasant, yet functional atmosphere.

The prominent feature of the dashboard is the large central console, which is slightly curved towards the driver. It houses the audio, navigation system and climate controls in a compact setting.

The sporty instrument panel features three, black-faced tubular dials. The centre dial houses the rev counter and is flanked by the speedometer and the third dial that contains the fuel level indicator, cooling liquid temperature, digital clock, odometer, and maintenance indicator.

The speedometer dial includes the ESP warning symbol, which remains lit when the system is disconnected. This function switch is located on the central tunnel.

The instrument panel lighting automatically adapts to current light conditions and can be adjusted manually.

Multifunction steering wheel

The three-spoke steering wheel is slightly off-centre and somewhat flattened at the bottom. It is both height and reach adjustable and can include multi-function controls on each side spoke for the audio equipment, navigator and the new Bluetooth telephone system.

There are four thumb-operated buttons on each side of the steering wheel. The ones on the left help make a musical selection from the CD loader, alternate between pre-selected radio stations, change from FM to AM or from FM to CD, mute the audio equipment, or repeat the last navigation indication.

When the Bluetooth system is incorporated, three of the four buttons on the left side will have alternate functions. One accepts a phone call, the second terminates a call and the third enables the driver to initiate a phone call using the voice recognition mode.

This last function is truly amazing. The system is able to connect the driver automatically with a spoken telephone number or with a name from the phone agenda.

The four buttons on the right help choose a radio station, alternate back and forth on a CD, fast forward or reverse a song and turn the volume up or down. The driver can also choose whether to have all eight buttons backlit.

Comfortable seats

The sculpted seats feature attractive upholstery, side support and a wide cushion that reaches the back of the knees.

The seat cushions are made with high quality, high-density foam that absorbs vibrations, increasing driving pleasure by reducing fatigue.

The sliding driver seat is reclining and height adjustable and gives lumbar support, making it fast and easy to adjust the perfect driving position.

Three passengers can ride in comfort on the rear seat, which becomes a two-seater when the wide central armrest is lowered.

The special design of the front seats allows rear seat passengers to stretch out their legs and place their feet beneath the front seat cushions. The front seats have quite ample room in the lower portion.

Storage solutions

There is room for everything in the new model. The driver and front passenger have the following solutions within easy reach - a glasses holder on the left, spacious glove compartment, two cup holders beneath the central console, a slide out shelf beneath the front seats, and front door-panel compartments where a 1.5 litre bottle fits.

The front armrest has a dual compartment. The top part is for small objects such as CD jewel cases, while the CD loader fits beneath. The passenger seat has a door-side compartment that can hold a refreshment can.

The ESP disconnection switch is located in front of the central tunnel, beside the lighter or 12-volt socket, and the door blocking mechanism. At the rear is another small storage compartment and 12-volt socket.

Rear sear passengers have a seat-side compartment, door-panel compartment (where a 1 litre bottle fits), pockets on the back of the front seats, storage space at the end of the central tunnel and extra storage and two cup holders when the central armrest is folded.