Reviews - Seat

Overall Rating

Toledo is a family saloon that's nice to drive, well equipped and competitively priced. There's decent room and a big boot makes it very practical. So why isn't it more popular?

• Great value, especially 1.8 T Sport and V5
• Good equipment in a well finished package
• Quality finish and good reliability

• Less image than pricier rivals
• Not popular so depreciates quite quickly
• Many rival family saloons are roomier

Toledo may look like a hatchback, but it's a stylish, spacious saloon although the rear seats do fold down for added practicality. The well-finished interior is also nicely laid out, enabling the driver in particular to find a commanding and comfy position. The excellent level of standard equipment makes travelling in a Toledo a pleasure, especially as the refinement levels are so good. Only the diesel engines produce any noticeable cabin noise. Although promoted as a sports saloon, Toledo really isn't in the BMW 3-Series mould; it lacks ride refinement and the firm suspension can upset occupants if the car is hurried along. Driving the in a more relaxed manner suits the car's character far better. The larger petrol and turbodiesel engines manage to eat up the miles with ease. Used prices are temptingly low, running costs are reasonable for a car in this class, and the build quality is impressive.

JD Power stars: 3

NCAP: Not tested

Best Models: 1.9 TDi SE, 2.3 V5

Worst Models: 1.6

Replacement: 2005 by current Toledo hatchbacks

• MG ZS
• Subaru Impreza (2000-)
• Volkswagen Bora