The SEAT Toledo III (5P) 1.8 TSI (160 Hp), produced between 2007 and 2009, represents a significant iteration in SEAT’s compact car lineup. Positioned as a practical and affordable hatchback, the Toledo III aimed to offer a spacious interior and a dynamic driving experience within the European market. While not officially sold in the United States, understanding its specifications and features provides insight into the evolving automotive landscape of the late 2000s and SEAT’s role as a key player within the Volkswagen Group.
SEAT Toledo III (5P) 1.8 TSI: Overview and Market Position
The Toledo name has a long history within SEAT, dating back to the 1980s. The third generation, designated 5P, marked a departure from the previous sedan body style, adopting a more contemporary five-door hatchback configuration. This shift was intended to broaden the Toledo’s appeal, making it more competitive in the crowded European C-segment – a class dominated by vehicles like the Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, and Opel Astra. The 1.8 TSI variant, equipped with a turbocharged gasoline engine, was a key offering, providing a balance of performance and fuel efficiency. SEAT, as a brand, focused on delivering value and a sporty image, and the Toledo III 1.8 TSI embodied these principles.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Toledo III 1.8 TSI is its 1.8-liter, inline-four cylinder engine. This powerplant, utilizing direct fuel injection and a turbocharger with intercooler, produces 160 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 148 Nm (109.16 lb-ft) of torque at 3800 rpm. The engine code for this variant includes BYT, BZB, and CDAA. This configuration delivers a respectable power-to-weight ratio of 8.4 kg/Hp, contributing to a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 8.5 seconds. Calculations estimate a 0-60 mph time of 8.1 seconds. The engine’s 1595 cm³ (97.33 cu. in.) displacement and a compression ratio of 10.5:1 contribute to its efficiency. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. Fuel economy figures are rated at 7.6 l/100 km (30.9 US mpg) combined, with 10.4 l/100 km (22.6 US mpg) in urban settings and 6.1 l/100 km (38.6 US mpg) on the extra-urban cycle. The maximum speed is electronically limited to 210 km/h (130.49 mph).
Design & Features
The SEAT Toledo III (5P) features a practical five-door hatchback body style, offering easy access to both front and rear seats. Its design, while functional, aimed for a modern aesthetic, aligning with SEAT’s brand identity. The vehicle comfortably seats five passengers and provides 500 liters (17.66 cu. ft.) of trunk space, making it suitable for family use or carrying larger items. Safety features for the era included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The suspension utilizes an independent McPherson strut setup at the front, paired with a multi-link rear suspension, designed to provide a comfortable ride and responsive handling. Steering is rack and pinion with electric power assistance. The vehicle rides on 205/55 R16 tires mounted on 6.5 J X 16 alloy wheels. The Toledo III prioritized practicality and affordability, offering a well-rounded package for European buyers seeking a versatile compact car.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Seat |
| Model | Toledo |
| Generation | Toledo III (5P) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.8 TSI (160 Hp) |
| Start of production | January, 2007 |
| End of production | March, 2009 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 10.4 l/100 km (22.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.1 l/100 km (38.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.6 l/100 km (30.9 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 210 km/h (130.49 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.1 kg/Nm |
| Power | 160 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 148 Nm @ 3800 rpm (109.16 lb.-ft. @ 3800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | BYT, BZB, CDAA |
| Engine displacement | 1595 cm3 (97.33 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 81 mm (3.19 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 77.4 mm (3.05 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.6 l (4.86 US qt | 4.05 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1344 kg (2963.01 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1944 kg (4285.79 lbs.) |
| Max load | 600 kg (1322.77 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum/maximum | 500 l (17.66 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 55 l (14.53 US gal | 12.1 UK gal) |
| Length | 4458 mm (175.51 in.) |
| Width | 1768 mm (69.61 in.) |
| Height | 1568 mm (61.73 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2578 mm (101.5 in.) |
| Front track | 1534 mm (60.39 in.) |
| Rear track | 1523 mm (59.96 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.9 m (35.76 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Several levers and rods |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5 J X 16 |
The SEAT Toledo III 1.8 TSI, while not a vehicle commonly found in the US market, represents a well-engineered and practical hatchback that offered a compelling combination of performance, fuel efficiency, and space within the European automotive landscape.
