The SEAT Toledo IV (NH) 1.6 TDI (90 Hp), produced from 2013 to 2015, represents a significant iteration in SEAT’s compact car lineup. Positioned as a practical and affordable hatchback, the Toledo aimed to bridge the gap between smaller city cars and larger family vehicles, primarily targeting the European market. Unlike its predecessors, the fourth-generation Toledo adopted a more conventional hatchback body style, moving away from the sedan-like design of earlier models. This shift was intended to broaden its appeal and enhance its usability for everyday life. The 1.6 TDI variant, equipped with a 90 horsepower diesel engine, was a popular choice due to its fuel efficiency and reasonable performance.
SEAT Toledo IV (NH) 1.6 TDI: Overview and Market Position
The SEAT Toledo, throughout its history, has served as a key model for the Spanish automaker, offering a blend of practicality, affordability, and European styling. The fourth generation, designated NH, was a deliberate attempt to modernize the Toledo and make it more competitive in the crowded compact segment. While not officially sold in the United States, understanding its role in Europe is crucial. The Toledo competed with vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, and Skoda Octavia, offering a compelling alternative with a focus on value for money. The 1.6 TDI engine was a mainstay in European diesel offerings, prized for its economy and torque, making it well-suited for both urban commuting and longer highway journeys.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Toledo IV 1.6 TDI is a 1.6-liter, inline-four cylinder diesel engine, identified by the code CAYB. This engine produces 90 horsepower at 4200 rpm and 230 Nm (169.64 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1500 and 2500 rpm. The engine utilizes a turbocharger with an intercooler to enhance performance and efficiency. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 12 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 11.4 seconds. The top speed is rated at 184 km/h (114.33 mph). The engine’s relatively high compression ratio of 16.5:1 is typical for diesel engines, contributing to its thermal efficiency. The power-to-weight ratio is 14.1 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 5.5 kg/Nm, indicating a reasonable balance between power and vehicle mass.
Design & Features
The Toledo IV embraced a five-door hatchback body style, offering increased practicality compared to previous generations. The design was characterized by clean lines and a relatively understated aesthetic, aligning with SEAT’s design language at the time. Inside, the Toledo offered seating for five passengers and a generous 550-liter (19.42 cu. ft.) trunk space, making it suitable for families or those requiring ample cargo capacity. Standard features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), electric power steering, and a McPherson independent suspension at the front, with a coil spring setup at the rear. Safety features were in line with European standards for the period, focusing on active safety systems like ABS. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4482 mm (176.46 in.) in length, 1706 mm (67.17 in.) in width, and 1461 mm (57.52 in.) in height. The wheelbase measures 2602 mm (102.44 in.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Seat |
| Model | Toledo |
| Generation | Toledo IV (NH) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 TDI (90 Hp) |
| Start of production | June, 2013 |
| End of production | June, 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.6 l/100 km (42 US mpg, 50.4 UK mpg, 17.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.7 l/100 km (63.6 US mpg, 76.3 UK mpg, 27 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.4 l/100 km (53.5 US mpg, 64.2 UK mpg, 22.7 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 114 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 184 km/h (114.33 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 14.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 90 Hp @ 4200 rpm |
| Torque | 230 Nm @ 1500-2500 rpm (169.64 lb.-ft. @ 1500-2500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CAYB |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79.5 mm (3.13 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 80.5 mm (3.17 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.3 l (4.54 US qt | 3.78 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1265 kg (2788.85 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 550 l (19.42 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 55 l (14.53 US gal | 12.1 UK gal) |
| Length | 4482 mm (176.46 in.) |
| Width | 1706 mm (67.17 in.) |
| Height | 1461 mm (57.52 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2602 mm (102.44 in.) |
| Front track | 1463 mm (57.6 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1500 mm (59.06 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | ICE, Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 185/60 R15; 215/45 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 15; 16 |
The SEAT Toledo IV 1.6 TDI, while not a performance car, offered a practical and economical transportation solution for European drivers. Its combination of fuel efficiency, spaciousness, and reasonable price point made it a popular choice in its segment. The vehicle represents a key step in SEAT’s evolution, demonstrating the brand’s commitment to providing value-driven vehicles for the modern consumer.
