IAA 2011: Seat's Sharp Looking IBL Concept

It may have an unsexy name, but Seat's latest creation, the IBL concept, is anything but lackluster when it comes to its styling.The sharp looking study is a Ford Mondeo-sized sports saloon created to show off the latest evolution of Seat's design DNA, and while the Spanish brand says it does not pre-empt a specific model, its styling philosophy will be applied to the firm's future portfolio.
Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos, the new head honcho of SEAT Design, explains: "The IBL was created from the unique design DNA that will prevail right across our next vehicle generation."
"The IBL is certainly more than a saloon; it is the SEAT interpretation of a very sporty four-door. With it, we are also demonstrating that we can apply our elegant dynamics and our youthful character to a full-size vehicle concept, too, making it unique and unmistakable," he added.
The concept model is roughly the same size as the Spanish firm's rebadged, previous generation Audi A4, the Exeo, measuring 4.67 metres long and 1.85 metres wide with a 2.71 metres long wheelbase.
The clean, almost minimalistic design language of the exterior is continued in the interior that boasts a cockpit oriented towards the driver. Highlights include the fully digital display that can be programmed to suit the driver’s preferences with the information presented either in the form of classic analogue dials or as a digital readout.
Mr Mesonero-Romanos added: "The interior of IBL is in total harmony with its exterior design. It is definitely a place where you want to be, and to be seen."

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2012 Seat Exeo Saloon and ST

Starting from this fall, the Volkswagen Group's Spanish division Seat will offer a revamped version of its former Audi A4-based Exeo series that includes the sedan and estate (ST) models in Europe.
The subtle styling enhancements on the outside include a revised face with new bi-xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights, a honeycomb style grille insert, plus new 17 and 18-inch alloy wheel designs.
Upgrades to interior are limited to the redesigned leather steering wheel and the revised upholstery options.
From a technical standpoint, Seat said improvements made to all diesel-powered engines see CO2 emissions cut by around 7 grams per kilometer, with the 120HP and 143HP TDI saloon models fitted with manual transmission now dipping below the 130 g/km mark.
The Spanish automaker added that economy is similarly improved, too, with the Exeo saloon now being capable of returning up to 57.6 mpg UK (4.9lt/100km or 48mpg US) on the EU’s combined cycle.
These latest updates come only a year after Seat introduced some minor changes to the Exeo including revised tail lamps with LED technology, reshaped seats that improved rear passenger space and a 7-speed Multitronic transmission on the 2.0 TDI CR Diesel model.

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SEAT unviels Exeo facelift

2012 SEAT Exeo

SEAT’s much-admired executive class Exeo saloon and ST estate range is getting a new look, and some important new engineering upgrades.

2012 SEAT Exeo ST

The revised Exeo ‘face’ with new bi-xenon headlights and stunning LED daytime running lights (standard on Sport, optional on SE), will make its public debut in the metal at the forthcoming Frankfurt Motor Show.



The styling enhancements, boosted by smart new alloy wheel designs, further underline the high value Exeo range’s premium look, while upgrades to interior materials – including upgraded leather on the steering wheel and revised upholstery – create a matching premium feel.



Meanwhile, improvements to the high quality SEAT saloon and estate’s 2.0 TDI common rail powerplant now see emissions cut to as little as 129 g/km*. Economy is similarly improved, too, with the Exeo saloon now being capable of as much as 57.6 mpg* on the EU’s combined cycle.



The latest upgrades to the Exeo come hard on the heels of the arrival of a new gearbox option earlier this year, with the addition of a smooth, efficient Multitronic auto/sequential manual gearbox further underlining the luxurious SEAT’s executive appeal.



The Multitronic ‘box – with its CVT-based technology and stepped ‘changes’ – offers both full auto mode and the option of sequential shifts via the sporty, steering wheel-mounted shift paddles.



Looking to 2012, the Exeo family is in for further upgrades with the addition for the first time of SEAT’s effortless Start/Stop technology on an Ecomotive model, which will help deliver even more fuel efficiency.



SEAT is targeting an ambitious CO2 figure of less than 120 g/km for the Start/Stop-equipped Exeo which will, of course, enhance its appeal to both environmentally-conscious private buyers and UK fleet managers who demand such low emissions levels from even their executive models.



The Exeo’s eye-catching styling changes, allied to SEAT’s ongoing commitment to improving quality while simultaneously cutting its cars’ emissions and improving fuel economy, are sure to generate further interest in the range – which is now the Spanish brand’s third best-seller in the UK behind the Ibiza supermini and sporty Leon five-door family hatch.



Acknowledging that the Exeo upgrades will boost both the emotional and rational appeal of the range, SEAT UK managing director Peter Wyhinny said: ‘The arrival of the Exeo marked SEAT’s debut in a new and hard-fought market segment, and the success of the fleet-friendly saloon and estate range is already clear.



Now, with this great new look and impressive engineering changes I’m sure the Exeo will draw the crowds to both our Frankfurt show stand and, in due course, our UK dealerships.’



The Exeo range, which is today offered with a choice of three frugal turbodiesels or one potent turbocharged petrol engine, is priced from £19,285.

Images : 2012 SEAT EXEO

 

 

 

 

 



  

 



 

[Source : SEAT]