SEAT'S new Toledo is the latest model to spearhead the company's UK advance as it becomes a growing force in Europe.

SEAT, which saw its production in Spain reach half a million vehicles last year, gains a new boost as the Toledo becomes the company's first model to be launched simultaneously in the UK and in Germany.

Setting a new company record for the speed of its transition from left-hand-drive to British specification, the all-new SEAT Toledo is being launched in the UK less than 12 weeks after the car first went on sale in its domestic market.

Prices in the UK range from £14,295 to £17,595 on the road with a seven-model range offering a choice of four engines including a 2.3-litre V5 and a 110 horsepower turbo diesel.

The Toledo, claimed to set new class standards for on-board electronic active safety systems, now enters the high-volume medium sector, where 80 per cent of sales will go to British business buyers.

All models have four airbags as standard on all versions except S trim level models, as well as electronic anti-lock brakes, traction control and for the first time on any SEAT, an automatic braking effort distributor which compensates for vehicle loading.

The top of the range V5 model also has an electronic stability system for safer cornering and an automatic dipping kerbside mirror to aid parking when reverse gear is selected.

According to new production figures released for 1998, the vast Barcelona SEAT plant now builds more vehicles than any single car maker in Britain.

Story date: Friday 23 April

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