The new Fiat 500L, 40% all new from the previous market leader, now comes with better tech, and look.

• Even more 500, even more convenient, even more technology: that sums up the new Fiat 500L
• A unique combination of spaciousness and personality
• 40% of all components are new
• Not just a range, but three separate identities to cover all needs: Urban, Cross and Wagon

Having dominated its segment, across Europe, for five years, here comes the new Fiat 500L. The roomiest 500 of all is now even more full of technology and has even more character and personality. These characteristics combine in the three distinct versions of the car: Urban, Cross and Wagon, offered with a choice of petrol and diesel engines to delight different people and serve their individual needs.

All three share outstanding safety features and a flexible internal configuration, enabling customers to create up to 1,500 internal customisations. The 500 style is even more obvious in this updated version, on which 40% of all components are new. The Fiat 500L combines all the style and excitement of the Fiat 500 with the spaciousness and functionality of an MPV.

Design: Even more 500

The new Fiat 500L is designed to reinforce the family feeling of the model. The exterior style expresses all the distinctive elements which have characterised the model throughout its history, ever since its iconic 1950s forerunner. The most obvious visual links are the "moustache and badge" combo set on the trapezoidal nose, the upper headlights with chrome-plated elements and the lower cluster, now with LED daytime running lights, which pick up the graphics of the two "zeros" in 500. These elements ensure that this new car is clearly identifiable as a Fiat 500L, even in the dark.

The revised front bumper with signature trapezoidal trim and the chromed "studded" three-dimensional lower grille mesh give the car an elegant look. At the same time, the chromed strips, which direct the eye to the wheel arches, convey toughness, resulting in the new Fiat 500L looking even more expressive. The chromed inserts at the rear underline the 500 family feeling and horizontal trims reinforce the car's presence on the road. The fog and reversing lights are now in the underside of the bumper, increasing their effectiveness.

The new Fiat 500L is available in ten pastel or metallic colours and with three types of roof: body-coloured, glossy black or white or matt black, giving customers a choice of no less than 36 colour combinations. The colours available are the new Bellagio Blue, Sicilian Orange and Donatello Bronze, Bossa Nova White, Hip Hop Yellow, Darkwave Black, Minimal Grey, Heavy Metal Grey, Beatbox Green and Pasodoble Red.

A unique combination of spaciousness and personality

The interior of the new Fiat 500L is completely new, starting with an updated dashboard to give a more high-tech and iconic look. The passenger compartment offers comfort, convenience, versatility and is filled with light, while being rich in distinctive 500 touches, such as the bright "500" signature on the dashboard.

The area behind the restyled multifunctional steering wheel, now with added chrome accents, has an updated design with two circular instrument gauges on either side of a 3.5-inch colour graphic display. This combination of new steering wheel and dashboard improves the visibility of the instrument cluster, which is further enhanced by white backlighting. The driver also benefits from an innovative TFT colour digital display, with a full set of useful information.

The new Fiat 500L displays an innovative wraparound glazing concept to improve its now class-leading visibility and ease of parking, thanks to its glazed A-pillar. Available as a fixed panel or electrically opening, the 1.5m2 optional panoramic glass roof of Fiat 500L means that occupants can enjoy a light, bright passenger compartment. 

While the top section of the dashboard conveys a fresh personality, the lower part focuses on convenience with new, larger storage compartments and the introduction of new comfort features, such as the central armrest. The gear lever has also been redesigned and placed higher up for greater driving comfort. 

Internal space is top of its class, thanks to the passenger compartment's generous length. Boot volume with the rear seat in the forward position is 455 litres for the Urban and Cross models. The boot on the Wagon offers up to 493 litres when the two additional seats are folded. With the rear seats folded and tumbled, capacity rises to 1480 litres for Urban and Cross and 1509 litres for the Wagon.

Specification: Three identities: Cross, Urban and Wagon

The new Fiat 500L is available with three distinctive personalities: Urban, Cross and Wagon. The more adventurous character of the Fiat 500L is represented by the Cross version. The new Fiat 500L Cross has a one-of-a-kind crossover look with new bumpers and skid plate, new two-colour diamond-finish 17-inch alloy wheels and a bold grille to give it a sporty appearance. It has crossover substance, as well as looks, with ground clearance raised by 25mm, new Uconnect™ HD Live 7-inch touchscreen and the new Mode Selector; with a choice of Normal, Traction+ and Gravity Control.

Normal is the default function and provides a comfortable, safe ride in ordinary conditions. Traction+, which can be activated at speeds of less than 18mph, helps the car to start on slippery surfaces and provides optimal torque distribution across the front axle, braking the wheel with less grip on the ground and transferring torque to the one with more grip. Gravity Control keeps the speed constant when descending steep slopes, and can be enabled when the Traction+ function is active. The new Fiat 500L Cross is 4.28m long with a wheelbase of 2.61m. It is 1.80m wide and 1.68m high.

The metropolitan soul of the Fiat 500L finds expression in the Urban version, available in Pop Star and Lounge trim levels. In Pop Star trim, also available in the new Bellagio Blue colour, the new Fiat 500L Urban come complete with ABS, ESP, 6 airbags, air conditioning, cruise control, multifunction Techno-leather steering wheel, electrically adjustable & heated door mirrors, 3.5-inch colour TFT display, 5-inch Uconnect™ radio with Bluetooth, voice control, USB port and Aux-in, rear seat with 60/40 split, LED daytime running lights and 16-inch alloy wheels.

In the more luxurious Lounge trim, it features upgraded seat upholstery, a dashboard fascia finished with technical fabric, dual zone climate control, fixed glass roof, chromed inserts, fog lights, Uconnect™ HD Live 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, voice control, DAB radio, 2 USB ports and Aux-in, rain and dusk sensors, rear parking sensors and Cargo Magic Space height-adjustable load platform. The Fiat 500L Urban measures 4.24m in length, has a wheelbase of 2.61m, is 1.78m wide and 1.66m high.

The Wagon, available in a seven seat configuration, is the ideal solution for combining spaciousness and versatility with the distinctive 500 style. Available in Pop Star or Lounge trim, the new Fiat 500L Wagon is the most compact seven-seater on the market at 4.38m long.

Customising the driving experience

Exclusive packs are available across the new Fiat 500L range to enhance the driving experience, comfort and safety. Every version can customise its style, connectivity, comfort and safety features by adding one of these great value packages; City, Comfort, Safety, Style and Style Plus packs.

Autonomous City Brake, available as part of the Safety Pack, consists of a laser sensor located on the top of the windscreen to monitor the position of the cars ahead. When travelling at less than 18mph, the system automatically brakes the new Fiat 500L if a potential collision is imminent.

Other key equipment include the child monitoring mirror to keep an eye on rear seat passengers, LED daylight running lights and parking lights, which in addition to being design features that reassert the 500 style, also ensure excellent visibility. As well as electrical adjustment and heating, the door mirrors can be upgraded to fold electrically and add puddle lights, to illuminate the area around the car when light is poor.

The passenger compartment lighting is also improved, with the Style Plus Pack providing with ambient light in the base of the central console, on the central tunnel and on the doors. The optional rear parking camera, included in the City Pack, has an improved resolution and active grid lines to assist parking.

Technology: More connected than ever

New advanced smartphone integration systems are debuting on the new Fiat 500L. Smartphone apps can be accessed directly on the 7-inch high-resolution touchscreen of the Uconnect™ HD Live system integrated in the dashboard. The system is also available with Apple Car Play and Android Auto™.

The next-generation Uconnect™ system features a hands-free Bluetooth interface, audio streaming, text reader and voice recognition, AUX-in and USB ports with iPod integration, controls on the steering wheel. A rear parking camera and the new TomTom 3D built-in navigation system are also optionally available. The Uconnect™ LIVE app offers music streaming with Deezer and TuneIn, news from Reuters and connected navigation with TomTom LIVE, as well as updating Facebook and Twitter. Users can also monitor their driving style with eco:Drive and my:Car.

The Fiat 500L is now available with the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™. Apple CarPlay perfectly integrates the iPhone with the display and native controls of the car so users can make calls, play their music, send and receive messages, get directions optimised for traffic conditions and much more, while staying focused on the road.

With Android Auto™ drivers can access Google Maps, with voice-guided navigation, real time traffic information and lane guidance and Google Play Music, among other music services. They can also make and receive calls and send messages while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

The Fiat 500L can be upgraded with the BeatsAudio™ system, which boasts a total power of 520Watt, divided between two 80Watt mid-Woofer speakers (diameter 165mm) positioned in the bottom part of the front door panel, two 40Watt tweeter speakers (diameter 38mm) positioned in the top of the front door panel, two 60Watt full-range speakers (diameter 165mm) positioned in the rear door panel and an 80 + 80Watt subwoofer (diameter 165mm) located in the boot – which ensures dynamic, powerful bass tones, maximising the listening experience. The package is completed by an amplifier with DSP and 8 channels, featuring a built-in advanced equalisation algorithm capable of reproducing the entire spectrum of sound that an artist experiences in the recording studio.

Engines and pricing

The engines most suited for the specific needs of customers were picked for the different identities of the model. The petrol engine line-up includes the 1.4-litre 16V, delivering 95hp, and the 1.4-litre 16V T-Jet, delivering 120hp. The offering is completed by two diesel engines: the 95hp 1,300cc 16V MultiJet, also available with Dualogic transmission, and the 120hp 1,600cc 16V MultiJet. All engines comply with the Euro 6 standards and combine optimal performance with impressive fuel economy.

The new Fiat 500L will be priced from £16,195 OTR for a Fiat 500L 1.4 95hp Pop Star.

Fiat 500L pricing:

Fiat 500L Wagon pricing:

Mopar for the new 500L

Mopar offers a collection of ninety-two accessories created to enhance the versatility of the car, optimise its functional and loading capabilities, further enhances the safety and protection of families with children and provide solutions for customising the looks and details of the new 500L.

A variety of solutions are available for the boot including protectors, nets and cargo organizers, to increas transport capabilities. Mopar has also created surf board racks, ski racks and boxes, which can be easily installed on the roof racks to carry everything you need for your hobbies. Practical and convenient coat hooks and tables can be anchored to the head restraints while seat back protectors, front seat organiser with multiple pockets and a tablet holder offer additional versatility.

Finally, with Mopar, Fiat 500L becomes the ideal choice for pet-loving families with a range of essential accessories for travelling with your four-legged friends safely and comfortably. These include the handy, removable and washable boot protective tray, the rear bumper luggage protector, the rigid partition net, the rear window sun shades and the convenient rear seat housing.

Mopar Vehicle Protection ensures that servicing is performed by highly qualified, specialised technicians at authorised FCA service centres, using specialist equipment and tools and genuine spare parts. The Mopar product portfolio contains a wide and flexible range of extended warranties and service plans. Each plan offers different options in terms of duration and mileage and is designed to meet the different driving requirements of individual customers, ensuring that the car works as efficiently as possible in the long run. A MAXIMUM CARE warranty extension and the EASY CARE prepaid service package are both available on the Fiat 500L.

Seat Cars continues to grow with a 13.9% increase in sales over last year.

• Company sales up by 11.9% in May
• Spain, Germany, UK, Switzerland and Austria leading the growth
• SEAT will unveil the new Arona at a world premiere event on 26 June in Barcelona

SEAT continues to post double-digit growth. In the first five months of the year, the carmaker sold 201,300 vehicles worldwide, which is 13.9% more than in the same period last year (176,700). In May, the Barcelona-based brand delivered 42,600 vehicles (2016: 38,100), which represents an 11.9% increase compared with the same month in 2016.

The company’s Vice-President for Sales and Marketing, Wayne Griffiths, underscored that “SEAT is drawing the first half of 2017 to a close ahead of expectations. We are one of the brands that is growing the strongest in Europe this year and we still haven’t launched the new Ibiza, that will give us further impact. 

In addition, we will unveil our first compact crossover, the new SEAT Arona this month. This is one of the fastest growing segments and it is going to increase our market coverage to 80%.”

SEAT’s upward trend is fostered by strong growth in most countries where the brand operates, spearheaded by the main markets. From January to May, Spain led deliveries with 44,100 cars (+23.1%), Germany rose by 10% to 38,700 vehicles and the UK grew by over 20% and achieved sales of 24,600 units (+20.9%). 

Also featuring among SEAT’s fastest growing markets were Austria (7,800 vehicles; +23.7%), Poland (5,100; +25.8%) and Switzerland (4,300; +66.5%). In addition, the company has continued to grow in the different sales channels and has, for instance, delivered a fleet of 42 Leon units for the Red Bull sales network in the United Kingdom.

Commenting on SEAT UK’s relentless progress, Head of Sales, Steve Catlin, said, “These are really exciting times for us in the UK. 

The quality and technology of our cars, wrapped up in such affordable and appealing packages, is really hitting the mark with British car buyers. We’re significantly ahead of our own sales forecasts, with New Leon and Ateca continuing to perform strongly. 

The arrival of All-new Ibiza in just a few weeks, not to mention the unveiling of New Arona in a fortnight really are the icing on the cake. It’s not just the products which are delivering though, as our dealer network is also performing equally as well. Their capability, especially when it comes to efficient customer enquiry management, is really paying dividends too.”

The SEAT range will be extended in the second half of 2017. On 26 June, the brand is going to reveal its first compact crossover, new Arona, in Barcelona, ahead of launch before the end of the year. 

It will be the third commercial development of 2017, following the New Leon and All-new Ibiza. In fact, SEAT is currently in full launch stage of the latter, which will be reaching showrooms from this month. The biggest product offensive in SEAT’s history started in 2016, with the successful Ateca.

After the 500 got it's update, the 500L Follows suit with a makeover and updated looks.

• Even more 500, even more convenient, even more technology: that sums up the new Fiat 500L
• A unique combination of spaciousness and personality
• 40% of all components are new
• Not just a range, but three separate identities to cover all needs: Urban, Cross and Wagon

Having dominated its segment, across Europe, for five years, here comes the new Fiat 500L. The roomiest 500 of all is now even more full of technology and has even more character and personality. These characteristics combine in the three distinct versions of the car: Urban, Cross and Wagon, offered with a choice of petrol and diesel engines to delight different people and serve their individual needs.

All three share outstanding safety features and a flexible internal configuration, enabling customers to create up to 1,500 internal customisations. The 500 style is even more obvious in this updated version, on which 40% of all components are new. The Fiat 500L combines all the style and excitement of the Fiat 500 with the spaciousness and functionality of an MPV.

Even more 500

The new Fiat 500L is designed to reinforce the family feeling of the model. The exterior style expresses all the distinctive elements which have characterised the model throughout its history, ever since its iconic 1950s forerunner. 

The most obvious visual links are the "moustache and badge" combo set on the trapezoidal nose, the upper headlights with chrome-plated elements and the lower cluster, now with LED daytime running lights, which pick up the graphics of the two "zeros" in 500. These elements ensure that this new car is clearly identifiable as a Fiat 500L, even in the dark.

The revised front bumper with signature trapezoidal trim and the chromed "studded" three-dimensional lower grille mesh give the car an elegant look. At the same time, the chromed strips, which direct the eye to the wheel arches, convey toughness, resulting in the new Fiat 500L looking even more expressive. The chromed inserts at the rear underline the 500 family feeling and horizontal trims reinforce the car's presence on the road. The fog and reversing lights are now in the underside of the bumper, increasing their effectiveness.

The new Fiat 500L is available in ten pastel or metallic colours and with three types of roof: body-coloured, glossy black or white or matt black, giving customers a choice of no less than 36 colour combinations. The colours available are the new Denim Blue, Sicilian Orange and Donatello Bronze, Bossa Nova White, Hip Hop Yellow, Darkwave Black, Minimal Grey, Heavy Metal Grey, Beatbox Green and Pasodoble Red.

A unique combination of spaciousness and personality

The interior of the new Fiat 500L is completely new, starting with an updated dashboard to give a more high-tech and iconic look. The passenger compartment offers comfort, convenience, versatility and is filled with light, while being rich in distinctive 500 touches, such as the bright "500" signature on the dashboard.

The area behind the restyled multifunctional steering wheel, now with added chrome accents, has an updated design with two circular instrument gauges on either side of a 3.5-inch colour graphic display. This combination of new steering wheel and dashboard improves the visibility of the instrument cluster, which is further enhanced by white backlighting. The driver also benefits from an innovative TFT colour digital display, with a full set of useful information.

The new Fiat 500L displays an innovative wraparound glazing concept to improve its now class-leading visibility and ease of parking, thanks to its glazed A-pillar. Available as a fixed panel or electrically opening, the 1.5m2 optional panoramic glass roof of Fiat 500L means that occupants can enjoy a light, bright passenger compartment. 

While the top section of the dashboard conveys a fresh personality, the lower part focuses on convenience with new, larger storage compartments and the introduction of new comfort features, such as the central armrest. The gear lever has also been redesigned and placed higher up for greater driving comfort. 

Internal space is top of its class, thanks to the passenger compartment's generous length. Boot volume with the rear seat in the forward position is 455 litres for the Urban and Cross models. The boot on the Wagon offers up to 493 litres when the two additional seats are folded. With the rear seats folded and tumbled, capacity rises to 1480 litres for Urban and Cross and 1509 for the Wagon.

Three identities: Cross, Urban and Wagon

The new Fiat 500L is available with three distinctive personalities: Urban, Cross and Wagon. The more adventurous character of the Fiat 500L is represented by the Cross version. The new Fiat 500L Cross has a one-of-a-kind crossover look with new bumpers and skid plate, new two-colour diamond-finish 17-inch alloy wheels and a bold grille to give it a sporty appearance. It has crossover substance, as well as looks, with ground clearance raised by 25mm, new Uconnect™ HD Live 7-inch touchscreen and the new Mode Selector; with a choice of Normal, Traction+ and Gravity Control.

Normal is the default function and provides a comfortable, safe ride in ordinary conditions. Traction+, which can be activated at speeds of less than 18mph, helps the car to start on slippery surfaces and provides optimal torque distribution across the front axle, braking the wheel with less grip on the ground and transferring torque to the one with more grip. Gravity Control keeps the speed constant when descending steep slopes, and can be enabled when the Traction+ function is active. The new Fiat 500L Cross is 4.28m long with a wheelbase of 2.61m. It is 1.80m wide and 1.68m high.

The metropolitan soul of the Fiat 500L finds expression in the Urban version, available in Pop Star and Lounge trim levels. In Pop Star trim, also available in the new Denim Blue colour, the new Fiat 500L Urban come complete with ABS, ESP, 6 airbags, air conditioning, cruise control, multifunction Techno-leather steering wheel, electrically adjustable & heated door mirrors, 3.5-inch colour TFT display, 5-inch Uconnect™ radio with Bluetooth, voice control, USB port and Aux-in, rear seat with 60/40 split, LED daytime running lights and 16-inch alloy wheels.

In the more luxurious Lounge trim, it features upgraded seat upholstery, a dashboard fascia finished with technical fabric, dual zone climate control, fixed glass roof, chromed inserts, fog lights, Uconnect™ HD Live 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, voice control, DAB radio, 2 USB ports and Aux-in, rain and dusk sensors, rear parking sensors and Cargo Magic Space height-adjustable load platform. The Fiat 500L Urban measures 4.24m in length, has a wheelbase of 2.61m, is 1.78m wide and 1.66m high.

The Wagon, available in a seven seat configuration, is the ideal solution for combining spaciousness and versatility with the distinctive 500 style. Available in Pop Star or Lounge trim, the new Fiat 500L Wagon is the most compact seven-seater on the market at 4.38m long.

Customising the driving experience

Exclusive packs are available across the new Fiat 500L range to enhance the driving experience, comfort and safety. Every version can customise its style, connectivity, comfort and safety features by adding one of these great value packages; City, Comfort, Safety, Style and Style Plus packs.

Autonomous City Brake, available as part of the Safety Pack, consists of a laser sensor located on the top of the windscreen to monitor the position of the cars ahead. When travelling at less than 18mph, the system automatically brakes the new Fiat 500L if a potential collision is imminent.

Other key equipment include the child monitoring mirror to keep an eye on rear seat passengers, LED daylight running lights and parking lights, which in addition to being design features that reassert the 500 style, also ensure excellent visibility. As well as electrical adjustment and heating, the door mirrors can be upgraded to fold electrically and add puddle lights, to illuminate the area around the car when light is poor.

The passenger compartment lighting is also improved, with the Style Plus Pack providing with ambient light in the base of the central console, on the central tunnel and on the doors. The optional rear parking camera, included in the City Pack, has an improved resolution and active grid lines to assist parking.

More connected than ever

New advanced smartphone integration systems are debuting on the new Fiat 500L. Smartphone apps can be accessed directly on the 7-inch high-resolution touchscreen of the Uconnect™ HD Live system integrated in the dashboard. The system is also available with Apple Car Play and Android Auto™.

The next-generation Uconnect™ system features a hands-free Bluetooth interface, audio streaming, text reader and voice recognition, AUX-in and USB ports with iPod integration, controls on the steering wheel. A rear parking camera and the new TomTom 3D built-in navigation system are also optionally available. The Uconnect™ LIVE app offers music streaming with Deezer and TuneIn, news from Reuters and connected navigation with TomTom LIVE, as well as updating Facebook and Twitter. Users can also monitor their driving style with eco:Drive and my:Car.

The Fiat 500L is now available with the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™. Apple CarPlay perfectly integrates the iPhone with the display and native controls of the car so users can make calls, play their music, send and receive messages, get directions optimised for traffic conditions and much more, while staying focused on the road.

With Android Auto™ drivers can access Google Maps, with voice-guided navigation, real time traffic information and lane guidance and Google Play Music, among other music services. They can also make and receive calls and send messages while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

The Fiat 500L can be upgraded with the BeatsAudio™ system, which boasts a total power of 520Watt, divided between two 80Watt mid-Woofer speakers (diameter 165mm) positioned in the bottom part of the front door panel, two 40Watt tweeter speakers (diameter 38mm) positioned in the top of the front door panel, two 60Watt full-range speakers (diameter 165mm) positioned in the rear door panel and an 80 + 80Watt subwoofer (diameter 165mm) located in the boot – which ensures dynamic, powerful bass tones, maximising the listening experience. The package is completed by an amplifier with DSP and 8 channels, featuring a built-in advanced equalisation algorithm capable of reproducing the entire spectrum of sound that an artist experiences in the recording studio.

Engines

The engines most suited for the specific needs of customers were picked for the different identities of the model. The petrol engine line-up includes the 1.4-litre 16V, delivering 95hp, and the 1.4-litre 16V T-Jet, delivering 120hp. The offering is completed by two diesel engines: the 95hp 1,300cc 16V MultiJet, also available with Dualogic transmission, and the 120hp 1,600cc 16V MultiJet. All engines comply with the Euro 6 standards and combine optimal performance with impressive fuel economy.

The new Fiat 500L will be priced from £16,195 OTR for a Fiat 500L Urban 1.4 95hp Pop Star, with first deliveries taking place from September.

UK SALES APRIL - SEAT - The Spanish brand over took more established rivals to enter the top ten uk brands.

• SEAT became the UK’s fastest growing car brand* in April, up 12% compared to the same month in 2016. Barcelona-based brand’s UK car market share also rocketed from 1.85% to 2.58%
• SEAT broke into top ten true fleet manufacturers for first time, overtaking Nissan, Toyota and Vauxhall
• Best is yet to come: All-new Ibiza now available to order ahead of July showroom arrival, plus, new Arona due to be unveiled soon, in advance of late 2017 launch

SEAT’s impressive start to 2017 continues, as it ended April as the UK’s fastest-growing car brand. Against a backdrop of falling car sales, down 19.8%, SEAT bucked the trend with impressive growth of 12%.

After an equally impressive March performance which saw its UK subsidiary become its largest sales market globally for the first time, SEAT surged past several rivals in April with 3,926 registrations, including Honda and MINI, and closed the month within touching distance of both Land Rover and Renault. Overall, its performance represented an increase of 426 units compared to the same month in 2016 (3,500), while its market share rocketed from 1.85% to 2.58%.

At April close, SEAT’s UK sales were up a stellar 22% compared to the first four months of the previous year. On top of that, the brand also remained the second fastest-growing car brand, behind Jaguar, in the first four months of the year.

It has several other reasons to celebrate too. The first is SEAT achieved a major milestone by breaking into the top ten true fleet manufacturers for the first time, overtaking Nissan, Toyota and Vauxhall. 

On the back of four years of consecutive growth, its fleet team have already torn up their record books, having already secured more orders in just the four months of this year than their entire 2016 sales (9,856).

Secondly, its sizeable gains are not coming from a single model. Ateca continues to take the British market by storm. 

Already significantly up on SEAT’s internal sales forecasts, 841 of its multi-award-winning SUV were registered in April, taking to an impressive 3,942 year-to-date. Leading the pack still though is the New Leon range, which only launched in UK showrooms in February. 

Over 1,500 units of its SC, five-door and ST models found homes in April. Even with the current generation of Ibiza on run out, ahead of the July showroom launch of the brand new model, it performed strongly with 1,240. Lastly, its large MPV, Alhambra, also sold extremely well with 363 units.

Finally, the best is yet to come. Halfway through the largest product offensive in SEAT’s history, with four new models arriving in just 18 months, the UK order book for the third car, the eagerly-awaited All-New Ibiza, has just opened ahead of its showroom arrival on 21 July. 

Rounding off its sustainable growth plans is the firm’s first crossover, Arona, due to be unveiled soon ahead of its winter launch on these shores.

SEAT’s global results are equally strong. Between January and April this year, SEAT delivered 158,700 vehicles worldwide, an increase of 14.5% compared to the same period in 2016. The performance for April alone, with 41,400 deliveries, saw even higher growth, up 16%.

Commenting on the brand’s stellar performance so far this year, Richard Harrison, Director, SEAT UK commented, “SEAT has real momentum and in the UK, we’re really starting to realise the brand’s true potential. Every new product we’re launching is striking a chord with British car buyers, while the rest of our line-up continues to deliver strongly. 

The fact that we have two further top-draw cars coming soon, in All-new Ibiza and Arona, is the icing on the cake. The UK team and our dealer partners are doing a fantastic job and I can’t wait for our customers to enjoy our products even more in the months ahead.”

The latest round of testing for the Euro NCAP has taken place with results at either end of the star system.

Euro NCAP releases the test results of two new cars. The BMW 5 Series gets a top five-star safety rating and FIAT’s made-over Doblò gets three stars.

Launched late last year, the seventh-generation BMW 5 Series continues its successful track record in Euro NCAP’s Executive Car segment. 

The car showed good all-round performance in crash protection and avoidance tests thanks to its new platform, body and updated safety features. 

Track tests demonstrated that the autonomous braking system can effectively assist the driver in avoiding or mitigating critical rear-end crashes with other cars and pedestrians. 

With an 81 percent score, the 5-series particularly impressed in pedestrian safety through its standard-fit “Person Warning” system and active bonnet.

Thirteen years after the tests on the original FIAT Doblò, Euro NCAP has taken another look at the versatile small MPV. The latest generation Doblò was already introduced in 2010 and is also sold by Opel and Vauxhall brands as Combo. 

The version tested by Euro NCAP is the 2015 Doblò facelift that includes, apart from small safety updates, cosmetic upgrades aimed at extending the lifecycle of the car. 

The three-star Euro NCAP safety rating, however, reveals the car’s true age and highlights the lack of ambition to compete on safety with other, more modern competitors in the segment. 

The Opel/Vauxhall Combo has not received a similar facelift, so would be expected to end up with even fewer stars, but Opel have their eyes fixed on the future.

SEAT breaks records and posts profits as the range of new cars takes hold, with more to come.

Decisive step towards consolidating profitability

• The company achieves an operating profit of 143 million euros and a profit after tax before extraordinary effects of +232 million euros
• Revenues reach a record volume of 8,597 million euros, 3.2% higher
• SEAT allocates 862 million euros (+47%) to total investments and R&D expenses
• The company generates an EBITDA of nearly 500 million euros, up by 25% 

SEAT obtained the best financial results in its history in 2016. The company made progress towards sustainable profitability and concluded the year with an operating profit of 143* million euros (2015: -7 million euros), and profit after tax before extraordinary effects totalling 232 million euros (2015: 6 million euros). 

SEAT closed the year in the black for both indicators for the first time since 2007, achieving as well the highest operating profit in its history. 

SEAT’s profit after tax grew to 903 million euros due to the extraordinary effect of selling the subsidiary VW Finance, S.A. to Volkswagen AG. 

This operation, which falls within the framework of the Volkswagen Group’s strategy to reorganise its financial subsidiaries under a single company, yielded SEAT a capital gain of 671 million euros. The sale enables the brand to improve its financial position after allocating 590 million euros to compensate losses from previous years. 

“Higher levels of sales, higher mix and cost optimisation lead us to profitability. We as a team are very proud of our 143 million euros operating profit”, underlined SEAT Chairman Luca de Meo today in Barcelona during the presentation of the financial results for 2016.“SEAT has become a solid company that moved clearly from recovery to a consolidation phase. And SEAT is now preparing itself for development and growth”, explained Luca de Meo. Furthermore, he added that “2017 is a very special year for SEAT. The Ibiza and the Arona will speed up this process. We are ready to move SEAT to the next level”. 

SEAT’s 2016 turnover stood at 8,597 million euros, 3.2% higher than the previous year, and again the best revenue figure in its history. The driving forces behind this figure are growing sales and a better vehicle mix, as demonstrated by the commercial success of the Ateca, the Leon and the Alhambra, three models with a higher contribution margin. 

Another positive contribution was made by the integration of the SEAT Technical Centre (CTS) into the parent company, an operation that enables a more efficient response to the technological challenges of the future, as well as the increased business obtained by SEAT Componentes, which in 2019 will manufacture the Volkswagen Group’s new MQ281 gearbox. 

In 2016, SEAT exported 82.4% of its production and established itself as Spain’s leading industrial exporting company, with 2.8% of the country’s total figure. 

The sales kick-off of the Ateca, SEAT’s first ever SUV, together with the best sales result of the Leon and the Alhambra since their launch, led SEAT to the fourth consecutive year of sales growth (408,700 vehicles; nearly 30% increase in the last four years) and the best result since 2007. 

With over 150,000 units sold in 2016, the Ibiza also contributed to boosting deliveries, as well as the evolution in Germany (+2.5%), Poland (+22.1%), Turkey (+41.5%) or Austria (+12.9%). 

The biggest product offensive in the history of SEAT, with four new models from 2016 to 2017, resulted in a record figure for total investments and expenses in R&D. 

SEAT allocated 47% more to these line items to reach 862 million euros, 276 million more than in 2015, in order to address, among other priorities, the new MQB A0 platform, which SEAT will be the first in the Volkswagen Group to use for the production of the fifth generation Ibiza. 

This figure represents 10% of the company’s turnover. Since 2012, SEAT has invested 3 billion euros in R&D, equipment and facilities. 

In 2016, SEAT also increased its capacity to generate profits through its core activity. The company improved its EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) by 25% to reach 489 million euros. 

SEAT Vice-President for Finance, IT and Organisation Holger Kintscher underscored that “the 2016 results mark a turning point and reflect the effort put in in recent years. We are back in the black, for both the operating result and profit after tax. EBIDTA and our level of investment demonstrate the company’s strength from a financial point of view. We are where we are as a result of everyone’s effort”. 

As defined in the collective agreement signed in 2016, SEAT employees will receive a total of 6 million euros as a benefit for the achieved results. This figure is included under the personnel costs heading. 

2017: a very special year

This year SEAT will complete the biggest product offensive in its history with the sale of the fifth generation Ibiza, which is going to reach dealers starting this summer, and the launch of the Arona, the brand’s new compact crossover, in the second half of 2017. 

Both models, produced in the Martorell factory, will join the Ateca, which was launched in 2016, and the Leon facelift, which has been on sale since last January. 

The expansion and renewal of the range will enable SEAT to increase its market coverage from 53% to 72% in Europe and give fresh impetus to sales, as well as lower the average age of the SEAT model line-up. 

In January and February of this year, SEAT’s worldwide deliveries saw a double-digit increase (+13.6%) to stand at a total of 64,000 vehicles. In addition, the brand is one of the fastest growing in Europe at the beginning of the year, with an increase of 20% in vehicle registrations. 

Regarding the expansion of the brand, SEAT Chairman Luca de Meo indicated that “we are working on internationalisation projects. A good and concrete example is the decision to produce in Algeria starting in the second half of the year. 

This is a Group’s project which starts with the Ibiza and the Golf, but SEAT will take the leadership role. All the Ibiza sold in Algeria will be made in Martorell and the final assembly will take place in Algeria, in the importer’s new plant”. 

One of the goals SEAT has set for itself is to become a benchmark in the industry in terms of connectivity and smart mobility. 

To achieve this, the company will inaugurate the Metropolis:Lab Barcelona in April, a 100% SEAT facility that will be integrated in the Volkswagen Group’s worldwide network of digital labs. The brand is also going to open a flagship store in the coming months in Barcelona to enhance its relation with customers and with the city. 

(*) SEAT prepares its individual financial statements according to the Spanish General Accounting Plan, without including its subsidiaries. The Volkswagen Group applies international accounting standards (IAS/IFRS) and consolidates the SEAT brand figures. 

SEAT is the only company that designs, develops, manufactures and markets cars in Spain. 

A member of the Volkswagen Group, the multinational has its headquarters in Martorell (Barcelona), exporting 81% of its vehicles, and is present in over 80 countries through a network of 1,700 dealerships. In 2016, SEAT obtained an operating profit of 143 million euros, the highest in the history of the brand, and achieved worldwide sales of nearly 410,000 vehicles. 

SEAT Group employs more than 14,500 professionals at its three production centres – Barcelona, El Prat de Llobregat and Martorell, where it manufactures the highly successful Ibiza and Leon. Additionally, the company produces the Ateca and the Toledo in the Czech Republic, the Alhambra in Portugal and the Mii in Slovakia.  

The multinational has a Technical Centre, which operates as a knowledge hub that brings together 1,000 engineers who are focussed on developing innovation for Spain’s largest industrial investor in R&D. 

SEAT already features the latest connectivity technology in its vehicle range and is currently engaged in the company’s global digitalisation process to promote the mobility of the future.