Motoring editor MALCOLM BAYLIS previews the new Seat Toledo, which is due to go on sale in the UK early next year.

IT was only a few months ago that the new SEAT Toledo was seen as a prototype at the Madrid Motor Show. Suddenly it's a reality, although it will not be on sale here until early next year.

The Toledo is now into its third generation. But it manages to keep some of the good looks of its predecessors, including the notchback styling of the present model, launched in 1998, with the rear hatch of the first Toledo, on the road back in 1991. It also holds on to its large, roomy boot.

Four engines will be available, two petrol, a 150bhp 2.0-litre FSI and a 102bhp 1.6-litre, and a couple of diesels, a 140bhp 2.0-litre turbo and a 105bhp 1.9-litre.

The two most powerful, the FSI and TDI, are matched with a six-speed manual gearbox.

However, the FSI will also be offered with an automatic and sequential Tiptronic six-speed clutchless gearbox.

The 2.0-litre TDI will also have the option of the six-speed gearbox.

Safety features will cover brake assist, traction control and stability programme systems, together with emergency brake assistance.

As for passenger safety, there are six airbags as standard: driver and passenger, and side and head airbags.

The car is also kitted out with Bluetooth technology, the telephone system operated by multi-function buttons on the steering wheel. The audio system also provides the facility for MP3 format CDs.

Detailed specification information as well as prices will be announced near to the UK launch date.

Updated: 11:59 Friday, August 06, 2004