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In a world of ‘tweets’, ‘posts’ and ‘likes’ it’s only right that young-spirited car brand SEAT is leading the way in social media with an innovative feature on Facebook.

The dynamic Spanish car brand’s UK operation recently launched its exciting ‘Test Drive Diaries’ initiative and, already, several lucky followers of the firm’s UK presence in cyberspace have been selected for a week behind the wheel of a new SEAT.

The idea is simple: SEAT’s ingenious Marketing team gives ordinary drivers from around the UK who express an interest in taking part the chance to spend seven days driving a new model from the Spanish brand’s portfolio of exciting, award-winning new cars.

In return, the lucky drivers document their experiences via a video camera. The resulting footage is cut together into a short film which appears on SEAT UK’s increasingly busy Facebook wall.

Updates on the SEAT page alert followers to the latest ‘Test Drive Diaries’ recruitment phase, after which would-be drivers simply post comments on the wall telling the SEAT social media team what they would do with the vehicle during their week-long loan.

The most recent video features musician and SEAT aficionado Nick Duff who spent a week at the wheel of a new SEAT Alhambra. Among the challenges he faced was loading the award-winning seven-seat MPV with kit for a gig by his pop and rock covers band The Antidote.

The videos generate comment and debate on SEAT’s Facebook wall, while in Nick’s case the experience led to him actually buying a new car – opting for a ’61′ plate SEAT Ibiza Sportrider from Pentagon SEAT in Scunthorpe.

SEAT UK National Communications Manager Steve Bellew said: ‘The amazing success of this exciting initiative on Facebook has really taken us all by surprise.

‘In the few weeks it has been running we’ve already generated some great videos, and some great interaction with SEAT enthusiasts on Facebook. I’m really pleased with the feedback we’ve been getting as our Facebook presence gathers more followers by the day.’

To find out more about SEAT Test Drive Diaries on Facebook, or to put your name forward for the next week-long video drive, simply follow the SEAT UK Facebook account at:www.facebook.com/seatuk and then click on the relevant link.

As the SEAT-sponsored UEFA Europa League gears up for the nail-biting knockout phase this week, the sporty Spanish car maker is reminding fans that it’s not too late for them to ‘Enjoy The Game’ and stand a chance of winning a brand new Leon SE Copa in the process!

Some of Europe’s finest footballing sides will this week go head-to-head in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 as the road to the 2012 final in Bucharest gets that bit more testing.

Flying the flag for the UK will be Premiership titans Manchester United and Manchester City – one and two in the Premier League at the moment – with Stoke City also vying for a place in the Europa League last 16.

However SEAT UK is offering football enthusiasts the chance to do more than just spectate as these footballing giants take on their Continental counterparts. Visitors to the SEAT website -www.seat.co.uk - can enter a great Europa League-themed ‘Enjoy The Game’ competition which has as its star prize a new SEAT Leon SE Copa 1.2 TSI worth more than £17,000!

Entrants accumulate points by correctly predicting either the outcome, or the outcome along with the exact score, of the remaining Europa League matches. They then exchange their points for ‘raffle tickets’ in an end-of-season draw that has the Leon as its top prize. Alternatively, depending on their points total, they can select instant prizes such as shopping vouchers or UEFA Europa League replica footballs.

The competition launched at the start of this season’s UEFA Europa League but even those fans joining at the knockout stage could still be in with a chance of scooping the car.

What’s more, there are great chances to accumulate even more points via special SEAT VIP passes. These are available from SEAT dealers nationwide and carry a special code that delivers bonus points when entered into the website.

SEAT UK Digital Marketing Manager, Tanya Todd, explained: ‘The Europa League is a great competition and SEAT is thrilled to have such a close and powerful association with it.

‘As this season’s competition reaches the exciting knockout stage I’m sure plenty of fans – armchair enthusiasts or otherwise – will relish trying to win points in our ‘Enjoy The Game’ competition.

‘With the prize of a fabulous new Leon up for grabs, there’s really no reason not to check out the contest at www.seat.co.uk and get involved today!’

The executive class 2012 SEAT Exeo is now available in the Spanish brand’s UK showrooms nationwide with even more style, economy and refinement available to savvy saloon and estate buyers.

SEAT’s much-admired Exeo saloon and Exeo ST estate range boasts a new look and some important engineering upgrades.

The 2012 cars’ revised ‘face’ – with new bi-xenon headlights and stunning LED daytime running lights (standard on Sport models and optional on SE spec’ cars) – ensures it once again cuts a real dash in the executive car park.

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 improved 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 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 58.9 mpg on the EU’s combined cycle.

The Exeo’s elegant styling upgrades, allied to SEAT’s ongoing commitment to improving quality and fuel economy, as well as reducing emissions, are already generating even more interest in the range. The luxurious saloon and estate car line-up is the Spanish brand’s third best-seller in the UK behind the perennially popular Ibiza supermini and Leon five-door family hatch.

As 2012 unfolds the Exeo family is set for even more upgrades, too, with the likely arrival of an Ecomotive version. SEAT’s cleanest, greenest cars all bear the Ecomotive moniker and are synonymous with environmental efficiency. The Ibiza Ecomotive, for instance, emits just 92 g/km of CO₂ while the Leon Ecomotive is hot on its heels with a road tax- and London congestion charge-busting CO₂figure of just 99 g/km.

The forthcoming Exeo Ecomotive will boast many of the same technologies that make its Ecomotive siblings such frugal propositions. SEAT’s effortless Start/Stop technology, for instance, 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.

SEAT UK Managing Director Peter Wyhinny said: ‘The showroom arrival of the freshly upgraded Exeo range comes at a great time for SEAT. With another record year under our belt in 2011, and sales continuing their upward trend so far this year, our dealers are already busy.

‘The revised Exeo is yet another reason for buyers to visit – and that’s all before the new Ibiza supermini range and brilliant new Mii city car make their UK debuts.

’2012 is set to be the most exciting year in SEAT’s history, and the Exeo gets things off to the perfect start.’

For full details on the entire SEAT range, together with a great car configurator, simply click on www.seat.co.uk.

• Optimum functionality in a compact package
• SEAT Mii Ecomotive with as little as 96 g/km CO₂
• Innovative City Safety Assist and SEAT Portable System

SEAT is revealing an expansion to the Mii city car line-up with the first glimpse of an even more versatile five-door version.

The additional rear doors turn the super-compact SEAT into a unique combination of exceptional driving fun, sporty design and outstanding functionality.

Of course the new five-door Mii remains true to core SEAT principles – meaning it’s both a pleasure to drive, and a pleasure to own.

In either three- or five-door form the Mii scores top marks for fuel consumption and emissions thanks to its lightweight design and efficient drivetrains. This applies in particular to the newly-announced Mii Ecomotive.

Thanks to a start/stop system, brake energy recovery and other measures to improve fuel economy, the Mii Ecomotive makes do with just 4.1 litres of fuel per 100 km, equating to CO₂ emissions of only 96 g/km for the 60 PS version and 4.2 litres per 100 km – 98 g/km – for the 75 PS Mii. These impressive statistics apply to both the three- and five-door versions.

James Muir, President of SEAT, S.A. said: ‘The new Mii has enjoyed a terrific start. Customer response in Spain is outstanding and we are now bringing the entire line-up to the other European markets – complete with the three-door, five-door and Ecomotive versions.

‘With its distinctive SEAT identity, its youthful design and its high quality standards, the five-door Mii in particular is set to capture a significant share of the sub-compact segment. This makes the Mii an important factor in our corporate strategy. The Mii marks the start of the most extensive model offensive ever undertaken by SEAT.’

Five doors make the Mii even more appealing

The car’s compact format – it is just 3.56 metres long – makes the Mii the perfect companion for today’s urban environment. Yet, thanks to its optimum use of space, it offers plenty of room for four adults. With a volume of 251 litres the Mii also boasts one of the largest luggage compartments in its class, expanding to an impressive 951 litres with the rear seat back folded.

The new five-door, of course, offers even greater functionality within an unchanged footprint. The rear doors boast a wide opening angle and thus make for straightforward access to the rear bench. Small children can be fastened into their child seats with ease, shopping bags can be simply stowed behind the front seats and, with their compact dimensions, the rear doors also enable easy entry and exit even in tight parking spaces.

The especially large area of the rear side windows ensures great all-round visibility, while the pop-out function delivers ventilation combined with a high degree of safety for children travelling in the rear.

The feeling of spaciousness that is inherent in the SEAT Mii is reinforced by the addition of an optional panoramic sunroof. The large glass roof extends back most of the length of the Mii’s roof to deliver a panoramic view for all four occupants. Naturally, to prevent interior temperatures from becoming uncomfortably warm on sunny days, there is a sliding roof blind.

As well as providing more light in the cabin, the roof can be opened via a slide and tilt function. So, Mii occupants can choose to open the roof by tilting it upwards for a little ventilation or open it more fully by sliding it back over the roof of the car.

In terms of on-board occupant safety, head restraints for the rear seat passengers and child locks on the rear doors are, of course, standard equipment.

Dr Matthias Rabe, SEAT Vice-President for Research and Development, said: ‘The five-door is the perfect expansion to our Mii line-up. Just as sporty, just as dynamic, but with a considerable increase in usability. When it comes to urban mobility, the Mii fulfils all demands.

‘With its low weight and modern drivetrains, the Mii is both sporty and efficient at the same time. This applies, especially, to the Ecomotive model with its exceptionally low consumption and emissions figures.’

Design – strong character with sporty individuality

As a five-door, the Mii retains the strong character of its distinctive design. Perfectly proportioned, the new SEAT measures 1.64 metres wide with a long wheelbase of 2.42 metres and exceptionally short overhangs front and rear. The steeply angled rear end facilitates the Mii’s generous interior space – optimum functionality is particularly important in the sub-compact segment.

The additional rear doors fit discreetly into the clearly defined side view. The roof contour remains unchanged while the rear roof pillar retains its broad, powerful form. The window line runs a little lower than on the three-door and is emphasised in the side aspect by the clear shadow line. The sturdy door handles indicate the Mii’s high level of quality and solidity.

In its five-door format, too, the Mii is immediately recognisable as a member of the SEAT family, while its new headlamp form marks a development in the SEAT design language. Its side view is characterised by distinctive wheel arches and clean surfaces, and the rear end also displays a new light design featuring triangular light elements.

‘The Mii is a real character as a five-door, too – modern and expressive, yet timeless,’ said Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos, Head of SEAT Design. ‘It is a unique combination of sporty chic and design quality with outstanding everyday usability.’

Mii Ecomotive gains top marks for fuel consumption

When it comes to technology and equipment, the five-door Mii matches its three-door sibling blow for blow. Beneath the bonnet lies a new generation of engines. The frugal 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit is light, compact and smooth. In two outputs of 60 PS and 75 PS, it ensures fleet-footed agility – and not just in city traffic. With top speeds of 160 km/h and 171 km/h respectively, fuel consumption comes in at just 4.5 or 4.7 litres per 100 kilometres. Meanwhile the Mii’s 35-litre fuel tank ensures both a long range and enduring driving fun.

The new Ecomotive versions of the Mii are masters of efficiency. While outputs are identical to the standard Mii (60 PS and 75 PS) the Ecomotive versions boasts a cutting edge start/stop system, brake energy recovery technology and other consumption reducing initiatives. The result is combined cycle fuel economy of 4.1 litres per 100 kilometres equating to a CO₂ figure of just 96 g/km for the 60 PS version, 4.2 litres per 100 km and 98 g/km for the 75 PS Mii.

Extra help to stay safer in town

The Mii is also a leader when it comes to innovative technologies. City Safety Assist delivers important added protection in town. Simply put, when a risk arises in city traffic the Mii brakes automatically to prevent a possible impact.

At speeds lower than 30 km/h, a laser sensor can identify another vehicle or obstacle in the direction of travel, regardless of whether the object is stationary or moving. If the system detects the risk of an impact and the driver doesn’t apply any braking force, the system applies the brakes fully or helps the driver to apply maximum braking force. In many cases City Safety Assist can help to avoid an accident altogether or, at the very least, mitigate its severity.

Unique technology aids efficient driving

The innovative SEAT Portable System is an exciting new development in the world of in-car infotainment. This compact unit boasts a five-inch touchscreen yet can be fully removed from the car for use ‘on the go’. It also perfectly integrates into the vehicle’s electronics. Its many functions include a satellite navigation system, hands-free phone capability with voice control and an on-board computer. Of course the SEAT Portable System automatically combines with the Mii’s integrated radio and speaker system.

Full details of the three- and five-door Mii’s UK model range, equipment and pricing will be announced in due course.

Congratulations to gav170489 for his photo picturing his Ibiza parked near the Tidal Barrier situated in Hull.

SEAT is continuing its campaign to become a fleet manufacturer of choice with a comprehensive Aftersales initiative – the Fleet Customer Commitment.

As SEAT’s success in the fleet sector continues to grow the simple, easy-to-follow programme ensures every Fleet Service Partner in the Spanish brand’s extensive network of UK dealers adheres to 12 fleet customer service and repair standards.

From providing clear, upfront pricing to delivering guaranteed response times and even ensuring each fleet customer vehicle gets a free wash and vacuum each time it visits a dealer, the 12-point plan promises fleet drivers know exactly what they can expect from SEAT – exemplary service.

Nigel Griggs, Head of Aftersales at SEAT UK, said: ‘We’re serious about the high quality of service drivers can expect from our Fleet Service Partners and want them to be sure that the SEAT network is the best choice for them.

‘We are also introducing a new pricing structure to help fleet operators stay in control of maintenance budgeting. There are competitive maximum labour rates, plus we guarantee our fleet drivers won’t pay more than £7.50 for a litre of fully synthetic oil or £35 for an MOT with any of our Fleet Service Partners.’

He added: ‘We believe this comprehensive new Fleet Customer Commitment makes our customer service and support package a leader in the industry, and I’m looking forward to hearing how it is received.’

The SEAT Fleet Customer Commitment delivers consistency in service standards, while the new pricing structure means operators really know where they are with maintenance budgeting.

Fleets can rely on competitively priced routine servicing and maintenance operations from the SEAT network of more than 120 participating Fleet Service Partners. Each one adheres to a common set of standards ensuring drivers receive a high quality, personalised service every time they visit.

Naturally, there’s the reassurance of high levels of technical competence from SEAT-trained technicians with well-equipped facilities and state-of-the-art fault diagnosis systems.

And SEAT now also boasts a specialist Aftersales team dedicated to fleet customers. Those firms operating a major fleet that includes SEAT models can deal with Aftersales Account Manager Perry Clarke who provides a link direct to SEAT head office and gives advice, support and assistance on all aspects of servicing and maintenance.

Fleet Customer Relations Manager Simon Ackroyd is also available for general enquiries. Simon works closely with SEAT Fleet Service Partners to ensure a smooth, efficient service.

Perry, Simon and their teams are happy to help with all manner of queries from driver or Fleet Service Partner issues to warranty questions, parts concerns and other product-related issues.

Steve Robertson, Head of Fleet and Business Sales at SEAT UK, is another enthusiastic supporter of the Fleet Customer Commitment. He said: ‘Our continuing mission is to become a fleet manufacturer of choice, and I firmly believe that this excellent new 12-point charter reinforces our growing reputation as a company that is, simply, easy to do business with.

‘Making sure we treat our fleet customers as individuals, and tailoring our service and support to meet their specific needs, is vital if we are to build on our successful fleet performance thus far.

‘I’m convinced the new Fleet Customer Commitment is another important step for SEAT.’

SEAT’s style icon, the exotic Ibiza Cupra Bocanegra, is proving to be as hot a property in the used car market as it is among eager new car buyers.

The Spanish brand’s most potent Ibiza to date is selling to enthusiast owners the length and breadth of the UK, with aficionados scrabbling to get their hands on its addictive mix of head-turning style and breakneck pace.

Since its UK market introduction in the autumn of 2009 design- and performance-hungry buyers have flocked to grab their very own version of the sought-after SEAT, replete with its 180 PS power and state-of-the-art DSG automatic/sequential manual gearbox.

Now the latest values from respected industry used car guide CAP show that used buyers are just as keen to seize a pre-owned Bocanegra. The new car retails for £18,655 RRP and current CAP data suggests a 12-month-old Ibiza Cupra Bocanegra with around 10,000 miles to its name is still retailing for more than 77% of its showroom price.

This exceptional retained value puts the Ibiza well ahead of some even more glamorous, and pricy, models. The current edition of CAP Black Book suggests that a 12-month-old BMW Z4 2.3i sDrive, for instance, retains a shade over 71% of its retail price while a Mercedes-Benz C250 CGI automatic with a year on the road under its belt is good for around 67% of its original asking price.

Needless to say, this exceptional residual value performance by the SEAT is driven by a keen demand for the Bocanegra from used car buyers. The SEAT dealer network, which now numbers almost 130 outlets, rarely has more than a dozen or so of the sought-after Ibizas available nationwide.

SEAT UK Used Car Manager, David Ardern, explained: ‘Demand for the Ibiza Cupra Bocanegra is exceptionally strong from dealers desperate to get their hands on the car.

‘It’s no surprise, perhaps, that this very special Ibiza’s combination of hot hatch performance and stand-out styling has buyers queuing up.’

The production version of the Bocanegra stays remarkably true to the headline-grabbing Bocanegra concept car unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 2009.

Boasting several dramatic black styling elements at its nose – hence the Bocanegra name which translates as ‘black mouth’ in Spanish – the turbocharged, supercharged 1.4 TSI has quickly become one of the most hotly pursued superminis around.

Design features unique to the car include blackened double headlights, a central grille with honeycomb mesh and black surround including innovative air vents at the base.

The bumper combines black with the body colour, while a broad grille beneath that takes care of cooling the engine.

Other elements that further add to the Bocanegra’s image are black door mirror housings, the option of a dark tinted glass sunroof and attractive 17-inch ‘Sira’ alloys.

At the back the Bocanegra features honeycomb mesh on the side grids, an impressive spoiler, chunky wheel arches and tinted rear windows. And if anyone were in any doubt that this really is a special SEAT, there’s a prominent ‘Bocanegra’ badge centred on the rear hatch of this most exclusive Ibiza.

The design delights continue inside with a bespoke interior that underlines the car’s sporting style.

The sports seats are upholstered with special fabric made up of rhomboids stitched together in red, while the upper part of the seats sport the logo that identifies this version – a capital ‘B’ also stitched in red.

The Ibiza Cupra Bocanegra’s styling is also a tribute to the Spaniards’ original Bocanegra, the 1200 Sport, which debuted in its home country back in 1975.

The ’70s car, a milestone in the Brand’s history as the first model to be wholly developed at the SEAT Technical Centre in Martorell, quickly went on to become a firm favourite in its home market and notched up sales of more than 11,000 in just three years.

February 2012′s wallpaper looks back at SEAT’s role in the WTCC.

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Dynamic Spanish car maker SEAT is strengthening its successful UK dealer network as it builds on its outstanding performance in 2011 and gears up for perhaps the most exciting year in its history.

With a raft of thrilling new models – including the much-anticipated Mii city car – scheduled for launch in 2012, the Barcelona-based brand has attracted unprecedented interest from would-be retail partners across the country.

And now, with a record 1.86% share of the UK new car market secured (full year, 2011 – source: SMMT) and confidence in the marque at an all-time high, seven new SEAT outlets – all in key strategic locations – have either just opened or are set to go ‘live’ soon.

For instance leading South Wales automotive retailer Sinclair Group, which already represents SEAT’s sister brands Volkswagen, Audi and Skoda, has opened a new showroom at its prestigious site in Gorseinon Road, Swansea.

Meanwhile, the highly successful Essex Auto Group has added a second SEAT franchise to its growing portfolio with the opening of a new outlet on the massive Lakeside retail complex in Thurrock. The Group already operates the thriving SEAT dealership in Southend-on-Sea.

Additionally, established SEAT retailer Dales has added a new showroom on the outskirts of Newquay to its existing site just off the A30 near Redruth to further boost the brand’s showing in the South West.

This flurry of new dealer launches comes hot-on-the-heels of two other openings in key areas. South Wales retailer Mon Motors Group opened its first SEAT franchise in Newport in late November and then Eastern Western Motor Group – among Scotland’s most successful privately-owned motor groups – opened its first SEAT dealership in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

But, as you’d expect from such a rapidly growing brand, there’s plenty more to come.

Snows Group – one of the leading dealer groups on the South Coast which already operates SEAT franchises in Southampton, Portsmouth and Poole – will add another dealership in Salisbury in February.

And Currie Motors, operator of Toyota and Lexus franchises in Middlesex and London, will open a new SEAT dealership in North East London in the first quarter of 2012.

Stephen Snow, Chairman of the highly successful Snows Group, said: ‘We’ve been a SEAT dealer for more than 20 years now and have seen the brand go from strength-to-strength since becoming part of the Volkswagen Group.

‘The SEAT model line-up is now stronger than it’s ever been and we’re really excited about the new models set for launch this year. It’s safe to say that, at the recent dealer conference, we were all totally blown away by the Mii and can’t wait for it to arrive in the UK.

‘The economic climate means there will be many challenges to come over the next 12 months but I’m confident 2012 is going to be a great year for Snows and for SEAT.’

Celebrating the string of important new dealership openings nationwide SEAT UK National Franchise Manager, Jason Cranswick, said: ‘The business case for SEAT is as compelling now as it has ever been.

‘Our 2011 sales records speak volumes about the growing appeal of the brand and with a determined focus on further improving both our service to our dealers, and their profitability, I think it’s easy to see why we are developing and strengthening our ties with some of the UK’s most successful dealer groups.’

He added: ‘There’s no question that 2012 will present significant challenges to the motor industry but with our highly desirable yet extremely affordable new model line-up in their showrooms I know our dealers will be best-placed to exploit the opportunities ahead.’