by "El Relámpago(LZone) - Humanity First!" (lightningzone)
Published 01/22/2017 at 04:21
by "El Relámpago(LZone) - Humanity First!" (lightningzone)
Published 01/22/2017 at 04:21
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STARS: 2
Before coming to Spain, I had no idea what Seat really was(sorry, we don’t get to hear a lot about Seat in ‘merica). But Spain’s only car manufacturer(who is currently owned by VW) is some sort of a rebel without a cause. A brand that stubbornly tries to stay Latin, no matter how hard the folks in Wolfsburg are trying to make it nothing more than a number in a balance sheet between the entry level Skoda and the mainstream VW brand.
I think that instead of doing that, instead of badge engineering it to death, VW should expose Seat’s soul and energy, and make it a premium, more sporty and fun alternative to the very Germanic, sterile Audi.
It’s not that hard, use Audi platforms, let Seat designers and engineers come up with cars that can challenge the Italians and the French when it comes to charisma and the Germans when it comes to driving dynamics. Sell those cars globally. Profit!
Also, go for everything, sports cars, sedans, crossovers. The works.
"Hoccy" (Hoccy)
01/22/2017 at 04:27, STARS: 0
So, Seat should rebadge Porsches instead?
I’m okay with this.
"El Relámpago(LZone) - Humanity First!" (lightningzone)
01/22/2017 at 04:30, STARS: 0
No badge engineering. Platform engineering on the Group’s premium platforms. The sports cars would only be halo models.
"Jobjoris" (Jobjoris)
01/22/2017 at 04:34, STARS: 0
That’s exactly how VW tried to position/market SEAT in the “zeroes” , as “their” Alfa Romeo . They failed. Or not maybe as they are commercially just as unsuccessful.
"El Relámpago(LZone) - Humanity First!" (lightningzone)
01/22/2017 at 04:42, STARS: 1
As any old GM executive will tell you. You can’t position a brand as anything without the right products. The marketing has to follow the product, not the other way around.
"FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem" (fuelstratifiedinjection)
01/22/2017 at 04:50, STARS: 0
The problem is that Alfa Romeo hasn’t been a serious competitor since the 80s for anyone and VAG already does have a BMW fighter, Audi. The current Leon is a very sharp looking vehicle and potent, going after the Alfa Giulia is no challenge since that thing is past its due date.
"AndyG_UK" (ajg1974)
01/22/2017 at 05:17, STARS: 1
I really like SEAT as a brand, they do try and be different than VW in their styling, their current range all look so much better than the VW and Audi versions, but then I may be a bit prejudiced..........
"AndyG_UK" (ajg1974)
01/22/2017 at 05:21, STARS: 0
The Leon is such a sharp looking car that the creases over the rear quarter panels on mine look like they could cut you!! :)
"FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem" (fuelstratifiedinjection)
01/22/2017 at 05:35, STARS: 0
Almost literally lol. The Leon is what the Giulia should have been. Does yours have the led headlights?
"AndyG_UK" (ajg1974)
01/22/2017 at 05:42, STARS: 1
Yes it’s got the technology pack on it, I love the LED headlights (and rear lights), it looks so good when it’s clean (which it currently isn’t but am about to go and get it washed!). Spent all of yesterday installing my new dual cam dash cam, going to go for a drive to test it out in a bit.
"Svend" (svend)
01/22/2017 at 08:34, STARS: 0
Both Skoda and SEAT are joint entry levels for VAG.
Within their scope all the bases are covered and the cars are by no means badge engineered. Sure the dashboard on many are carry overs with subtle tweaks here and there from Skoda, SEAT, VW and Audi but if something works and allows the money to be spent elsewhere on the car, great.
The SEAT Leon is essentially a Golf but SEAT haven’t just changed the looks. The Leon has several times been faster around the Nurburgring than the rest of it’s VAG sisters.
A perfect garage for me would start with a
SEAT Mii/Skoda Citigo.
Skoda Fabia
SEAT Leon 3 door
Skoda Octavia vRS
Skoda Rapid Spaceback
Skoda Superb Sportline
Skoda Superb estate
SEAT Ateca
Skoda Kodiaq
SEAT Alhambra
All the bases covered from small city runabout to MPV.
"Vicente Esteve" (vicente-esteve)
01/22/2017 at 09:43, STARS: 0
It has always been the “passionate” side of VW and it has worked. Currently they make better cars than VW, but don’t tell this to them.
The current Leon Cupra was faster than the Golf R, and the next Cupra will be available with AWD as well. I really hope they tune that AWD system to be more RWD biased than the VW tuned one in the Golf R.