SEAT continues to set the standards in urban mobility. Having created a social impact that made the SEAT 1957 known as the "Spain of the 600" in the 60s, SEAT proves that it offers the right cars at the right time with the Marbella and Mii Electric models.
In the 50s, when motorcycle baskets were accepted as family vehicles, the biggest dream was to own a car. When the dates show 1957, SEAT launched its model, which will also play a role in the development of Spain: the SEAT 600. This car was capable of taking the average Spanish family and all their luggage on vacation. Even if a couple had four children and the family's grandmother had to come too, the SEAT 600 could handle it all. The SEAT 600 has gone far beyond offering personal mobility with its doors, roof and heating. The SEAT 600 was an affordable, true luxury for the Spanish middle class. The 1963 N, produced until July 600, were the "Normal" version. Later, the SEAT 600 D was released. With the SEAT 600 D, the volume of the rear four-cylinder engine has been increased from 633 cc to 767 cc. Still, the 600 names, referring to engine displacement, remained the same. Horsepower increased from 18hp to 25hp. The rear-hinged and reversing gates remained in existence until 600, when the 1970 E was introduced. Three years later, the SEAT 600 was discontinued with the production of the special series 600 L.
First model produced exclusively by SEAT
In 1973, the oil crisis broke out, and at that time an inexpensive automobile for urban use was needed. In May 1974, SEAT 133 said hello to life. Its dimensions were the same as that of the 600, but offered more than 850 space and payload capacity. It had a modified version of the SEAT 127 engine. Also, the lower compression ratio of the basic version of the SEAT 133 allowed the use of cheaper regular gasoline. A year after its launch, a version with a double-throttle carburetor increasing engine power to 44hp and a front set of disc brakes was produced. Safety was one of the most important elements developed by the SEAT 133. The car had a dual-circuit brake system, seat belts and an articulated steering column. More than 190 cars sold were also exported.
1980, the smart SEAT Panda
SEAT Panda completely changed the concept of the city car with a simple and smart design. The engine is placed at the front, the spare wheel is in the front hood. Two engines were available with engine displacements equivalent to the SEAT 133 and SEAT 127 engines. The SEAT Panda's trunk had a very large capacity of 272 liters. Its rear suspension, unique to larger and heavier vehicles, allowed the Panda to perform exceptionally well in the countryside, with large loads or on bumpy roads. The car's modular customizable interior, washable upholstery, seven-position foldable rear seat and its simplicity revolutionized the city car concept.
From Panda Marbella only to SEAT Marbella
In February 1982, SEAT released a version of Panda called Marbella. The vehicle had velvet upholstered seats, fog lights, a five-speed gearbox, and a digital rev counter. It was enriched with metallic paint and a distinctive grille. This simple and well-equipped city car concept became the basis of the SEAT Marbella, which was launched in 1986. SEAT technicians have developed an electronic carburetor system that allows the use of catalysts to clean the exhaust gases without the need for costly injection. This 903 cm3 engine has survived for almost 30 years. As a matter of fact, SEAT Marbella was produced for a total of over 7 years, until April 1998, 11.
Urban diesel
Introduced in 1997, the SEAT Arosa reversed the familiar city car concept. Production of Arosa, the first SEAT manufactured in Germany, moved to Martorell in mid-1998. In addition to the two petrol engines (1.0 - 50 PS and 1.4 - 60 PS), SEAT Arosa has increased the possibility of automatic gear shifting. Before the design was restructured in 2000, 101 PS 1.4 16v engine and 75 PS 1.4 TDI three-cylinder engine options were available. As for efficiency, Arosa also had a 2,99 TDI version called 100L, named after its official consumption of 3 l / 1.2 km. However, only a few prototypes were built from this vehicle. Seven years later, in 2004, production of 200 Arosa, which had been produced until that day, was stopped.
SEAT Mii Electric, the affordable electric car
SEAT has always provided the most affordable city cars of their time. This year, in which SEAT celebrates its 70th anniversary, the proper car in question was the SEAT Mii Electric. Beyond its extra maneuverability, the car offers the mobility that cities need. No noise, no exhaust gases. Moreover, it takes up as little space as possible outside. It takes full advantage of its six square meters of space to transport four passengers. SEAT Mii Electric offers a low cost of use. Range of up to 260 km, equivalent to over ten hours driving in the city. 40kW fast charging allows 80 percent charging within an hour. SEAT Mii also has more assistance, safety and comfort systems than you would expect to find in a city car. Side and curtain airbags, traffic signal recognition and lane assist are just some of them, SEAT is once again making its mark on urban mobility. With a new definition of mobility.
Hibya News Agency
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