Photo: X-Tomi Design
SEAT Chairman Jürgen Stackmann recently revealed to a couple of British publications that the car company could grow its crossover/SUV model range from 0 to 3 in the next few years.
Even as we speak, engineers are busy testing a compact crossover based on the Leon's version of the MQB platform. Speaking to Autocar, Stackmann openly discussed the future of two more SEATs. One is likely to be a large 7-seater, co-built and co-developed with the Skoda Snowman.
Stackmann believes that a "big SUV is potentially a yes for us but we have to make sure that customers want it."
Even more likely than the full-size model is a new subcompact, the much-rumored Fabia SUV. The official says it could launch by 2017, batting against the Opel Mokka and Renault Captur.
Of course, this is so far only a theoretical car for SEAT, since parent company Volkswagen has made it clear it doesn't want a Polo SUV. But, the report does tie in nicely with the fact that a new Ibiza supermini, the fifth generation, will debut in 2016.
Three years from now, VW is likely to switch to the MQB platform for its next Polo. In any case, SEAT will have access to the latest downsized engines, like the 1-liter TSI and potentially even a PHEV system.
Opel recently reported that its Mokka is rapidly becoming a real customer favorite. In the span of just a couple of years, the sub-compact SUV has been ordered 300,000 times. The pace of demand has actually been accelerating, as the latest 100,000 orders were recorded in the past seven months. The German automaker says that during the month of August, this was their third best seller after the Astra and Corsa.
The French companies are doing just as well. For Peugeot, the 2008 has proven to be a veritable cash cow. The new C4 Cactus is widely expected to do the same for Citroen. As for Renault, its Captur is currently the leader in the segment of crossovers.
Stackmann believes that a "big SUV is potentially a yes for us but we have to make sure that customers want it."
Even more likely than the full-size model is a new subcompact, the much-rumored Fabia SUV. The official says it could launch by 2017, batting against the Opel Mokka and Renault Captur.
Of course, this is so far only a theoretical car for SEAT, since parent company Volkswagen has made it clear it doesn't want a Polo SUV. But, the report does tie in nicely with the fact that a new Ibiza supermini, the fifth generation, will debut in 2016.
Three years from now, VW is likely to switch to the MQB platform for its next Polo. In any case, SEAT will have access to the latest downsized engines, like the 1-liter TSI and potentially even a PHEV system.
The small crossover market has been hugely popular
Many European car companies have decided to replace their MPVs with crossovers, since this is now the fastest growing market segment in the world. Many small models have proven especially popular.Opel recently reported that its Mokka is rapidly becoming a real customer favorite. In the span of just a couple of years, the sub-compact SUV has been ordered 300,000 times. The pace of demand has actually been accelerating, as the latest 100,000 orders were recorded in the past seven months. The German automaker says that during the month of August, this was their third best seller after the Astra and Corsa.
The French companies are doing just as well. For Peugeot, the 2008 has proven to be a veritable cash cow. The new C4 Cactus is widely expected to do the same for Citroen. As for Renault, its Captur is currently the leader in the segment of crossovers.
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