Traveling is one of my favorite things to do, but going to work everyday sure interferes with that ambition. Thus the next best thing is to live vicariously through others. In this case, it was my parents. Instead of some souvenir, I have been asking for car pictures on their various jaunts around the planet. So, have a SEAT Leon, we are going for a ride around Spain and Portugal.
While it likely doesn’t affect anything, these pictures have not been cropped for two reasons: first, the background scenery is generally quite nice and, second, seeing palm trees when it is 25 degrees Fahrenheit outside does warm one’s soul.
This sure plays into the title; it’s a SEAT Léon. This Léon appears to be a second generation model, a Typ 1P, which ran from 2005 to 2012. These had gasoline engines of 1.2 liters to 2.0 liters with available LPG and diesel offerings. Auto-motor-und-sport named it best compact import in 2009 and it won 2006 Car of the Year in Denmark.
Since this is Spain, home of SEAT, let’s take a gander at a couple more. This Toledo was not named for that town in Ohio; it was named for that city in Spain – just like the Léon.
If I have identified this correctly (why, oh why, do reference websites so rarely show the tail of a car?), this is a Typ 5P, introduced in 2005 and produced through 2009. It has the same chassis as a Volkswagen Golf Mk 5 and it utilized a variety of VW gasoline and diesel engines.
Enough of this newer stuff; let’s look at an older SEAT.
Does this 600 E help quell the cringe of seeing newer cars? A derivative of Fiat, SEAT produced just under 800,000 of these between 1957 and 1973. When clumped with the Fiat and the related Zastava, there were just under 5,000,000 of these built in eight countries.
Engines ranged from 633 cc to 843 cc.
It’s a safe guess that neither of my parents were the ones to lift the hood on that 600 E. They would never dared to do so for fear of riding in one of these official vehicles. Why do I say this? In 1984, my father adamantly refused to cross the river from Ottawa, Ontario, into Quebec as he vehemently insisted all the road signs would be in French thus guaranteeing our being in a cataclysmic wreck five meters into the province and (presumably) his being carted off to prison. My inconvenient observation that our proximity to the river allowed us to actually see the bilingual road signs in Quebec was completely irrelevant.
They wouldn’t have ridden in one of these either. For some reason, my parents are always able to find the most eccentric and erratic taxi drivers so they have grown to prefer walking or taking public transportation.
With Mercedes being a premium brand in the United States, I have seen a grand total of one Mercedes taxi. It was a 240D in Kansas City.
If memory serves, it was a shade of bronze not too far removed from this SEAT.
In a post by the late Kevin Martin, a commenter uploaded a picture of what appears to be this same car from about the same angle as the previous picture. Given the Audi sign in the background of this picture, I suspect there is some significance. I do not know specifics on where any of these pictures were taken, so if you are familiar with any of these locations, or can add more knowledge to anything you see, please speak up for the benefit of everyone.
For those in Europe, you may have seen examples of these cars so far in your day, yet for North American eyes these are unfamiliar territory. Seeing and learning about cars such as this Aixam has been a treat. There is simply so much automotive knowledge to learn.
The Aixam website proclaims this French car to be “The leader in quadricycles in France and in Europe”. Looking further at their website, the new City Pak features a 400 cc diesel engine that makes 5.4 horsepower at 3,200 rpm. For one whose Kawasaki powered riding lawnmower makes 18 horsepower, I am truly in awe of the packaging and efficiency of this car. Estimated fuel consumption is 2.96 liters per 100 kilometers.
The Opel Rekord P1 was available from 1957 to 1960. The “P” stood for panoramic, given the wraparound glass front and rear. Soon after its introduction in Rüsselsheim, the P1 was dubbed as being the Peasant’s Buick. Power came from engines having 1.2 to 1.7 liters and making 29 to 40 kW.
North American Chevrolet styling influences are quite visible from some angles. The two-door sedan was the most popular Rekord of this generation.
Since I have mentioned Chevrolet, it’s time to show one. This 1931 Chevrolet is perhaps the most CC worthy of the bunch.
While my parents did not ride in this car, they were quite smitten with it. In talking to the driver, this car is still working hard at 84 years of age.
The current owner bought the car a number of years ago and had it restored. Since then, it has been showing tourists all the local sights. I would love to know its history. In 1931, Chevrolet used the Independent moniker for its cars; for 1932, the name changed to Confederate.
Taking a tour in the Chevrolet, one is able to enjoy an unimpeded view. It certainly has a better view than this rig!
Looks like a good trip Jason! Nice title as well!
The Leon is indeed a 2005-2012 model, and is based on the Golf, as is the Toledo. The car next to the Leon is a SEAT Cordoba, a saloon based on the smaller Ibiza, a VW Polo based hatchback. This is a 2002-09 model.
I always thought the Toledo was named after the Triumph I learnt to drive in, but you may be right about the Spanish city link 😉
The Mercedes E class is a popular taxi in much of northern Europe (specially Germany and Scandinavia) but I would have thought unusual in Spain, unless only it meets some specific city regulation
My pick is the Citroen H van
the mercedes taxis in the pic are actually Lisbon Portugal taxis. Spanish taxis tend to be VW, SEAT, Skoda and renault. You do see an occasional Mercedes but not like in Germany or Portugal for that matter.
They had a blast.
I had thought about saying the Toledo was a salute to that city in Ohio as a thank you for Chrysler using Cordoba as a model name. Now, when / if SEAT uses Cordoba as a model name, I will be intrigued.
Aixam cars and the like are for the elderly and / or for people with a physical disability. No driver’s license required, not allowed on the freeway. Most come with small 3 cylinder diesel engines.
And for people who lost or got their license suspended…
That market is kind of booming in France and you can see a lot of these in Paris and major cities.
Some companies even rent these to people with a suspended license before they can get it back and use a true car again.
….and for boys and girls who are not old enough yet for a driver’s license….
I know a farmer’s son who drives to school in a classic Unimog, basically the same principle.
These mini-cars have been popular here for a very long time now. They are everywhere. Except on the freeway.
The “vehicle” of choice here for people who have had their license suspended is the scooter. In Indiana, at least, a driver’s license is not required if a scooter’s engine is less than 50cc. One sees these things all over town, typically ridden by someone with a cigarette hanging out of his/her mouth and no head protection, unless you want to count their sweatshirt hood. I suppose it is better than walking but you have to wonder, especially now that cold weather is here.
Same around here, it if’s less than 50cc no license required. Which basically gives you the choice of scooter, moped, or powered bicycle.
All of them generally referred to as “liquor cycles” owing to the most common reason for having lost one’s license.
(Plenty of folks ride scooters by choice, but I imagine they’re commonly larger-engined and plated as a motorcycle.)
Aixam builds trucks too. Called, oh irony, the Aixam Mega Multitruck.
At first, I assumed that ‘5.4hp’ was a typo, as these vehicles typically have 15-20 hp, but I looked it up and confirmed it. That’s shockingly low. I assume most of the ones sold are the 500 and 600 version.
The legal speed limit for this kind of mini-cars is 45 km/h (28 mph), although I don’t know if this is also the case in the rest of Europe.
You don’t have the speed, but you sure can have a sporty look ! Pictured below, the Aixam GTO.
There’s no way 5.4 hp is going to get you up to that speed, except on a downhill slope.
Have a look here Paul. It’s in Dutch, but there it is: max. 5.6 hp for the diesels. http://www.bolbrommobielen.nl/45-km-info/45-km-regelgeving
It is not the hp, it is the torque… 4-500 cc diesel+cvt, it will reach the 45 mph, eventually. Think quad bikes and gators etc.
But note that it is not a car, even if it costs as much as one. Regarding the vehicle type: If I remember correctly, EU class for these “moped cars” or quadricycles allows max. 50 cc gas engine (as Piaggio Ape, for instance), or max 4 kw(?) with other energy source – diesel, electric. So diesel it is, because of the torque. There is a weight limit as well – 350 kg, possibly. But otherwise less rules in general, compared to proper cars.
You can get rid of the speed limit and I would assume also the power limit by registering it one class up, but then you need a proper license. Which makes it more or less pointless. One option is to register the vehicle as a tractor, with a different speed limit and license etc. Popular with quad bikes, as you can ride legally on road and claim tax benefits for business..
There is a set of legislation about vehicle classes in EU, but there can also be country specific exceptions which makes the situation a “bit” more complicated, especially regarding taxing, insuring etc… But in principle, if the vehicle fulfills the EU criteria, it is possible, in principle, to sell and register it in the whole common market. So that we can all enjoy these rolling traffic cones/abominations…
Mercedes is also a premium brand in Europe but, because of the reputation of their diesel engines and the durability of W123s and W124s, Class-E Mercedes were the equivalent of Crown Vics over here in France, along with Peugeots.
Moreover, I heard that Mercedes was offering very good deals to taxi companies and cab drivers.
Yet, because of the troublesome W210, Mercedes lost a bit of its aura to Skodas and Toyotas.
Indeed. Non-garage kept W210 is nearly running with Swiss cheese like rust holes in rust belt, while W124 is in way better shape, even if not kept in garage during the winter.
The Seat started out as a Fiat- licensed car, but was bought up by VW/Audi in the 90’s IIRC. By the way, the name is Zastava, says the guy who owned two Yugos 😉
I’ve kind of liked the ‘alternate universe’ VWs that is the Seat brand. Too bad we don’ t get them in the US. But then again, what we do with VW version of Pontiac?
The foibles of typing! I will change that when I return to a computer.
I got it. And I should have noticed it before. Ideally, it would be ‘Zestava’. 🙂
Thank you.
No worries, Jason. When you spent as much time under the hood of one of those cars as I did, you take note of a few things…. 🙂
Actually, today’s Seats and Skodas are a lot more similar to VWs than Audis are. They drive roughly the same way, feel the same, and even look similar. Even though their external design might be different, things like the same doorhandles, steering columns + stalks, interior materials etc. give the impression they’re really just another type of VW, much more so than Audis. Not that that’s a bad thing if you like the original, the 2002 Ibiza I had felt in no way inferior to its Polo sibling and the only thing genuinely different – the looks – were better in my opinion.
However, it does call into question the point of those 2 brands. Seat is supposed to be the sporty brand (the Leon even looks like a Golf in a tracksuit) and Skoda value for money, in practice, they compete which each other. Skoda has better sales almost everywhere, except in Spain of course. VW’s Pontiac?
“However, it does call into question the point of those 2 brands. Seat is supposed to be the sporty brand (the Leon even looks like a Golf in a tracksuit) and Skoda value for money, in practice, they compete which each other. Skoda has better sales almost everywhere, except in Spain of course. VW’s Pontiac?”
hmmm. When I happen to see a WRC event on TV Skodas are part of the show, I don’t recall seeing SEATs. Maybe that explains Skoda’s popularity. Dealership networks might play a role too.
However, it does call into question the point of those 2 brands. Seat is supposed to be the sporty brand (the Leon even looks like a Golf in a tracksuit) and Skoda value for money, in practice, they compete which each other. Skoda has better sales almost everywhere, except in Spain of course. VW’s Pontiac?
There was quite a dustup at VW a few months ago. The company is pushing hard to be the largest car maker in the world, but while gaining sales, they aren’t making much profit at it. Management brought in an outside consultant to make cost cutting recommendations. The works council objected, strongly, because that consultant’s usual default recommendation is to beat money out of the line workers.
The works council suggested that VW get rid of some redundant models instead. I’m inclined to agree with them. Why pay for three different styling groups, three different marketing groups and three different management groups, when the cars are all variations on the same platforms?
That is interesting. They easily could get into a GM like situation trying to be largest at all cost. Ford figured out that they can make money by prioritizing profitability over market share.
The “Betriebsrat” (works council) may not be management’s favorite institution but at times they can keep them from making wrong moves.
Wolfgang, here’s the article from last August about the works council forcing the termination of the consultants.
Unions force VW to axe consultants in clash over cost cuts – sources
Volkswagen’s 5 billion euro ($6.68 billion) cost-savings plan hit a major setback after labor leaders forced management to axe McKinsey, the consultants working out the cuts, three sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Thursday.
VW labor leaders would also rather cut costs by reviewing the group’s mega 310-model lineup with the goal of ceasing unprofitable models, the source said.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/08/07/us-volkswagen-costs-mckinsey-idUSKBN0G71M520140807
close SEAT was bought by VW group mid 80s. They ended their Fiat licensing early 80s.
Surprised to see those Mercedes Benz W210s being used as taxicabs, are they not nearly 20 years old by now? I keep hearing those are some of the unreliable Mercedes Benz.
The W210 was introduced in 1995. Its biggest issue was rust. Not after 10 years or so, but just after a few years. I think these W210s being in Spain helps a lot to preserve them…
For such an expensive car from the nineties that was a disgrace. Regardless the brand.
I think in about another ten years, those same cabs will trickle down across the Strait and end up in Morocco as inter-city taxis there which seems to be where most MB’s end up eventually. When I was there in ’00 it was mostly W123’s with the occasional W124 and W126 and even a few old W114/115’s doing that duty. Being Diesel and otherwise very minimal spec I’m sure keeps them much more reliable than the loaded up versions we got here. For the most part the mechanicals are generally fairly straightforward and easy to fix on most MB’s.
Yes, the diesels were still pretty simple (pre-common rail injection). The real electronic bugs came later, with the W211 Mk1. The 2006-2009 W211 Mk2 got a lot of improvements and modifications and was much better. By then Mercedes was out of its Misery Era.
Personally I like the looks of the W211 much better. The W210 looks clunky and “old” now while a W211 still looks up-to-date and modern. A second cousin of mine has a circa 10 years old dark blue metallic W211 with the 200 CDI engine. It looks like a brand new car, both the interior and the exterior.
Oh, rust. the wiper on the rear door of a W210 wagon simply fell off for that! in Michigan. I’m waiting to see when the door handles fall off 😉 or maybe before that something more important would fall off anyway
It reeks of cheapness when Peugeots argueably a nicer car are galvanised theres a 406 behind the orange Aixam.
Depends on the country and importer of course, but also the after sales service has an impact: professional drivers might have separate pro-service locations, fixed price service contracts, free spare cars in case of break ups etc. The taxi has to keep earning money… Traditionally, young but high milage (rwd) Mercedes keep their value well, especially in countries with high taxes. So you want to keep it in good order – incentive for the regular servicing. And looking from the other side, astronomical miles guarantee a steady flow of customers to the dealers and garages. And since there are lot of high milage cars around, there is a market for independent mechanics also – the cars and their typical faults are well known. Steady demand for spares – competition and relatively cheap parts. Which again helps to keep the used prices up.
I went to Lisboa, Portugal 7 years ago and most inner city cabs were Mercedes 190 D (W201) with 400 ou 500.000 km or more on the odometer. I loved it.
Add the 19th century cable cars to that and this was one of my best trip ever !
Thank you for this treat, Jason.
It brings back so many memories from a trip to Madrid, including an excursion to Toledo back in the late 70’s. At that time the SEAT 600E’s were everywhere. They dominated the street scene. There were also significant numbers of Renault 8, Citroen 2CV and Spain only Renault 5 Sedan.
We were typical tourists in Toledo. An older man addressed us. I understood enough Spanish to translate to my companions. The man gave us a walking tour of the town with lots of historical information. He was with us for at least one hour. We wanted to give him some money (he looked like he could use it) yet he vehemently declined. So we invited him to have a seat in a bodega and have a glass of wine, or 2 or 3….
Looks good Jason,
Are your folks on a bus tour or are they driving themselves?
My parents have been doing bus tours for about 15 years, they have steadfastly refused to travel on their own & rent a car.
A couple of years ago Mom was complaining that they had a few down days in Arizona somewhere and they didn’t like the day trips offered. I got Dad on the phone & said “Look, there’s a rental place 2 blocks from your hotel, go get a car and see what you want”. Nope
They have been sticking mostly to group bus tours when outside the US or Canada – they have still avoided Quebec. Most of it is likely due to the language barrier.
They have met some truly amazing people on the bus tours which I suspect is another reason they stick with them. The only wrinkle was the tour in Central America when this one guy died on the bus.
Seat 124 / 1430 I think the spanish version looks better than any other versions made in USSR, Turkey and India. Even better than the original Italian Fiat. The spanish cosmetic changes of the nose and tail through the years had given a bit exotic essence to this simple but worldwide very popular model.
Not a bad looking runabout. I really wish we’d see more ‘hidden’ rear doors here in the states. Yeah, its faking it, but looks much sportier and cleaner overall.
Seat cars looks so good nowadays! But their situation is difficult, among VW and Skoda. They were sold in Chile until the late 90s, and teased heir return a couple times, but never came back. Skoda has also come and gone since around 1993.
Skoda has also come and gone since around 1993.
My favorite non-VW VW is the Skoda Octavia wagon. Very nice, until you get around front and see the pseudo-Buick grill. But it’s still redundat, what with Golf and Passat wagons available.
I quite like the looks of that Leon in the first pic. Sportier than a Golf, and with some unique touches like the narrow grille.
The sculpture of the Seat 600 is in Fuengirola, near Málaga (http://www.malagaenelcorazon.com/inicio/item/escultura)
The Seat 600 is what put Spain on the roads, it is a car that holds immense significance for us.
An Aixiam! Thank you Jason – I saw some in Rome last year but the darn things were all badgeless. It bothered me intensely that I couldn’t identify the little critters, so you’ve brought peace to my befuddled mind! Saw plenty of Seats too – especially in the UK, where they seemed very popular. We got the Ibiza and Cordoba new here in NZ on and off from the early 80s until around 12 years ago – the minute Seat turned stylish, VW stopped importing them! I photographed this stunning Leon Cupra in Lausanne in Switzerland last year: