SEAT will blend upmarket specification levels with aggressive pricing when its new Toledo model goes on sale next year. In a move to demonstrate the fast-growing Spanish brand has shed its former 'budget transport' image, the mid-size saloon is to be firmly positioned to win sales in the executive sector, the importer said at the British International Motor Show.

On-the-road prices for the high-style Toledo will start from £14,295 and every version in the six-model range will boast luxury packaging which includes anti-lock braking, twin airbags and air conditioning. Still to be confirmed, the price band reaches £17,595 for the high performance V5 2.3-litre version.

'We have worked hard on producing the very best deal possible across the range. The way this car has been packaged reflects a lot of expertise from people at CAP and Glass's,' SEAT UK business marketing manager Robert Couldwell said. As the new range was unveiled he revealed that the Toledo would be offered in just three trim levels when it reaches the showrooms in spring.

'This is probably the most important vehicle we will ever launch because it has to be a success in the fleet market,' he said. 'We see residual values as a significant part of the proposition, so instead of having L and GL badging like the volume makers, we have decided to take the prestige route. Instead, Toledo will come in S and SE form only, with the 150bhp V5 at the top of the range, with everything possible included as standard apart from satellite navigation.'