We’ve seen the German and Czech versions of the Volkswagen Up – and today it’s the turn of the Spanish to showcase their new Seat Mii.
The Mii is the new city car for VW’s Mediterranean outpost, and launches Seat back into a segment it deserted when the Arosa walked off choice lists.
Seat Mii (2012): the lowdown
Seat will launch the Mii in the Spanish market in winter 2011, but UK buyers will have to wait until spring 2012 before they can order the city car.
It’s very much Up business as usual: the Mii measures 3550mm long, and will be sold just as a three-door at first. Later in 2012, a five-door Mii follows. The vibe is familiar, though we’re not sure about those gigantic headlamps seen from dead ahead as many motorists will in their rear-view mirrors.
Most figures are identical to, or to within a hair’s breadth of, the Volkswagen Up and Skoda Citigo. The boot is a bijou 251 litres (expanding to 951 with the seats folded) and that 2420mm wheelbase pushes either axle out to the extremities for maximum space onboard.
Seat Mii engine choice
Buyers have a simple choice of a 1.0-litre three-cylinder with either 59bhp or 74bhp. Weighing just 854kg, the Mii promises excellent emissions and economy, with Seat claiming 97g/km of CO2 for the Ecomotive edition thanks to start-stop. Should spin out the small 35-litre fuel tank nicely.
There’s rather more complex choice inside, where buyers can choose to personalise the Mii with coloured trim galore for that Mini/Fiat 500 vibe and there’s an automated manual transmission choice too.
Like the Skoda/VW twins, there is also a City Safety Assist laser system which can predict an imminent collision and slam the brakes on to avoid crashing into the G-Wiz in front while you slurp your latte and natter into your iPhone. Effective up to 18mph, apparently.
The Seat boss speaks
‘The Mii brings clear Seat identity to the sub-compact segment and is set to win a significant share of the market,’ said James Muir, president of Seat. ‘This is why the Mii is an important addition to the Seat portfolio and a clear next step in our company strategy. With the Mii, we are starting the most comprehensive model offensive in Seat history.’