Seat Toledo vs Chery Amulet. Swap bodies

Seat Toledo Price: $4000 year: 1995 Chery Amulet Price: $9000 year: 2006

The Chinese Chery Amulet is, in essence, the Spanish Seat Toledo that came off the assembly line back in 1991. We decided to find out what owners think of their "related" cars and offered them to temporarily swap vehicles.

Igor Alterman
© Photo: 5 Koleso

Dmitry Koshman
© Photo: 5 Koleso

Test pilots

• Dmitry Koshman
• Age: 27 years
• Occupation: consultant
• Driving experience: 8 years
• Drives: Chery Amulet 2006

• Igor Alterman
• Age: 42 years
• Driving experience: 24 years
• Occupation: civil engineer
• Drives: Seat Toledo 1995

Impressions of the Seat Toledo

The first thing that caught my eye when inspecting the Toledo was its exterior, and it didn't disappoint me, nor did anything else. Thanks to the high beltline, large headlights, and massive hood, the Amulet looks taller and more modern, but otherwise the Toledo's body has hardly changed.

The interior pleased me: unlike the Amulet, here there's a spacious and roomy glove box, more ergonomic door handles, and deep pockets in the front doors. The driver's seat adjusts for height and has a built-in fold-down armrest, which, however, won't suit everyone.

But the armrest in the rear row is very convenient, just like in the Chinese Amulet. The instrument panel is more interesting and informative, with a display for the standard onboard computer; the steering wheel in the Toledo feels nicer to the touch. The central air vents can be adjusted separately, but the buttons on the console and instrument panel are very poorly placed. However, the ashtray for front occupants is conveniently located, freeing up space for small items.

The power window buttons on the rear doors are at the bottom, and the ashtrays for rear passengers are almost at seat level. The trunk, though, pleased me: instead of a full-size spare, there's a "donut," so the floor is flat and there's plenty of room, although, in my opinion, a full spare wheel would have been better.

Inspection complete, time to test the Toledo on the move. The two-liter engine announces itself immediately, and the unusually long gears after the Amulet don't spoil the impression at all. The soft suspension confidently swallows bumps, and the rear—with two springs per side—is especially good when fully loaded. No bottoming out even on serious potholes. Disc brakes on all wheels make stopping smoother. True, during acceleration, as in the Amulet, you hear a sporty growl from the engine. But the Toledo's small headlights, in my opinion, don't shine enough. My conclusion: Chery has room to grow!

1995 Seat Toledo vs 2006 Chery Amulet
© Photo: 5 Koleso

1995 Seat Toledo vs 2006 Chery Amulet
© Photo: 5 Koleso

Impressions of the Chery Amulet

I've seen this car on the roads many times, but when offered a closer look, I agreed immediately. What can I say?

At first, the car makes a pleasant impression. Everything is neatly fitted and well painted. I was pleased that the Chinese managed to refresh a rather old model with a few touches. So the Amulet feels quite modern.

I especially liked the headlights. Thanks to the clear lenses, the light beam of the Amulet is noticeably brighter than that of my Toledo. I admit, I've never been satisfied with my car's lighting. But here, such optics... At night, I think there will be no problems.

The only thing I didn't like was the high hood. It not only visually stretches the car upward but also obstructs the view from the driver's seat. When you sit high—and in the Amulet the seating position is higher than in the Toledo—it's not as noticeable. But if you lower the seat, like in the Toledo... But you can't lower it, and that's a pity: at my height, I hit my head on the ceiling.

However, looking under the hood, you understand why it's like that. The engine in the Toledo is mounted at an angle, while in the Amulet it's vertical.

Now about the interior. As they say, in the Amulet it's clean but poor. In my opinion, both the materials and the color scheme are beyond criticism. It's unclear why the Chinese didn't copy the Toledo's interior one-to-one.

Perhaps even now, my car's interior looks more modern. It has character. Here, budget-consciousness is evident in everything. And the instrument panel is downright dreary. It was also unwise to give up the large door pockets. The small glove box doesn't please either. Where to put small items? In the trunk? It's big, but...

I look at the trunk lock and understand: the Chinese stepped on the same rake as the Spaniards. In winter, after a car wash, you can't open it—the locks are located in the drainage channels. They copied without thinking that our climate is harsher than the Spanish one.

As for driving sensations, I expected more. I thought only the dynamics would disappoint due to the weak engine. But no! The suspension didn't please either. It's too stiff—it feels like riding on a stool. One could chalk it up to my car's age, but...

Recently, I replaced all the springs, so it's not about a tired suspension. The Toledo is definitely more comfortable. In conclusion: if I were offered to swap keys, I'd refuse. Forgive me, fans of this car.

1995 Seat Toledo vs 2006 Chery Amulet
© Photo: 5 Koleso

Seat Toledo

Style
It's clear that after so many years, there's no talk of fresh design. But for its time, the car was quite stylish.
Acceptable

Driving performance
A very dynamic and obedient car. It's a pity they don't put such engines in the Amulet.
Enviable

Interior
Thought out to the smallest detail. Everything is convenient and well laid out. Only the control buttons let it down—their placement near the instrument cluster is extremely inconvenient. Though, perhaps it's a matter of habit.
Thoughtful

Fuel economy
I think if my Amulet had 150 horses under the hood, I wouldn't think about it. You have to pay for drive.
Not important

Standard equipment
For its year, quite good.
Good

Pros and cons
+ I like the good dynamics, rich equipment, high quality of finishing materials, and grippy brakes.
- I don't like the weak headlights and outdated design.

1995 Seat Toledo vs 2006 Chery Amulet
© Photo: 5 Koleso

Chery Amulet

Style
If you don't consider the image, the Amulet is a fairly modern car, but I wouldn't dare drive it into the parking lot in front of the office.
Mediocre

Driving performance

To be honest, I expected more. The suspension is stiff, the brakes don't impress, and acceleration dynamics leave much to be desired. It seems that to squeeze the maximum 175 km/h out of it, you'd need at least half an hour.
Average

Interior
If the owner hadn't tried to spruce it up a bit, there would be nothing to look at. The instrument panel is downright depressing. You don't even feel like glancing at it without a good reason.
Dreary

Fuel consumption
Perhaps for some, this indicator in this car matters. But after all my impressions, I'm not in the mood.
Not interested

Base equipment
The minimum set needed for driving is present. Up to an adjustable steering column.
Acceptable

Pros and cons
+ Attractive appearance, good paint and fit of body panels, large headlights.
- Unclear smell in the cabin, stiff suspension, weak brakes, reputation of the brand and model overall.

1995 Seat Toledo vs 2006 Chery Amulet
© Photo: 5 Koleso

Our opinion

As one might expect, the Chery Amulet has not strayed too far from its Spanish progenitor, released twelve years earlier. Moreover, in a number of parameters, the Seat Toledo looks preferable to its younger opponent. It is clearly better in build quality, stylistically more harmonious, and its driving manners are more refined. However, given that a fresh Toledo of that generation is no longer available for sale, the Amulet is quite capable of satisfying the desire to buy a new car. After all, driving a new car, no matter how you look at it, is more pleasant.