The SEAT 131 Diplomatic, launched in 1982, was the top-of-the-range model in the 131 line-up. It was an exclusive SEAT version that was fitted with comfort and luxury features typical of prestige cars, such as air conditioning…(read more)
Launch: April 1975 (131 Diplomatic: February 1982)
End of production: 1984
Price: 1,102,656 Pts.
Number built: 412,948 (total 131)
Petrol, 4 cylinders in-line
Position: At front, longitudinal
Bore x stroke: 84 mm x 90 mm
Capacity: 1995 cc
Valve train: Double overhead camshaft
Carburettor: 1 double-choke Weber-Bressel 34
Max. power: 113 HP at 5600 rpm
Max. torque: 166.7 Nm at 3600 rpm
Top speed: 180 km/h
Drive: Rear-wheel drive
Gearbox: 5-speed manual, plus reverse
Clutch: Dry single-plate
Front suspension:
Independent, McPherson-type with coil springs, hydraulic dampers and anti-roll bar
Rear suspension:
Live axle, coil springs and hydraulic dampers
Rack and pinion, power-assisted
Front/rear: Discs/drums
185/70 SR13
Body: 4 doors, 5 seats saloon
Length/width/height: 4260/1640/1360 mm
Wheelbase: 2490 mm
Weight: 1100 kg
The SEAT 131 Diplomatic, launched in 1982, was the top-of-the-range model in the 131 line-up. It was an exclusive SEAT version that was fitted with comfort and luxury features typical of prestige cars, such as air conditioning.
In the early ’80s, the 131 was the only front-engine, rear-wheel drive SEAT saloon still in production. The 124 FL and 132 were no longer in production, but the 131 was still going strong despite dating back to 1975: in 1981 it was the second best-selling SEAT in Spain, just behind the new SEAT Ritmo, a modern front-wheel drive compact.
Even so, SEAT revitalized the 131 Supermirafiori range in autumn 1981, with the launch of the model’s third series. Inside, the dashboard had been improved, now with a lidded glovebox instead of a sliding one and a height-adjustable two-arm steering wheel, as well as electric front windows and central locking. On the outside, it featured a newly designed grille, elastic protective strips on the sides and larger rear lights.
As for the powertrain, all 131s got 5-speed gearboxes and the top 2000 TC version arrived, now powered by a 1,995 cc, 113 HP engine instead of the previous 1,919 cc. It was the largest capacity petrol engine produced by SEAT up to then, although the 131 Diesel Super version had a 2,445 cc engine.
The 131 2000 TC was the basis on which SEAT designed the 131 Diplomatic in early 1982, adding trim and equipment improvements to create a top version capable of competing with the most prestigious imported cars. Not surprisingly, SEAT's advertising slogan for the 3rd series 131 Supermirafiori was "important, not imported".
At that time SEAT was already an independent brand and was about to launch its first original mass-produced model, the Ronda. While SEAT’s Technical Centre in Martorell was focused on the launch of this decisive car in the brand’s history, the characteristics of the 131 Diplomatic version were being defined at the SEAT factory in Barcelona’s Zona Franca.
On the outside, the Diplomatic adopted the front end of the 131 Diesel Super, with 4 round halogen headlights (the 131 Supermirafiori 1600 and 2000 TC retained 2 rectangular headlights), wheels with a specific clover pattern in matt black (black and silver in the 2000 TC) and wider tires, air vents in body colour, chrome window pillars and a very fine double strip along the sides.
Inside, the 131 Diplomatic had wide, anatomical seats, with headrests and armrests also in the rear seats. It also had new, more luxurious upholstery and specific carpet, and was fitted with air conditioning and radio pre-installation as standard (with antenna integrated into the windscreen), as well as other details such as the adjustable courtesy light in the rear seats, curtain in the rear window and mechanically-adjustable exterior mirror.
The 2-litre engine was no more powerful than the previous 1,919 cc, but it was very driveable. Combined with the 5-speed gearbox, it made the 131 Diplomatic a tireless road car, with a suspension rigid enough to keep the body from rolling too much in bends and adequate damping to absorb the bumps in the road without getting unsettled. It also had power steering and, as an option, an automatic transmission was available.
With all this equipment and refinement, the 131 Diplomatic was a fast, easy-to-drive, medium-high saloon, with a finish and equipment on a par with a luxury car, but with a favourable price/product ratio. It remained in the SEAT range until the 131 was discontinued in 1984. The Diplomatic version was the 131’s swansong. SEAT had always had a saloon in the upper segment of the market, but would not fill this gap again until the SEAT Exeo was unveiled in 2008.
SEAT HISTÓRICOS keeps in perfect running order this unit of the 131 Diplomatic, registered in Barcelona at the end of 1983.