SEAT, a film brand that deserves an Oscar

The world of cinema and the world of the automotive industry have a lot in common. And this matters not only for the most important brands and super-luxury cars, but also for the more modest brands, the ones we can see most often on the streets… and even in our own garage. For example, SEAT.

The Spanish brand has been quite frequently present in Spanish films, as is to be expected. But it has also played an important role in major European and American blockbusters. Several SEAT models have appeared in many films, especially those set in Europe, where it is a well-known and well-liked brand. Let’s take a brief look at those appearances of SEAT models on the big screen and also on the small screen.

SEAT cameos

A SEAT has appeared in many films, even if only incidentally and as part of the setting the protagonist passes through. Here are some of those appearances:

• Bourne Legacy (2012): In an action scene, a SEAT Alhambra is parked and forms part of the setting.
• Jason Bourne (2016): A SEAT Ibiza appears in a scene in this other film of the saga.
• Notting Hill (1999): An Ibiza in the middle of the street draws many of the glances.
• 3 Days to Kill (2014): A SEAT León takes the bullets from the film’s bad guys.
• Men in Black: International (2019): Another SEAT León draws the glances as it crosses the frame.

Cars in the plot

Cars may not be the protagonists of films, but they are used by supporting characters and help set the context for some scenes. Several SEATs have been used by these supporting characters and have been part of the action in the films. Here are some of them.

• Mamma Mia! (2008): Pierce Brosnan and Colin Firth drive a SEAT 124 and a 124 D.
• Terminator: Dark Fate (2019): A SEAT Ibiza suffers a terrible crash in a thrilling action scene.
• Veneno (1920s series): The protagonists drive a Sport Bocanegra.
• Dark (series aired 2017-2020): A SEAT León that is key in a scene from the first season.
• Sherlock (series aired 2010-2017): In one scene the SEAT León steals the spotlight from an imposing castle.

Cars in the spotlight

The protagonists are the main element of a story, whether it’s a film, a series, a novel or a short story. So the vehicle they drive at various moments in the plot. Here are some of the SEATs that have accompanied the main characters.

• La muerte de Mikel (1984): A SEAT Ronda accompanies the protagonist for almost the entire film.
• Cuéntame cómo pasó (series aired since 2001): In this series that traces Spanish history you can see several, but the SEAT 133 and the SEAT 850 stand out.
• La Casa de Papel (series aired since 2017): The Professor, one of the main characters, drives a SEAT Ibiza when he recruits Tokyo.
• Trouble with Spies (1987): Donald Sutherland takes the wheel of a SEAT 124 D.
• Colpi di fulmine (2012): The protagonists drive a SEAT Ibiza.

The most cinematic SEAT

Although several models from the brand have been used in various cinematic productions, one has appeared in more than 500 films and series. It is the SEAT Ibiza, which has turned 37 and has seen five generations pass during those decades. Besides those already mentioned, one of these cars can also be seen in Sin identidad (2006), Adiós, pequeña (1987), Carne Trémula (1997), Historias de Kronen (1995), Polly Blue Eyes (2005) and Hotel Paradies (series aired in 1990).

A Bond girl’s car

It should also be noted that SEAT has been the car chosen by a film star. The best-known case is that of Ursula Andress, who bought a SEAT 133 when it was released in 1973 and drove it around the island of Ibiza, where she was living at the time. An ideal car for the first Bond girl, who was an ambassador for the brand for several years.

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackSEAT Ibiza14 versions · from 18,520 €