SEAT Tribu Concept
 In the model UN that is Volkswagen’s brand family, the chair behind the Spanish nametag is occupied by SEAT.
Lesser known Stateside than even France’s Bugatti or Britain’s Bentley, the company makes a line of small cars based on platforms shared with their VW and Audi cousins. They can be found throughout Europe as well as Asia, the Middle East, and even Mexico.
In Frankfurt this week, the Spaniards showed a concept that breaks the mold of their city-centric sedan and hatch lineup. The Tribu is a sporty three-door crossover that tries to appeal to Jekyl, Hyde, and JosГ© Q. PГєblico all at once.
Concept-y touches include one piece of glass that acts as both the windshield and roof, and a hatch that slides up the back to one of two positions. The yellow skin has a matte finish where rocks and other detritus are likely to hit, while shiny paint covers the hood and other areas. The split personalities are complemented by a set of displays that give the driver mode-specific information like traffic, speed, or compass heading.
Additionally, the concept can be operated in three modes: Urban, Sport, and Freerun. Each has unique settings for the drivetrain and suspension that tailor the ute for fuel economy, speed, or off-roading.
SEAT is upfront about production possibilities and is calling the Tribu a preview of models to come. With the Volkswagen Tiguan in the family tree, the underpinnings for such a vehicle are readily available. Since the Tiguan will soon be re-skinned as the Audi Q3, a multi-function SEAT like this could easily turn up at the next family reunion.
Platforms aren’t all that’s being shared in the VW family. Luc Donckerwolke, the Belgian who brought us the Lamborghini Murciélago and Gallardo, is now at the helm of SEAT design. The Tribu is the first vehicle he has penned for the brand.
