Tell said:
I wonder whether a line will be drawn across the First Edition model or whether they will still take orders on them after launch although it is in the brochure. Bit of a funny name to call it the "First Edition" where does that product go and when does it end. I think like Mad Man the advertising agency possibly needs to tell Seat that they have got it wrong on some of their marketing concepts. First Edition wonderfully covered up the fact that they had a limited range in the Xcellence compared to other European countries so gave away accessories on the First Edition to create a buzz whilst us that wanted to spec a car how we wanted it couldn't compared with other Seat markets. I suspect the First Edition is like Citroen's semi budget line which used to be called Dimension. I still think PCP's have got something to do with Seat reducing specs and choice. They find out what most luxuries people want and can afford, dangle them and then reduce the product range on the rest even thou it's all built to order give or take although the First Editions with less choice they will have ordered them in advance.
I am not sure even the SE tech that replaces the first edition fixes any of the negatives you have on the spec though Tell. Like you say, it's to create a buzz and get a few 100 on the roads on top of the people that buy one early doors. I suspect like I think you mentioned, the config differences is purely down to Seat thinking they know best for a UK market, however frustrating. Have to remember you ticked practically every option box on top of the standard Xcellence and I can't imagine that's the norm! Extra options kill pcp deals, you end up paying completely for the options and get very little extra value at the end of your 3/4 years, so the popularity of pcp may have something to do with it as you say.
They will probably draw a line come October for first edition would be my guess. Or even the launch date in September. Can't see it staying on the configurator for much longer.
I was lucky in that the first edition ticks every box for me compared to what I asked for on the crowd sourced questionnaire, even down to preferring the look of Matt black roof bars and less chrome on the exterior. I answered the questions with half an eye on cost not on my dream car, for example the top down camera is cool but not a necessity for me. Interestingly the SE tech looks more like an excellence than a first edition, particularly on the chrome and I think the visible exhaust, but elsewhere the SE tech has a fair bit missing compared to the First Edition. Them throwing in some extras that I wouldn't normally spec but would definitely want and it's a small gamble worth taking. It obviously has its limits on the engine choice. But with the price discount it is hard to say no for someone that was already looking at a 1.0 TSI or a 1.6 diesel, and willing to compromise on colour options. Especially if you wanted the car this year.
Btw you are right. I have been told my build week, but a certain amount of guess work still on the ship date. I presume because yours is so non standard it may slip due to that (pano etc). I wouldn't panic till after the official launch.
PS - wrote this at 2 in morning with my 3 year old sleeping after being very sick. Have we mentioned that leather is easier to wipe down! Not too late to change my order :lol: