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Models Covered: (5 dr mini-MPV, 1,6, 2.0 petrol, 1.9, 2.0 TDI diesel [Reference, Stylance, Sport, FR, XL])

BY ANDY ENRIGHT

If the idea of a mini-MPV fills you with dread fear not, for SEAT have a stylish solution. The Altea may not be the biggest or even the cleverest mini-MPV in its class but it’s definitely one of the most fun to drive and makes a tempting ownership proposition. Low pricing from new tends to make bargain used buys but the word is out on the Altea and low mileage bargains are thin on the ground. Here’s what to look for.

Launched in May 2004, the Altea was the first SEAT to adopt the styling cues of the Salsa show car. Although the Toledo and the Leon would soon follow suit, it took the public some time to get to grips with the new direction and sales were initially rather slow. Before too long, however, a favourable press and some aggressive pricing pushed the Altea into the limelight and it’s now one of the Spanish company’s most popular lines. At launch, there were four engines, a pair of petrols in 1.6 and 2.0-litre capacities and two turbodiesels. Buyers got to choose either the rather old fashioned 1.9-litre unit or the rather more modern 2.0-litre. In the middle of 2006, the range became a whole lot sportier with the introduction of the FR trim level. This added spoilers and bigger alloys to the Altea package but, more significantly, it also delivered a 170bhp version of the 2.0-litre TDI engine and a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol unit with 200bhp. The extended Altea XL version was announced late in 2006. At 18.7cm longer than the standard car it boosted luggage capacity from 409 to 532 litres. The DSG paddle shift gearbox was available on the sporty FR model from late 2006. The Freetrack 4x4 variant was introduced in 2.0-litre petrol TSI and 2.0 TDI 170 guise in September 2007.

First shown at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show, the reaction to the Altea was so positive that SEAT’s paymasters, the Audi Brand Group (Audi, SEAT and Lamborghini), threw everything into turning the car into a production reality. Just five months after its debut under the tungsten lights, it was ready to roll into dealerships. It’s a significant precursor of what’s to come from SEAT. The huge radiator grille with prominent ‘S’ logo, the almond-shaped headlamps and the ‘dynamic line’ that runs from the front wheel arch over the doors to the rear wheel are all styling traits that SEAT’s design director, Steve Lewis, proposes to incorporate into all the marque’s forthcoming models. The Altea unashamedly offers five spacious seats rather than seven cramped ones but weighs in with some innovative thinking. The side profile has the same 33:66 glass to metal ratio that features on so many sports cars and gives the Altea a far higher waisted and more dynamic look than, say, a Volkswagen Touran. Inside, there are more than thirty places to stow and stash goodies, including a supersized glove compartment, big storage bins on all four doors, drawers under the front seat and even a storage area under the boot floor. Even the parcel shelf has a storage cubby incorporated within. The two-tiered boot has a capacity of over 400 litres. The rear bench is a 60/40 split affair with a fold down armrest incorporating cupholders. As befits SEAT’s position within the sportier Audi side of Volkswagen’s empire, the seats are supportive and the steering is meaty, the multi-adjustable wheel making it easy to find a decent driving position. The trim and build quality, whilst maybe not the most exciting in terms of colour choices and materials, is nevertheless of a relentlessly high quality. The Altea’s greatest party trick is definitely the windscreen wipers - spot them if you can. Clue: they’re hidden in the A-pillars.

You should be able to pick up a low mileage 1.6 Reference model for less than £7,500 and 1.9-litre TDi Reference models can be found for less than £8,300 with the plusher Stylance versions tacking another £800 onto these values. The cars that are in the biggest demand remain the 2.0-litre Sport variants. The 2.0-litre FSI Sport retails at around £9,300 while you’ll need another £1,000 for the most desirable car in the Altea line up, the 2.0-litre TDI Sport. Insurance ranges from Group 5 through to Group 9.

Tried and tested engines, the VW-standard quality auditing and an inherent feeling of solidity all bode well for the Altea’s reliability. Having been on sale for such a short duration, it’s perhaps inevitable that no major faults have emerged, but watch out for neglected ex-hire cars. The Altea is a car where the price differences between good and bad examples aren’t too great, so be fussy. Look for a fully stamped up service history and reject anything that looks in any way tatty, grubby or vaguely dog-eared.

(approx based on an Altea 2.0 TDi DSG ex VAT) SEAT spares are reasonably priced, with a replacement Altea headlamp costing £111. A replacement alternator unit retails at around £185 with an exchange starter motor setting you back just under £120. Opt for a new alternator and starter motor and the prices stack up at £370 and £226 respectively, so even if the old one is a steaming basket case, you’ll save by getting an exchange unit. Front brake pads are £50 with rears a tad under £30 per pair. Many parts are a little cheaper for the 1.6-litre petrol models.

Based on the latest generation Golf chassis, the Altea serves up a set of sophisticated road manners. The multi link rear axle and McPherson struts up front offer a very good ride/handling compromise, helped in no small part by one of the best electro-mechanical steering systems we’ve yet come across. Turn-in is surprisingly sharp for a vehicle that’s fully 1570mm high and body roll is very well controlled. The Altea isn’t found wanting in terms of safety provision, being SEAT’s first car to be sold in the EU with twin front, side, and head airbags as standard. Three-point anchors for all five seats, ISOFIX child seat attachments, anti lock brakes and traction control are all offered. Four engines were available from launch; two petrol and two diesel. The petrol engine line-up comprised a 102bhp 1.6-litre entry level unit and a peppier 150bhp 2.0-litre FSI unit. Diesel buyers chose between the 105bhp 1.9-litre powerplant and the 140bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel unit. A five-speed manual gearbox was fitted as standard to all models although buyers of the two more powerful engines could opt for a six speed unit. A six-speed Tiptronic automatic was available with the 2.0-litre FSI engine and those who opted for the most powerful diesel also got the chance to use the astonishing twin-clutch DSG gearbox of Audi TT fame. The 1.6-litre petrol engine shifted the biggest numbers in the UK and with a full 1320kg to heft up Her Majesty’s highway, cynics thought that this surely would be a stern test of SEAT’s pre-launch promises of fun behind the wheel. It turned out to be just enough engine, getting the Altea to 60mph in 12.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 113mph. Obviously, driving as if your trousers are on fire isn’t going to see anything like the 36.7mpg combined fuel consumption figure quoted by SEAT but the Altea does encourage ‘spirited’ progress. Tested back to back, most buyers would probably prefer the 105bhp 1.9-litre diesel which offers bags more torque and therefore superior real world performance.

With the demise of the Honda Stream, Ford’s Focus C-MAX had things largely its own way as the mini-MPV that’s was fun to drive. That was until SEAT’s Altea was launched. From then on, keen drivers in this sector had a decent choice and if the slightly bland styling of the Ford doesn’t appeal, you’ll probably love this slice of auto emocion. The best buys look to be the entry level 1.6-litre petrol models and the range-topping 2.0-litre TDI Sport variants but there’s really not a bad car in the Altea line up

PUT YOUR FAMILY FAST
Here’s An MPV That Offers A Little More Than The Usual Humdrum Family Fare. Andy Enright Takes A Look At The SEAT Altea FR TDI 170.

Right now, at this particular minute, SEAT’s Altea FR TDI 170 might just be the most modern vehicle on the road. Not in terms of engineering or design but in concept. Here’s a compact MPV that ruthlessly plugs into any number of cutting edge trends. Quick, stylish and fun to drive, the Altea FR possesses qualities that are a long way off the MPV norm. Small wonder SEAT have high hopes for it.

SEAT aren’t the first to market high performance MPV vehicles. Vauxhall well and truly beat them to the punch, first with the Zafira GSi and then with the potent VXR model, but SEAT have played things rather smartly. They realise that MPV drivers need to sell the benefits of their choices to their families. Anything festooned with spoilers is going to have a hard time passing muster, so an element of guile is required in the car’s styling. A vehicle that looks as if it has benefited from the proceeds of a ram raid of Halfords is just that little bit too obvious. Likewise a turbocharged petrol engine will likely get the vehicle axed from a shortlist when the fuel consumption figures and insurance quotes are received. Therefore, the smarter performance compact MPV needs to have sleek styling, a dose of practicality and either a powerful hybrid engine or a decent turbo diesel. The Altea FR opts for a 168bhp diesel that drives the front wheels and which endows it with an almost savage midrange overtaking ability. You may be familiar with a 140bhp version of this engine found in the Altea and Leon amongst others but the experts have dug deep in the engine, found the wick and turned it right up. In reality, the turbocharger has been modified and the injection system has been optimised to handle higher fuel capacities at peak loads. SEAT call this the Piezo Pump injection system, and it refines the injection timing and quality, resulting in superior acoustics and cleaner emissions. Fully compliant with Euro IV emissions regulations and featuring a diesel particulate filter, the Altea FR can do responsibility too. For those less interested in taking the responsible approach, there’s a 2.0-litre Turbo petrol-engined version of the FR packing nearly 200bhp. This is the same engine found in the VW Golf GTi.

"Picture how amazed 1980s car designers would be if the SEAT Altea FR was teleported twenty years into the past"

The Ibiza and the first generation Leon established the FR (Formula Racing) brand and this Altea is the first of what SEAT dub the ‘new generation’ models to wear the badge. The changes to the exterior are subtle but effective. A restyled front bumper houses a full-width air intake and a honeycomb grille. The titanium-coloured door mirrors are becoming an FR trademark, as is the red badging. At the back, there’s another redesigned bumper assembly, this time with black diffuser styling. A pair of chromed tailpipes and five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels round off the visual enhancements. The interior has been given a ‘sporting’ makeover too, with a three-spoke FR-branded steering wheel and more deeply bolstered seats being the main changes. Look a little closer and you’ll also spot a grey and black dashboard colour combination, an FR logo on the gear knob and white instrument dials with a centrally located rev counter. The car has been improved for the latest model year, mainly through the addition of a clever rear seat which slides forward 14 cm to increase boot space by an additional 101 litres, but still leaves plenty of rear legroom for the rear seat passengers. The Altea unashamedly offers five spacious seats rather than seven cramped ones but weighs in with some innovative thinking. The side profile has the same 33:66 glass to metal ratio that features on so many sports cars and gives the Altea a far higher waisted and more dynamic look than, say, a Volkswagen Touran. Inside there are more than thirty places to stow and stash goodies, including a supersized glove compartment, big storage bins on all four doors, drawers under the front seat and even a storage area under the boot floor. Even the parcel shelf has a storage cubby incorporated within. The two-tiered boot has a capacity of over 400 litres. The rear bench is a 60/40 split affair with a fold down armrest incorporating cupholders. As befits SEAT’s position within the sportier Audi side of Volkswagen’s empire, the seats are supportive and the steering is meaty, the multi-adjustable wheel making it easy to find a decent driving position. The Altea’s greatest party trick is definitely the windscreen wipers that park vertically in the A-pillars until called upon. Based on the latest generation Golf chassis, the Altea serves up a set of sophisticated road manners. The multi-link rear axle and McPherson struts up front offer a very good ride/handling compromise, helped in no small part by one of the best electro-mechanical steering systems we’ve yet come across. Turn-in is surprisingly sharp for a vehicle that’s fully 1,560mm high and body roll is very well controlled. The FR’s cause is helped by firmer springing and thicker anti-roll bars. The Altea isn’t found wanting in terms of safety provision, being SEAT’s first car to be sold in the EU with twin front, side, and head airbags as standard. Three-point anchors for all five seats, ISOFIX child seat attachments, anti lock brakes and traction control are all offered. The FR features larger ventilated front discs and bigger rear rotors to further beef up its stopping ability. A sleek five-seat mini-MPV with one of the most impressive diesel engines around today, the Altea FR TDI 170 is a car with very wide appeal. Even with the FR body styling, this will be a vehicle capable of surprising other road users with its turn of pace. If you need a mini MPV but have yet to lapse into premature middle age, this is one you should seriously consider.

Facts At A Glance CAR: SEAT Altea FR 170 TDI PRICE: £17,812 - on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 12 CO2 EMISSIONS: 169g/km PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 8.3s/ Max Speed 135mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 45.6mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front side and head airbags, ABS, ISOFIX, traction control WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 4280/1770/1560mm

A WELCOME ALTERNATIVE
Most MPV style vehicles go large on practicality but offer meagre measures of style and sportiness. SEAT’s Altea takes a different tack. By Andy Enright.

Product development offers a fascinating insight into the psychology of buying decisions. When Japanese manufacturers started making hi-fi equipment, everything was finished in either black or brushed aluminium in a bid to appear credible. Only with said credibility achieved could they begin to offer audio equipment in pastel shades with funky shapes and so on. A similar thing happened in the MPV market. At first, MPVs could only concentrate on safety and practicality. These days, cars like SEAT’s Altea show how those shackles have been cast aside.

Customers these days take the practicality and safety angles for granted and demand more. Much more. Suddenly style and fun become key concepts for MPV drivers in an evolving market. Whereas an MPV-style car was once a grudge purchase for the cash-strapped, nowadays there are some very desirable offerings. Honda were probably the first to exploit this with the Stream, a seven seater that was a genuinely fun pedal. Fiat launched the quirky Multipla, Vauxhall launched a turbocharged version of their Zafira and Ford developed the Focus C-MAX, a car that tackled corners with relish. Now SEAT is in on the act and the Altea is unlike any MPV you’ve ever seen. In fact, the Spaniards shy away from the MPV tag, preferring the rather inelegant MSV (Multi Sports Vehicle).

"Based on the latest generation Golf chassis, the Altea serves up a set of sophisticated road manners."

The car has been improved in recent times, mainly through the addition of a clever rear seat which slides forward 14 cm to increase boot space by an additional 101 litres, but still leaves plenty of rear legroom for the rear seat passengers. Otherwise, the improvements are limited to spec and trim changes, with the dynamic shape having been wisely left alone. Prices now start at £12,855 with a premium of around £500 for the extended wheelbase XL models. The four-wheel drive Freetrack 4 variants are based only on the top petrol and diesel version of the XL bodyshape, so are rather more expensive, with prices starting at £19,495. The Altea unashamedly offers five spacious seats rather than seven cramped ones but weighs in with some innovative thinking. The side profile has the same 33:66 glass to metal ratio that features on so many sports cars and gives the Altea a far higher waisted and more dynamic look than, say, a Volkswagen Touran. Inside there are more than thirty places to stow and stash goodies, including a supersized glove compartment, big storage bins on all four doors, drawers under the front seat and even a storage area under the boot floor. Even the parcel shelf has a storage cubby incorporated within. The two-tiered boot has a capacity of over 400 litres in the standard model. which rises to 532 litres in the stretched XL bodyshape. In this variant, you can extend that to 635 litres without folding the rear seats if you slide them forward – or you can fold the rear bench and access 1604 litres. Park up in Kensington and you could rent it out as a studio flat. Whichever bodystyle you go for, the rear bench is a 60/40 split affair with a fold down armrest incorporating cupholders. As befits SEAT’s position within the sportier Audi side of Volkswagen’s empire, the seats are supportive and the steering is meaty, the multi-adjustable wheel making it easy to find a decent driving position. The Altea rides on the same platform as a VW Golf and also features the Agile Chassis Concept originally developed for the high performance Leon Cupra R. In other words, it’s very good to drive, with surprisingly little body roll, despite its relatively high chassis and seating position. The intelligent electro-mechanical steering is well weighted and precise too. Unlike other front wheel drive SEATs, the Altea features a neat multi-link rear suspension arrangement which is firm but comfortable. As with all vehicles with a high seating position, you do get the feeling of sitting on rather than in the vehicle but you soon get used to it. The trim and build quality, whilst maybe not the most exciting in terms of colour choices and materials, is nevertheless of a relentlessly high quality. The Altea’s greatest party trick is definitely the windscreen wipers - spot them if you can. Clue: they’re hidden in the A-pillars. The Altea isn’t found wanting in terms of safety provision, being SEAT’s first car to be sold in the EU with twin front, side, and head airbags as standard. Three-point anchors for all five seats, ISOFIX child seat attachments, anti lock brakes and traction control are all offered. Six engines are available; three petrol and three diesel. The petrol engines comprise a 102bhp 1.6-litre entry level unit, a peppier 160bhp 1.8-litre TSI unit and a 200bhp 2.0-litre turbo. Diesel buyers choose between the 105bhp 1.9-litre powerplant, the 140bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel unit and a 168bhp 2.0-litre TDI. A five-speed manual gearbox is fitted as standard to all models although buyers of the two more powerful engines can opt for a six speed unit (at additional cost). A six-speed Tiptronic automatic is available with the 2.0-litre FSI engine and those who’ve opted for the 140bhp diesel will also get the chance to use the astonishing twin-clutch DSG gearbox of Audi TT fame. SEAT have found that the 1.6-litre petrol engine and the entry-level diesel have shifted the biggest numbers in the UK. Tested back to back however, we think that most buyers would probably prefer the 105bhp 1.9-litre diesel which offers bags more torque and therefore superior real world performance. The trim levels range from Reference to Reference Sport and Stylance to the range-topping FR models. There’s also the extended XL bodystyle with its increased luggage capacity. Plus the Freetrack 4x4 version for those who like the idea of an offroader but don’t want the compromises and costs involved. Although the Altea may leave some potential buyers scratching their heads and wondering what exactly it’s trying to be, if you’re not too hung up on vehicle definitions and prefer something that’s fun, stylish and practical, it’s well worth a look. A good deal more distinctive than most of the me-too family hatches that populate our roads, the Altea is a welcome breath of fresh air. Or at least it would have been if the rest of the SEAT range hadn’t been styled to look just like it…

Facts At A Glance CAR: SEAT Altea range PRICES: £12,855-£19,995 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 5-13 CO2 EMISSIONS: 146-223g/km PERFORMANCE: [1.6] 0-60mph 12.5s/ Max Speed 113mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.6] (urban) 26.9mpg / (extra urban) 46.3mpg / (combined) 36.7mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front side and head airbags, ABS, ISOFIX, traction control WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: [standard model] Length/Width/Height, 4280/1770/1570mm

TRACTION STATIONS
SEAT’s Altea freetrack 4 is a difficult vehicle to pin down with its strong performance, MPV body and 4x4 underpinnings but as an amalgamation of styles, it works surprisingly well. Steve Walker reports

A vanishingly small number of UK residents actually need a four-wheel-drive vehicle but if the massive glut of 4x4s appearing on the market is anything to go by, plenty of us want one anyway. It’s not even enough for manufacturers to develop proper 4x4s. The top brands are busy plumbing off-road mechanicals into conventional models too or at least, affixing the butch styling accessories that hint at something rugged underneath when in fact, you’d have more chance of navigating the Rubicon Trail on a spacehopper. It’s into this menagerie of off-road impostors and wannabes that SEAT pitch the Altea freetrack 4. Is it another compact MPV with misplaced macho pretensions or a crossover model that gets the balance just about right?

The appeal of the 4x4 isn’t so much of a mystery really. These things are tall so you get a good view out and you don’t get loomed over and intimidated by all the other motorists who’ve already got one. They’re large and they have big, tough-looking bumpers so they make you feel safe even if the evidence suggests that you may not actually be any more so. They have big tyres, tough suspension and extra ground clearance so kerbs and speed humps are easily dealt with without any heartrending crunching sounds. They also have four driven wheels which give better traction in the wet, more secure towing and, yes, there’s the potential to travel off-road without getting stuck. Finally, overriding it all, there’s the image - the perception that a 4x4 vehicle is a bit more trendy, a bit more ‘lifestyle’ than an equivalent saloon or hatch. Whether you buy into this or not will be crucial to whether you’ll want to consider an Altea freetrack 4. The Altea compact MPV is one of the best handling vehicles of its type by virtue of its close links to the Leon hatch which, in turn, rides on MkV Volkswagen Golf mechanicals. The Altea freetrack 4 is based on the longer Altea XL which is still no mean steer despite its extra bulk but the freetrack 4 rides 40mm higher so it looses a little of the nimbleness derived from the XL’s lower centre of gravity. Power comes from a pair or 2.0-litre engines that both give a fiery turn of speed.

"The Altea freetrack 4 looks a good way of avoiding those sour looks normally directed at 4x4s by the green lobby …"

The petrol option is the 198bhp 2.0-litre TSI unit that’s most famously found in the Golf GTI. It’s characterised by a beautifully progressive power delivery and when given its head from a standstill, it’ll have the Altea freetrack 4 passing 60mph in 7.5s. The diesel is almost as much fun with 168bhp but considerably more torque, It makes overtaking effortless and can do the 0-60mph in 8.5s. This just isn’t the kind of clout you expect from a four-wheel-drive MPV but it’s a welcome inclusion on the freetrack 4. The 4x4 system is an automatic Haldex coupling set-up which runs in front wheel drive mode most of the time but will seamlessly engage the rear wheels when a loss of traction is detected. Up to 50% of the available power can be redirected aft so the Altea freetrack 4 should plod on through some pretty sticky terrain and it’s likely to be the modest ground clearance that gets you stuck rather than the absence of grip. The safest bet is to leave anything more testing than an unmade road to vehicles with more mud-plugging pedigree. SEAT may have hit on something with the Altea freetrack 4’s styling. Conventional passenger cars that have been subjected to the old 4x4 make-over often look faintly silly with their roof rails, beefed-up bumpers and more body cladding than a chieftain tank. The Altea freetrack 4 is no less eye-catching but it does without the obvious off-roader bolt-ons. Instead, the vehicle looks for all the world like it’s been dipped wheels first in a vat of tar. Specify the bodywork in any colour you want, the sill extensions and the bumpers at both ends still come in black so the freetrack 4 cuts a particularly odd figure in the dark when shocked bystanders witness the top two thirds of a car floating above some rather fetching disembodied alloy wheels. It all sounds rather weird but in the cold light of day, it works quite well. The curvy lines of the Altea MPV are preserved largely unmolested and the freetrack 4 derivative is successfully differentiated without being tipped over the crass barrier with certain other mock-roaders. The freetrack 4’s interior is as you’d find it in the Altea XL so high-end materials are employed throughout and it’s all judiciously screwed together. The extra length in the Altea XL’s body manifests itself as a useful 593-litres of bootspace which will come in handy for freetrack 4 buyers who indulge in the kind of adventure sports-obsessed lifestyle that marketing departments usually envisage for buyers of 4x4 vehicles. Fold the seats down and that capacity rises to 1,562 litres so a couple or mountain bikes will fit and even a surf board or two may not be out of the question. Nice MPV-style touches include the overhead storage boxes which will take CDs or sunglasses and there’s no shortage of cubbies and cup holders. Prices sit slightly higher than this car’s natural rival, Renault’s Scenic Conquest, starting at £19,495 for the petrol model. The lack of any lower powered, entry-level engine options inevitably prevents the Altea freetrack 4 from being any more price-competitive. Still, the performance and the equipment levels you’re getting from the SEAT will be enough to convince many of its merits. Standard specification includes picnic tables for rear seat passengers, roof rails, dual zone climate control, rain sensor wipers, parking sensors, cruise control, trip computer, light sensor headlights, and a CD MP3 stereo with steering-wheel mounted controls.  Rear door window blinds are also fitted as standard, which are stored neatly within the door when not required.  Safety equipment includes ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme), six airbags and a tyre pressure warning system. Not bad at all. As we’ve suggested, if your MPV needs to massage and nurture the family budget, the 2.0-litre TSI freetrack 4 may not be it and even the TDI option is more of a performance diesel than a fuel sipper when installed in this class of car. The 4x4 mechanicals add weight and will also impact on economy despite the freetrack 4 defaulting to 2WD mode when grip is plentiful. The official combined economy figures are 30mpg for the petrol and 41.5mpg for the diesel - not great for an MPV but not bad for a compact SUV, it depends on your point of view. There’s a growing stigma attached to 4x4 ownership and the Altea freetrack 4 looks a good way of avoiding those sour looks from the green lobby. The 4x4 system provides plenty of grip but don’t be fooled into thinking you’ve got a proper off-road warrior on your hands: the freetrack 4 will be best kept on the tarmac. The engine choice is limited to two powerful units with strong performance. They make the most of car’s composed handling but MPV buyers may baulk at the price level they push the freetrack 4 up to. Equipment levels are generous though and if you can get on with the unusual styling, this is a capable and pleasantly unorthodox family car. The TSI petrol engine is a beauty but not really the unit that most people would choose to put in their MPV. The diesel is a touch clattery by today’s high standards but its economy and punchy mid range make it the more sensible choice. There was a time when a growing family would push buyers into MPVs and they would wave goodbye to any notion of style, individuality or driving enjoyment. The Altea freetrack 4 has much more of these qualities about it than the majority of rivals and it retains a good degree of practicality.

Facts At A Glance CAR: SEAT Altea freetrack 4 range PRICES: £19,495-£19,995 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 11-13 CO2 EMISSIONS: 179-223g/km PERFORMANCE: [2.0TSI] 0-60mph 7.5s/ Max Speed 133mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: [2.0TDI] (combined) 41.5mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Six airbags, ABS, ISOFIX, ESP WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 4467/1770/1570mm [est]

SO LONG, SEAT
Recognising that interior space is a big factor when choosing MPV-style vehicles, SEAT has stretched the Altea. By Andy Enright

To be brutally frank, I’ve never really ‘got’ the SEAT Altea. Yes, I can see that it’s a very tidy car that drives well and is tightly priced but there’s something about it that makes it easy to overlook. Drive one and you might well be a convert but getting bums on seats isn’t easy, especially with the launch of the rather sexier Leon. SEAT has responded with a long wheelbase version that now justifies the Altea’s existence. The XL is the car the Altea always ought to have been.

It’s also a wholly sensible car. It’s enormously gratifying that, after levering another 18.7 cm onto the Altea’s rear end, SEAT’s marketing crew didn’t insist on seven seats to try to claw a way into another part of the mini-MPV market. Instead of building a seriously compromised seven seater, SEAT has instead come up with a beautifully resolved five seat family car and one that could, on the quiet, be one of the best buys in its class. Although that 18.7cm stretch doesn’t sound much, imagine an extra seven inches to cram in that extra bit of luggage. The Altea XL is a decent choice for a family that has forgotten how to pack light. Boot space rises from an already impressive 409 litres in the standard car to a cavernous 532 litres. With the Altea’s rear seats shifted forwards, that can increase to 635 litres. You’ll search in vain for a broadly similar car that can carry you, the kids and quite this much gear. If you’re after the ultimate in capacity, book the kids a babysitter, fold the rear seats down and you’ve got 1,604 litres or room back there. Park up in Kensington and you could rent it out as a studio flat.

"Stretching the Altea makes all sorts of sense"

The rear seats of the Altea XL benefit from longer runners than the standard model, slotting back an additional 2cm for when you really need to stretch out. Let’s just say you won’t be fretting about coming down with a dose of deep vein thrombosis. The additional length has been built into the Altea’s styling in a sympathetic fashion and it’s only when you put the regular model next to the XL that you can see where the additional centimetres have been teased out. The side profile still has the same 33:66 glass to metal ratio that features on so many sports cars and gives the Altea a far higher waisted and more dynamic look than, say, a Volkswagen Touran. The front doors on the XL are a good deal longer than in the standard car but the swage line that runs from the front wheel arch to midway down the rear helps disguise this. The roof bars are the biggest giveaway with the split rear light clusters also XL-specific. Inside, there are more than thirty places to stow and stash goodies, including a supersized glove compartment, big storage bins on all four doors, drawers under the front seat and even a storage area under the boot floor. Even the parcel shelf has a storage cubby incorporated within. The two-tiered boot can be variously extended via the rear bench with a 60/40 split. This also features a fold down armrest incorporating cupholders. As befits SEAT’s position within the sportier Audi side of Volkswagen’s empire, the seats are supportive and the steering is meaty, the multi-adjustable wheel making it easy to find a decent driving position. The trim and build quality, whilst maybe not the most exciting in terms of colour choices and materials, is nevertheless of a relentlessly high quality. The Altea’s greatest party trick is definitely the windscreen wipers - spot them if you can. Clue: they’re hidden in the A-pillars. Based on the latest generation Volkswagen Golf chassis, the Altea serves up a set of sophisticated road manners. The multi-link rear axle and McPherson struts up front offer a very good ride/handling compromise, helped in no small part by one of the best electro-mechanical steering systems we’ve yet come across. Turn-in is surprisingly sharp for a vehicle that’s fully 1570mm high and body roll is very well controlled. The Altea isn’t found wanting in terms of safety provision, being SEAT’s first car to be sold in the EU with twin front, side, and head airbags as standard. Three-point anchors for all five seats, ISOFIX child seat attachments, anti lock brakes and traction control are all offered. Prices start at £13,260, that figure representing a premium of around £500 on the standard-shape Altea. Six engines are available; four petrol and three diesel. The petrol engines comprise a 102bhp 1.6-litre entry level unit, a auto-only Tiptronic 150bhp 2.0-litre model and a peppier 160bhp 1.8-litre TSI variant. Diesel buyers choose between the 105bhp 1.9-litre powerplant, the 140bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel unit and a 168bhp version of that same 2.0-litre TDI engine. Go for the pricey Freetrack 4 variant and there’s a choice of either a 200bhp TFSI petrol or the 168bhp diesel. A five-speed manual gearbox is fitted as standard to all models, although buyers of the two more powerful engines can opt for a six speed unit (at additional cost). Those who’ve opted for the 140bhp diesel will also get the chance to use the astonishing twin-clutch DSG gearbox. Safety is a key priority for any vehicle aiming at the family market and the Altea XL acquits itself well, gaining a full 5 stars in the Euro NCAP passenger protection tests and a creditable 3 stars for pedestrian protection, making it one of the safest cars in its class. The XL gives the Altea an extra dimension in practicality and it seems destined to increase the appeal of SEAT’s compact MPV offering.

Facts At A Glance CAR: SEAT Altea XL range PRICES: £13,260-£19,995 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 5-13 CO2 EMISSIONS: 146-223g/km PERFORMANCE: [1.6] 0-60mph 12.8s/ Max Speed 112mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.6] (urban) 26.9mpg / (extra urban) 46.3mpg / (combined) 36.7mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front side and head airbags, ABS, ISOFIX, traction control WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 4467/1770/1570mm

ALTER EGO
It isn’t an obvious choice but SEAT’s Altea 2.0 T FSI FR is a mini-MPV that barely puts a foot wrong. Andy Enright takes a look

SEAT is a tough company to second guess. Just when you think you understand what the Spanish firm is all about, it seems to divert off on a perplexing tangent. Just as they were building a reputation for marketing quick, dynamic hatches and saloons, SEAT’s management decided to pursue a design direction that left many people scratching their heads. Some of their wares haven’t really worked. Here’s one that does – the Altea 2.0 T FSI FR.

That clumsy blur of letters and numbers at the end of the car’s name speaks volumes if you take the time to tease out the meaning in the code. The Ibiza and the first generation Leon established the FR (Formula Racing) brand, although the Altea was the first of what SEAT dub the ‘new generation’ models to wear the badge. The changes to the exterior are subtle but effective. A restyled front bumper houses a full-width air intake and a honeycomb grille. The titanium-coloured door mirrors are becoming an FR trademark, as is the red badging. At the back, there’s another redesigned bumper assembly, this time with black diffuser styling. A pair of chromed tailpipes and five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels round off the visual enhancements. The interior has been given a ‘sporting’ makeover too, with a three-spoke FR-branded steering wheel and more deeply bolstered seats being the main changes. Look a little closer and you’ll also spot a grey and black dashboard colour combination, an FR logo on the gear knob and white instrument dials with a centrally-located rev counter. The price? £17,322, around £800 more than a non-turbocharged 2.0 FSI Altea and £500 less than the 168bhp TDI diesel FR version of this car that SEAT also offer. If you can find another £900, you can specify this car with the outstanding DSG paddle shift gearbox. The ‘2.0 T FSI’ designator indicates that this car is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that uses Volkswagen’s proprietary, and fiendishly clever, FSI fuel stratified injection system. This powerplant can also be found in the Volkswagen Golf GTI and various Audi models, so it comes with a good pedigree and manages a healthy 197bhp.

"It’s quite hard to establish that there’s a turbocharger in operation at all from your seat behind the wheel"

Mate a turbocharger to a petrol engine and you’ll traditionally experience peaky performance and a narrow power band but the 2.0 T FSI is different. It’s quite hard to establish that there’s a turbocharger in operation at all from your seat behind the wheel as the Altea pulls smoothly and purposefully through the rev-range. The engineers behind it have managed to give the powerplant a hefty torque output of 280Nm but, more significantly, this pulling power is available through a broad span of the rev-range from 1,750 to 5,000rpm. The result is the kind of in-gear flexibility that is more often associated with diesel powerplants. The standard gauge of automotive pace - 0-62mph acceleration - is suitably lively with this 197bhp Altea. The car will accomplish the feat in 7.3s before running on to a 142mph maximum speed. Average fuel economy of 35.8mpg is about what you’d expect from a hatchback with this kind of performance, as is the 190g/km emissions figure. SEAT aren’t the first to market high performance MPV vehicles. Vauxhall well and truly beat them to the punch, first with the Zafira GSi and then with the potent VXR model, but SEAT have played things rather smartly. They realise that MPV drivers need to sell the benefits of their choices to their families. Anything festooned with spoilers is going to have a hard time passing muster, so an element of guile is required in the car’s styling. A vehicle that looks as if it has benefited from the proceeds of a ram raid of Halfords is just that little bit too obvious. Likewise, a turbocharged petrol engine will likely get the vehicle axed from a shortlist when the fuel consumption figures and insurance quotes are received. The Altea itself has been improved in recent times, mainly through the addition of a clever rear seat which slides forward 14 cm to increase boot space by an additional 101 litres, but still leaves plenty of rear legroom for the rear seat passengers. This model unashamedly offers five spacious seats rather than seven cramped ones but weighs in with some innovative thinking. The side profile has the same 33:66 glass to metal ratio that features on so many sports cars and gives the Altea a far higher-waisted and more dynamic look than, say, a Volkswagen Touran. Inside, there are more than thirty places to stow and stash goodies, including a supersized glove compartment, big storage bins on all four doors, drawers under the front seat and even a storage area under the boot floor. Even the parcel shelf has a storage cubby incorporated within. The two-tiered boot has a capacity of over 400 litres. The rear bench is a 60/40 split affair with a fold down armrest incorporating cupholders. As befits SEAT’s position within the sportier Audi side of Volkswagen’s empire, the seats are supportive and the steering is meaty, the multi-adjustable wheel making it easy to find a decent driving position. The Altea’s greatest party trick is definitely the windscreen wipers that park vertically in the A-pillars until called upon. The Altea 2.0 T FSI FR emerges as a very capable contender. Although its diesel sibling may well be the better buy if you’re covering bigger mileages, on a twisty road after you’ve dropped the kids off at school, it can’t hold a candle to this gorgeous petrol engine. This is possibly a better buy than a Volkswagen Golf GTI – it certainly has the drop on the Golf in terms of versatility - and it won’t attract as much attention either, a major advantage in the eyes of certain buyers. In short, it’s well worth a look.

Facts At A Glance CAR: SEAT Altea 2.0 T FSI FR PRICE: £17,322 - on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 17 CO2 EMISSIONS: 190g/km PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 142mph / 0-60mph 7.3s FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 35.8mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front side and head airbags, ABS, ISOFIX, traction control WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 4280/1770/1560mm