The SEAT Altea – A multi-sport vehicle
The SEAT Altea was launched in 2004. It was the time when car manufacturers had already invented many terms like SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) and MPV (Multipurpose Vehicle). At that time SEAT came up with another indecipherable term MSV (Multi Sports Vehicle) and presented the Altea. His goal was to conquer the market for practical cars like the Ford Focus C-Max but with a sporty touch. The SEAT Altea shares the chassis of the Audi A3 and the VW Golf and has the same front as the SEAT León hatchback. Bigger wheels and sleek bodywork make it the sportiest minivan, though the raised roofline doesn’t sit well.
Top-of-the-range Cupra models feature a large tailgate spoiler and 19-inch alloy wheels, just like the Volkswagen Phaeton. Inside, the dashboard is in the same style as many other VW models of the time. In general, the cabin is comfortable thanks to the fully adjustable seats. The steering wheel is also reach and tilt adjustable, returning a perfect driving position. The SEAT Altea scores highly when it comes to practicality. It’s not a traditional MPV, but rather a versatile little estate, hence the term MSV. Unfortunately, the term was not as successful as expected. It has 409 liters of boot space and can be increased to 1,320 liters by folding the seats fully. If you think that this is not enough, you can opt for the Altea XL, which has 532 liters or 1,604 liters with the seats folded down.
On the road, the SEAT Altea handles very well despite being such a tall car. Body roll is excellent and the steering is responsive, although it’s not as sharp in turns. Driving a Ford S-Max is a more fun experience. The Altea has a firm suspension, so driving becomes uncomfortable on bumpy roads. The Seat Altea comes with a wide range of engine options. The Altea’s diesel engines include an 89 PS 1.9TDi, a 1.6-litre and a 138 PS 2.0TDI. The Altea’s petrol engine options are 1.4-litre with 84bhp, 1.2TSI and 1.4TSI turbocharged units with 103bhp and 123bhp respectively. The petrol units are good but cannot compete with the efficiency of EAT Altea’s diesel engines.
SEAT offers a mix of old and new engines. The older engines are not as fuel efficient as the newer ones and include 1.4 petrol and 1.9 and 2.0-litre TDi diesel engines. Engines in the new Altea are more economical and include the 1.2-litre TSI (49.6 mpg and 132 g/km CO2 emissions), 1.4 TSI (44.1 mpg) and 1.6TDi (62.8 mpg and 119 g/km). km of carbon emissions). The SEAT Altea doesn’t look as fancy as others in its class, but it drives well and is equipped with decent engines. Its practicality makes it a good option for a family car. It has been awarded a full five-star Euro NCAP rating ensuring safety.