Seat - Altea |
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2004 onwards
One of the best ride and handling cars in it's class. Refined, good-looking and futuristic - the new Spanish mini MPV reveals a fresh face for SEAT. Great engines, lots of equipment and fun to drive too.
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Sleek, sporty styling |
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Great engines |
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Spacious cabin |
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1.6 engine can struggle |
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Not as versatile as some MPV's |
SEAT calls it a MSV, or multi-sport vehicle. However, the Altea is really a cool-looking hatchback with bags of space and some powerful engines. Both high performance petrol and diesel units are offered from launch and the sleek, sporty styling just adds to the image. Inside, the cabin is quite conventional but spacious. That includes 30 cubbyholes and storage bins in the cabin, plus a very generous boot. Based on the same platform as the new Golf, the SEAT is an exciting drive, with agile handling, sharp brakes and firm seats. However, the entry-level 1.6 petrol feels tame when pushed hard.
105bhp TDi
1.6 petrol
Ford Focus C-Max (2003-)
Volkswagen Touran (2003-)
Vauxhall Zafira (1999-)
