Stylish SEAT Spices Up Space Race

Less than six months ago, this funky new SEAT was a styling study at the Frankfurt Motor Show - but now the Altea is ready to go into production as the sportiest people carrier on the market. And the Spanish firm has released these official pictures of the car that's heading to a showroom near you soon.

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Craig Cheetham

04th February 2004

SEAT is keen to stress that the model, which debuts at next month's Geneva Motor Show, is not an MPV. Instead, the newcomer has been branded an MSV, or Multi Sports Vehicle. Its performance credentials are clearly visible in the design, while the sleek sloping nose, wide flanks and sweeping lines are indications that style hasn't been sacrificed in favour of practicality.

The front end features a unique SEAT development - windscreen wipers that are concealed within the A-pillars to give a clearer view of the road and improve aerodynamic efficiency. The styling is the brainchild of SEAT's design director, ex-Alfa man Walter de'Silva, who was also in charge of the firm's Ibiza and Cordoba. He says the Altea's distinctive low nose and high tail will be characteristic of all future production models, and the look is expected to appear on the new Leon, due to debut next year.

Despite the attractive styling, the Altea is tipped to be an immensely capable family car, with the promise of excellent interior space and practicality. Available only as a five-seater - in common with the Ford Focus C-MAX - it will come with individually sliding rear chairs and a series of cubbyholes in the front. The boot is also a unique design, as it has two separate tiers, allowing it to work as a shelving system, while the rear seats can be folded flat into the floor to give the SEAT van-like load-lugging ability.

Initially, four engines will be available, with a wider range of powerplants appearing over the next two years. Base petrol models will use the 102bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine offered in the Leon, while more upmarket versions will get the excellent 150bhp 2.0-litre FSI unit from the Audi A4 and VW Touran.

Diesel choices will consist of the 105bhp version of the proven 1.9-litre TDI in lower-range models, or the all-new 140bhp 2.0 16v TDI developed for the VW Golf and Touran. The FSI and 16v TDI models will come with a six-speed manual transmission, while the larger petrol engine will be offered with a six-ratio sequential Tiptronic box as an option. The 1.9 TDI and 1.6 petrol cars will get a five-speed manual gearbox.

Safety is high on the Altea's list of priorities, too, with all variants featuring standard ABS, traction control, ESP and emergency brake assist. The chassis, which is based on that of the new MkV Golf, has been given firmer springing and a more dynamic steering set-up in order to offer a more sporting flavour. All versions will come with six airbags.

The Altea will go on sale across Europe in the summer, with the first right-hand-drive cars expected in September. It's likely to be cheaper than the similar-sized Touran, and prices will start from around ΂£14,000 for the 1.6-litre petrol model.