Seat Altea XL

Text: Marc Mustard / Photos: Automedia

23rd August 2006

	Judging from the badge at the car’s rear end, the newcomer will be named the Altea XL rather than Toledo

The wraps are off another new SEAT. The car maker, whose range seems to grow and grow, this week unveiled an estate version of its Altea MPV! Called the XL, it is nearly 20cm longer than the standard car, making it virtually the same length as the Toledo saloon.

The extra size means the newcomer’s boot capacity is 123 litres bigger than the normal Altea’s. And with the split-folding rear seats flat, the XL can swallow more than 1,600 litres of luggage. For those who need to carry even more, roof bars are included as standard.

A SEAT spokeswoman said: “With the new XL, we are looking to appeal to those people who were impressed by the Altea’s sporty image but who require even more load-lugging capability. It’s ideal for anyone who wants a sporty but highly practical vehicle.”

The Altea XL will be one of the first cars to be offered with the VW Group’s new 160bhp 1.8-litre TFSI engine. This direct-injection petrol motor delivers strong performance – with 0-60mph completed in less than nine seconds – yet also returns economy of around 38mpg. Two other petrol units will be available; a 100bhp 1.6 and a 2.0-litre delivering 150bhp.

As with the standard Altea, buyers also have a choice of three diesel engines. There’s an entry-level 1.9-litre TDI offering 105bhp, as well as a pair of 2.0-litre oil-burners with outputs of either 140bhp or 170bhp. The Altea XL arrives in showrooms here early next year, when full specifications and prices will be announced.

The range is expected to start from around £12,500 for the entry-level 1.6-litre version – that’s £800 more than the standard-length Altea.

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