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Motability

Seat Altea Hatchback 1.6 Essence

For:
The Altea takes a different approach to the mid-sized MPV sector and it looks like a successful one. Fine driving manners are a real asset

Against:
The cabin is not as versatile as many of its rivals' and the boot not as large. Sport suspension compromises ride quality.



Performance

Five engines are available, starting with the 1.6 petrol unit. It's fine around town but struggles on the motorway. The 2.0 petrol offers lots of smooth punch, while the 1.9 and 2.0 turbodiesels have plenty of oomph. The range-topping FR model comes with a 197bhp 2.0 turbo petrol or a 168bhp 2.0 turbodiesel engine.

Ride & handling

Seat's tall hatch has excellent handling. Based on the latest VW Golf, the Altea gives fine body control on all surfaces, while still managing a comfortable ride. Sport models trade some comfort for less body lean. The longer XL version feels virtually the same as the standard Altea, as does the Freetrack 4x4.

Refinement

In town, the 1.9 turbodiesel engine makes itself known in the cabin, but it becomes quieter at higher speeds. The 1.6 petrol engine needs to be worked hard on the motorway but remains quiet. The other engines are refined, while road noise is well suppressed. Only some wind noise from the rear edges of the front doors disappoints.

Buying & owning

List prices are competitive for the Altea, undercutting those of key rivals such as the Mercedes A-Class and VW Golf Plus. Buyers should be able to haggle for a discount, too. Running costs are reasonable and there's a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty. The popular diesels command higher retained values than petrol models.

Quality & reliability

The Altea's cabin is solidly built from hard-wearing materials. Seat has tried to make it interesting to look at, but a sombre colour scheme and small glass area make the cabin feel dark and drab. The Altea's VW mechanicals are proven and should present few problems.

Safety & security

All Alteas come with anti-lock brakes and stability control to keep the car in check even in slippery corners. There are also twin front, side and curtain airbags, and ISOFIX child seat mounts. An alarm and deadlocks are fitted.

Behind the wheel

The seat is height-adjustable seat and the steering wheel moves for reach and rake to give fine comfort. The controls are logically placed. However, the small windows between the windscreen and front doors are of little use, while the upsweep of the rearmost side windows creates a blind spot when reversing.

Space & practicality

Seat calls this an MSV (multi-sports vehicle), but it's really a tall hatchback with a few neat touches. There's a 60/40 split rear bench where the base cantilevers down as the backs are tipped forward, and a split-level boot with underfloor storage. The XL model is 18.7cm longer than the standard Altea, with an even bigger boot and more rear legroom, but still only five seats.

Equipment

Entry-level Essence models have electric front windows and a CD player, but little else. Reference trim is available with air-con, while Reference Sport adds alloy wheels, plus sports seats and suspension. Stylance gains cruise control, dual-zone climate control and an eight-speaker stereo. The top-line FR trim has four electric windows and a sporty bodykit.

Running Costs

Town mpg

26.9

Out of Town mpg

46.3

Average mpg

36.7

Tank Capacity (gallons)

12.1

CO2 Rating (g/km)

187

Insurance Group

4

Typical Insurance Quote

£323

% Value Retained (3yrs/36,000mls)

46

Typical Contract Hire Rate (pcm)

£0

Pence Per Mile

0

Servicing Cost over 3yrs

£0

Servicing Intervals

10,000

Manufacturers Warranty

3yr/60k + 2yr Paint + 6yr Perforation + 2yr Breakdown

Performance & Measurements

Body type

Hatchback

Number of Doors

5

Number of Seats

5

Engine (cc/type)

1595/4

Fuel Type

Unleaded

Max Power (bhp/rpm)

101/5600

Engine Position

F

Driven Wheels

Front

Length (mm)

4280

Width (mm)

1768

Height (mm)

1568

Boot Space (min ltr)

409

Boot Space (max ltr)

1320

Turning Circle (m)

10.9

Towing Weight(kg)

1200

Kerb Weight (kg)

1405

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