SEAT Altea (2004 - To Date)
BY ANDY ENRIGHT
If the idea of a mini-MPV fills you with dread fear not, for SEAT have a stylish solution. The Altea may not be the biggest or even the cleverest mini-MPV in its class but its definitely one of the most fun to drive and makes a tempting ownership proposition. Low pricing from new tends to make bargain used buys but the word is out on the Altea and low mileage bargains are thin on the ground. Heres what to look for.
First shown at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show, the reaction to the Altea was so positive that SEATs paymasters, the Audi Brand Group (Audi, SEAT and Lamborghini), threw everything into turning the car into a production reality. Just five months after its debut under the tungsten lights, it was ready to roll into dealerships. Its a significant precursor of whats to come from SEAT. The huge radiator grille with prominent S logo, the almond-shaped headlamps and the dynamic line that runs from the front wheel arch over the doors to the rear wheel are all styling traits that SEATs design director, Steve Lewis, proposes to incorporate into all the marques forthcoming models.
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The rear bench is a 60/40 split affair with a fold down armrest incorporating cupholders. As befits SEATs position within the sportier Audi side of Volkswagens empire, the seats are supportive and the steering is meaty, the multi-adjustable wheel making it easy to find a decent driving position. The trim and build quality, whilst maybe not the most exciting in terms of colour choices and materials, is nevertheless of a relentlessly high quality. The Alteas greatest party trick is definitely the windscreen wipers - spot them if you can.
Clue: theyre hidden in the A-pillars.
You should be able to pick up a low mileage 1.6 Reference model for less than £7,500 and 1.9-litre TDi Reference models can be found for less than £8,300 with the plusher Stylance versions tacking another £800 onto these values. The cars that are in the biggest demand remain the 2.
0-litre Sport variants. The 2.0-litre FSI Sport retails at around £9,300 while youll need another £1,000 for the most desirable car in the Altea line up, the 2.0-litre TDI Sport.
Insurance ranges from Group 5 through to Group 9.
Tried and tested engines, the VW-standard quality auditing and an inherent feeling of solidity all bode well for the Alteas reliability. Having been on sale for such a short duration, its perhaps inevitable that no major faults have emerged, but watch out for neglected ex-hire cars. The Altea is a car where the price differences between good and bad examples arent too great, so be fussy. Look for a fully stamped up service history and reject anything that looks in any way tatty, grubby or vaguely dog-eared.
(approx based on an Altea 2.0 TDi DSG ex VAT) SEAT spares are reasonably priced, with a replacement Altea headlamp costing £111. A replacement alternator unit retails at around £185 with an exchange starter motor setting you back just under £120. Opt for a new alternator and starter motor and the prices stack up at £370 and £226 respectively, so even if the old one is a steaming basket case, youll save by getting an exchange unit.
Front brake pads are £50 with rears a tad under £30 per pair. Many parts are a little cheaper for the 1.6-litre petrol models.
Based on the latest generation Golf chassis, the Altea serves up a set of sophisticated road manners. The multi link rear axle and McPherson struts up front offer a very good ride/handling compromise, helped in no small part by one of the best electro-mechanical steering systems weve yet come across. Turn-in is surprisingly sharp for a vehicle thats fully 1570mm high and body roll is very well controlled. The Altea isnt found wanting in terms of safety provision, being SEATs first car to be sold in the EU with twin front, side, and head airbags as standard.
Three-point anchors for all five seats, ISOFIX child seat attachments, anti lock brakes and traction control are all offered. Four engines were available from launch; two petrol and two diesel. The petrol engine line-up comprised a 102bhp 1.6-litre entry level unit and a peppier 150bhp 2.
0-litre FSI unit. Diesel buyers chose between the 105bhp 1.9-litre powerplant and the 140bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel unit.
A five-speed manual gearbox was fitted as standard to all models although buyers of the two more powerful engines could opt for a six speed unit. A six-speed Tiptronic automatic was available with the 2.0-litre FSI engine and those who opted for the most powerful diesel also got the chance to use the astonishing twin-clutch DSG gearbox of Audi TT fame. The 1.
6-litre petrol engine shifted the biggest numbers in the UK and with a full 1320kg to heft up Her Majestys highway, cynics thought that this surely would be a stern test of SEATs pre-launch promises of fun behind the wheel. It turned out to be just enough engine, getting the Altea to 60mph in 12.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 113mph. Obviously, driving as if your trousers are on fire isnt going to see anything like the 36.
7mpg combined fuel consumption figure quoted by SEAT but the Altea does encourage spirited progress. Tested back to back, most buyers would probably prefer the 105bhp 1.9-litre diesel which offers bags more torque and therefore superior real world performance.
With the demise of the Honda Stream, Fords Focus C-MAX had things largely its own way as the mini-MPV thats was fun to drive. That was until SEATs Altea was launched. From then on, keen drivers in this sector had a decent choice and if the slightly bland styling of the Ford doesnt appeal, youll probably love this slice of auto emocion. The best buys look to be the entry level 1.
6-litre petrol models and the range-topping 2.0-litre TDI Sport variants but theres really not a bad car in the Altea line up
