SEAT'S new Altea - If it ain't broke (From Living Northeast)

SEAT'S new Altea - If it ain't broke

5:54pm Friday 3rd September 2010 in

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WELL what do you think of the new SEAT Altea? Handsome beast, eh? Actually, it doesn't look very different from the “old” Altea – but that's a sign of just how right SEAT got its people carrier/family hatchback at the first time of asking.

If you're a SEAT aficionado I guess you'll spot the mildly re-styled front end, the larger headlights and, possibly, the hatchback that's now a single piece of wraparound toughened glass.

Inside you'll spot the new instrument cluster with white-on-black graphics and the smart looking colour “infotainment” display panel for the sat nav and audio.

But even the biggest fan would probably fail to spot the iPod-friendly central console (sadly at the expense of the handy cubby behind the handbrake but you can't have everything), a small cargo net and the new light switch that replaces the older Altea's cheaply made plastic knob. The aforementioned instruments are backlit by white LEDs and automatically dims or brightens according to the ambient light conditions.

When it arrived six years ago the Altea had the sports MPV market to itself

Nigel Burton, Motoring Editor

These improvements, and some extra equipment choices like park distance radar, adaptive front headlights and cornering fog lamps, help make this Altea the most versatile yet.

But it's the new 1.6-litre Ecomotive that also makes it the most desirable.

Most car manufacturers have a green sub-brand these days. Unlike a Toyota Prius or a Honda Insight, the SEAT doesn't use expensive petrol-electric hybrid technology to improve fuel economy and cut exhaust emissions.

Instead it has fallen back on tried 'n tested solutions like a long-legged gearbox full of ratios chosen with parsimony rather than performance in mind, careful aerodynamic modifications and the new 1.6-litre Volkswagen family turbodiesel.

The 1.6 is considerably smaller than the outgoing 1.9 TDi it replaces but gives nothing away in terms of power (104 bhp) or performance. It's also far more refined, smoother and altogether nicer to drive.

And unlike some green machines the Altea doesn't feel hobbled by tall gearing – There’s a 250 Nm slug of mid-range torque available from 1,500 rpm that off-sets the higher ratios nicely.

The Ecomotive never felt slow off the mark and acquitted itself well in the urban cut 'n thrust. And once the engine has thoroughly warmed up it is quiet at all speeds.

SEAT claims the Ecomotive improvements boost the overall fuel consumption to 62.8 mpg which is a big improvement over the old 1.9 TDi.

I suspect SEAT's engineers have also tinkered with the multi-link rear suspension rates during the mid-life refresh. The Ecomotive's ride was noticeably smoother and more settled than that of our own Altea which sometimes feels a bit too “sporty” for the pock-marked roads in Darlington.

The raised driving position is great for drivers who want a commanding view of the road ahead and the compact proportions mean the Altea is a doddle to park. The lack of a conventional hatchback's boot makes reversing a stress-free affair and the power steering is pleasantly light.

In other respects everything is pretty much as it was before – you still have the option of rear seats that can slide backwards and forwards depending on whether you need maximum legroom or luggage capacity, there's still plenty of cubby holes and hidden lockers hidden about the cabin, and the luggage area remains commendably large.

The 409-litre boot has a false floor to protect valuable items from getting crushed, straps, nets, hooks and a handy tray that runs beneath the full length of the parcel shelf and hinges down to provide a place for smaller bits 'n pieces.

As you'd expect of any mid-life revision, the Altea's audio hardware has been upgraded. The CD could always accommodate MP3 files but SEAT’s optional media system also has an SD card slot that can play your music files as well as the usual iPod connector.

Upgraded Bluetooth functionality – neatly integrated into the steering wheel - controls a mobile phone for hands free communication.

When it arrived six years ago the Altea had the sports MPV market to itself.

That’s no longer the case, but the Altea remains one of the most satisfying medium-sized MPVs to own. The only rival I can think of that offers a similar blend of common-sense practicality and B-roads driving satisfaction is the Ford Focus C-Max.

SEAT's decision to adopt an “if it ain't broke...” philosophy was clearly a wise one.

SPEC CHECK: Engine: 1.6-litre turbo diesel Max power: 105 bhp @ 4,400 rpm Max torque: 250Nm from 1,500 rpm Maximum speed: 114 mph Acceleration 0-62 mph: 12.4 seconds Combined mpg: 62.8 CO2 emissions: 119 g/km Road tax: £30 Equipment: Electric windows, power steering, dual zone climate control, folding door mirrors, front fog lights with cornering function, leather steering wheel, height and lumbar adjustment on driver’s seat, alarm, six airbags, eight speaker CD/radio with MP3 compatibility and aux input.

SEAT ALTEA 1.6 SE ECOMOTIVE Price: £18,025