SEAT ALTEA HATCHBACK FULL REVIEW

Seat Altea Hatchback full 9 point review

Performance

4 out of 5 stars

The entry-level 1.4 petrol will struggle with a fully-laden car, but the turbocharged 1.4 TSI, on the other hand, offers a fine balance between performance and economy – as do the 1.6 and 2.0 diesels.
Ride & Handling

4 out of 5 stars

Seat’s tall hatch has excellent handling, thanks to firm suspension that keeps body movement in check. The downside is a rather unforigiving ride, but the longer XL version feels virtually the same as the standard Altea.
Refinement

3 out of 5 stars

We have no complaints about the engines, which are generally refined, while road noise is well suppressed. Only some wind noise from the rear edges of the front doors disappoints.

Buying & Owning

4 out of 5 stars

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 resale values than petrol models.
Quality & Reliability

4 out of 5 stars

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-sourced mechanicals are proven and should present few problems.
Safety & Security

5 out of 5 stars

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, as well as an alarm and deadlocks fitted.

Behind The Wheel

3 out of 5 stars

The seat is height-adjustable and the steering wheel moves for reach and rake to give fine comfort. The controls are logically placed, too, but 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

4 out of 5 stars

This is a tall hatchback with some clever touches, rather than an MPV: though the rear seats split, fold flat and slide, they don't tumble, and can't be removed completely. However, you may never need to do that: the split-level boot is deep and large, especially in the 18.7cm-longer XL, and the seats fold to form a long load-bay. XL models have roof rails.
Equipment

4 out of 5 stars

All models have air-conditioning, front electric windows, a CD player with an Aux-in scoket, side airbags and traction control. SE versions have climate control and rear electric windows, and Sport versions firmer suspension, different alloys and sports seats.