SEAT look set to give the Ford Focus C-Max stiff competition with a stunning new mini-MPV called the Altea. Built in conjunction with upmarket cousins Audi, the car will not only boast high performance petrol models but a 140bhp diesel six-speeder too.
Altea was first seen as a prototype at the Frankfurt Motor Show just five months ago. Now it's become reality and also reveals the future look of the SEAT brand for the very first time.
Key features include the large radiator grille, almond-shaped headlamps and the sweeping body line which runs from the front wheel arch over the doors to the rear wheel.
The line was created by SEAT's design guru Walter de'Silva and will be a characteristic of all new SEAT cars. Altea is designed for five passengers and measures 4280 mm long, 1770 mm wide and 1570 mm high. Its two-tiered boot has a capacity of over 400 litres.
And it's the first time the brand has used technology like FSi engines, a dual-clutch DSG gearbox, electro-mechanical steering gear, and individual driver and passenger air conditioning. The windscreen wipers are also hidden in the A pillar.
The petrol range will comprise 150bhp 2.0-litre FSi and 102bhp 1.6-litre engines, while the diesel range will include the 140bhp 2.0-litre 16-valve TDi and the 105bhp 1.9-litre TDi units.
Altea's two most powerful engines, the 2.0-litre FSi and TDi, are mated to a six-speed gearbox. The FSi will also be available with a six-speed automatic and sequential Tiptronic, whereas the new, six-speed sequential DSG gearbox will be available on the TDi.
The car has a comprehensive level of active safety with ABS, Traction Control, ESP and the built-in emergency braking system (EBA).
It will be the first SEAT model to be sold in the EU equipped as standard with driver and passenger airbag, side airbag and head airbag, as well as three-point anchoring on all seatbelts.
The Altea will be manufactured exclusively at SEAT's Martorell factory in Spain and will have its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show. Prices and full specifications have yet to be announced.
