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Road Test

Seat Altea 1.6 Stylance

Test Date 24 August 2004  Price When New £14,145

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Verdict

Are we convinced by the Multi Sports Vehicle idea as a concept? Not as a bold new direction in the future of the family hatchback — although few predicted the success of the Renault Scénic and its imitators, so you can never be too sure. If you want plenty of storage space and excellent cabin room (for four adults, at least) but still want a responsive drive then the Altea is worth investigating.
But that’s not to say the Seat doesn’t work when viewed simply as a hatchback. We have reservations about calling this 1.6-litre Altea sporting on account of its meager performance, but it delivers a genuinely entertaining and competent drive, despite its full body. What’s more, it’s an interesting alternative to VW’s highly effective but bland Touran, and at a significantly lower price, too.
But perhaps most important of all, it feels like a Seat rather than a rehashed VW. On the strength of the Altea, the Spanish marque is finally finding a character all of its own. The Altea is fresh, stylish and interesting, both inside and out. No, it’s not a totally new concept, but we now await the forthcoming Leon and Toledo with renewed interest.

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