SEAT Altea FR Review

SEAT Altea FR

The Mazda3 MPS is quite a hoot to drive, not really in the league of the latest hot hatches but can prove itself on demanding ‘B’ roads and is just at home on the Motorway.

ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) with EBA is standard on the Altea FR model range as is ABS (Anti-Lock Brakes) with TCS (Traction Control).

SEAT has delivered a ‘MPV’ that is both fun to drive and practical to own.

Ease of Use

The modular heating and audio controls are integral to the dashboard and are very easy to operate.

Style is not sacrificed at the expense of space or storage - the Altea has over 30 clever storage compartments including a glasses holder above the driver's door, a large glove compartment in front of the passenger seat, a compartment and two cupholders beneath the central console, a drawer beneath each front seat and a large compartment in each front door (which can hold a 1.5 litre bottle). The front armrest has a two-tiered storage compartment. The passenger seat has a side compartment with space for a drinks can. In addition there is another compartment for small objects, a 12 volt socket at the front of the central tunnel, an ashtray or additional 12-volt socket.

I am going to recommend the Mazda3 MPS to those of you with mobility problems as it easy to enter and exit, with a high roof line. The only reservation would be the fairly high sill and on the FR model the front seats which are quite snug.

From our perspective all round visibility is good, but we have heard reports of others having problems with the relatively thick front ‘A’ pillars which can hamper forward vision in some cases. Plus if you are short you may find reversing tricky, but as always this is a very personal thing and it is about ensuring that you are sat comfortably.