SEAT Altea FR Road Test

SEAT Altea

In Car Entertainment and Satellite Navigation

The SEAT Altea FR is equipped with an integral single slot MP3 compatible CD player/ radio with AUX-in connection for radio, eight speakers and steering wheel controls. This system was very easy to operate on the move and the sound quality was very good.

Watch out for the cost of the Satellite Navigation option, a whopping £1595 and you cannot play back a CD whilst it is in operation - not too clever.

Rivals

• Ford Focus C-MAX, Renault Scenic, Vauxhall Zafira VXR & Volkswagen Touran

What We Liked

• Exterior / interior styling
• Performance & handling
• Innovative boot layout
• Interior storage solutions
• Fuel economy for a hot hatch

What We Disliked

• Low down reversing light

What We'd Like To See

• Bi-Xenon Headlights as standard (not currently available even as an option)

Build Quality

Being part of the Volkswagen Group brings dividends to SEAT's build quality and everything seems well put together and of the quality you would expect of a car of this class / price bracket.

Value For Money

At £17,795 the SEAT Altea FR is competitively priced, you can buy bigger MPV's such as the Mazda5 or the Ford S-MAX but non-so performance led. Y ou get a reasonable amount of equipment as standard including ESP. We would like to see Bi-Xenon headlights as standard (currently an optional extra) but I guess you cannot have everything.

Overall Opinion

WIth the Altea FR SEAT have created a new sector in the market which is aimed at the young style conscious family buyer but it would suit anyone looking for a practical 5-door hatchback with a high seating position who appreciates beautiful styling and offers a fine balance between economy and performance.