SEAT Altea Review
Published: 15th February 2005
SEAT Altea
Ease of Use
The Altea is an exceptionally easy vehicle to drive and manoeuvre and visibility is excellent. However, living in the country when reversing at night the single reversing light made it difficult to reverse park.
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.
Rear seat passengers have a compartment on the side of their seat, a door panel which can hold a one litre bottle, a pouch in the front seat backs, a compartment at the end of the central tunnel plus an extra compartment and two cupholders with the armrest lowered and much more.
The boot is opened by pushing on the SEAT badge at the rear of the car and reveals a two-tiered boot floor, the first level has ample capacity for everyday use with extra storage below. The parcel shelf lifts to reveal extra storage and more space becomes available with the rear seats folded (1320 litres with the rear seats folded, the sliding partition open and the rear parcel tray removed) this can be done with one hand without removing the head restraints.
Should more space be required on the first level without folding the rear seats, the folding floor partition can be placed behind the back of the rear seats to increase boot capacity to 409 litres.
The boot provides handy methods for securing objects in place such as sturdy rings for fastening nets, side nets and hooks for hanging bags. The parcel tray has a false bottom for storing the emergency triangle.
We must mention the Altea's windscreen wiper system - at rest the wiper arms are concealed vertically within the A-pillars and when activated sweep in a top-to-bottom arc.
Safety and Security 
The SEAT Altea 1.9 TDI PD Stylance is equipped with the following safety and security equipment as standard:
Locking wheel bolts, 3 button folding key (lock/unlock/boot release), remote release fuel flap, child locks, ABS (Anti-lock braking system), driver's and front passenger's airbags, front side airbags, remote central locking with deadlocks, DSR (Dynamic Steering Response), selective door opening (SAFE), TCS (Traction Control System), multi-link rear suspension, two curtain airbags, ISOFIX, auto lock/unlock doors, height adjustable front seatbelts pre-tensioners and load limit, immobiliser, three 3-point rear seatbelts, volumetric alarm with backup horn and VIN visible in windscreen.
/ 