2008 SEAT Altea reviews

SEAT Altea Altea XL Stylance 1.9Tdi (PD) 2008

The performance and economy of the 1.9PD engine in the Altea XL are poor compared with the previous VAG 110bhp TDI unit which was also quieter and cleaner. My vehicle is silver (or Lunar Grey as SEAT like to call it) and collecting soot particles on the tailgate were an unexpected surprise. When using the climate control the vehicle is sluggish and thirsty. An average 48mpg for a vehicle of this size will please, unless you are used to better, but you will need a very soft right foot to obtain it and this doesn’t make exciting driving. The firm suspension of the Stylance version inspires confidence but sacrifices comfort for a joggy ride. The interior is practical and rattle free and of good quality. The generous underfloor storage in the boot is a useful bonus. The ’entertainment centre’ is poor, the CD only accepts single discs and the volume control gets easily moved when changing gear. The gear ratios on the 5-speed model result in engine noise in the cabin, this is a pity because lower engine rpm in a diesel engined vehicle makes for more relaxed and economic driving. It’s a well specified vehicle for the money but several cheap shortcuts like leaving the acoustic cover off the engine and not fitting a decent CD player are disappointing. The doors also have no protective strip so don’t park at the supermarket unless you can accept paint damage on the body. Is there no rain in Spain on the plain? You may be surprised to find that there are no rain channels on the front wings, I was, cheap and poorly designed construction - why? This means that in wet weather rain enters the engine compartment through the gap between the wings and the bonnet and settles on electrical connections. I like the style of the SEAT Altea XL - whether I keep it long enough for it to become a loved vehicle will need much more mileage.