2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 15:44
Seat closes the gap. With the Altea XL, the Spanish manufacturer now also offers a station wagon. The new model should be particularly popular with young families.
Thomas Flehmer
Seat lets the Altea grow to a station wagon format. The Altea XL has lengthened a proud 18.7 centimeters. An important step in the battle for market share for the Spanish automobile manufacturer. In Germany, the share of the VW subsidiary is still below two percent, Seat itself expects that around 60 percent of all Altea customers will opt for an XL. “The Altea XL combines the advantages of a van with the advantages of a station wagon,” said Marketing Manager Jörn Hinrichs at the presentation of the new model near Barcelona. A first test confirmed the manager's assessment.
Hardly any differences visible on the outside
The differences are hardly visible from the outside. An Altea presents itself to the viewer as usual. Chrome-colored roof rails, newly styled rear lights and the increase in length, that was it. In the interior of the 4.47 meter long five-door there is almost no end to space. A large wheelbase of 2.58 meters leaves enough legroom for all occupants in both the front and rear seats.
The trunk volume grows from the 409 liters of the conventional Altea to 532 liters. If you push the rear bench seat forward by the possible 14 centimeters, 635 liters are available. “That is the highest value in this segment,” says Hinrichs. However, a few more liters could still be available, as there is no flat loading surface after folding down the rear bench seat, but a step prevents better loading options.
Heavily sloping bonnet
In addition to the conversion to a station wagon, hand was also given to the interior materials. A total of five different plastic applications are intended, on the one hand, to underline the dynamic touch of the XL and, on the other, to appear more valuable. Further detailed changes are to follow.
They would also be needed when looking ahead. No matter how you stretch, the steeply sloping bonnet cannot be seen. This leads to problems when parking forwards, as parking sensors are not available. In addition to the visibility problems on the front, visibility is also restricted when entering the motorway. Thanks to the very wide XL-B-pillar, there is only a small window for the driver to integrate into motorway traffic.
Solid base model
The motor integration into the running traffic works, however, solidly. The basic model with 75 kW / 102 PS and a 1.6 petrol engine is completely sufficient for families. The specified maximum speed of 180 km / h was only reached after a tough battle during the first test drives.
The 2.0 diesel and the dual gearbox are a little faster. Thanks to 140 HP there are no difficulties. The transmission taken from the VW group shelf, it is also used in the Golf GTI, but shows weaknesses on the platform of the XL. So constant jerks can be noticed, a better coordination is strongly recommended.
Show patience
The top engine version of the 2.0 TDI with 125 kW / 170 PS and a six-speed manual transmission is therefore ideal for the sporty driver. The gears can be shifted quickly. You just have to be patient when starting off in second gear, which is not uncommon when passing Spanish toll booths. The accelerator pedal is depressed, but the fuel supply is a little slow.
The Altea is also attractive because of its price. For the 1.6 liter gasoline engine, it starts at 17,990 euros. If you don't want to pay anymore, you have to hurry. Finally, from January 2007, three percent VAT will be added - prices will then start at 18,455 euros. The 2.0 diesel with DSG initially starts at 26,350 euros and exceeds the 27,000 mark on January 1, 2007. The top-of-the-range engine will also be located in this area from next year at EUR 27,185. In any case, the Spaniards have big plans for the XL. "We see ourselves with the XL in a league with the B-Class from Mercedes," Seat Vice President Giuseppe Tartaglione told Autonews24 at the Paris Motor Show.
