Used SEAT Altea for sale
The SEAT Altea is a family-friendly compact MPV best known for its distinctive style and solid practicality.
The SEAT Altea is a family-friendly compact MPV best known for its distinctive style and solid practicality.
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Overall rating 4.5/5Spacious inside and based on reliable VW technology, it stands out as a value-packed choice for those needing flexibility without fuss. Built from 2004 until 2015 (including the larger Altea XL), it brought a sporty design and solid Volkswagen Group engineering to the small MPV sector. A 2009 facelift improved interior quality and added newer, more efficient engines, keeping it competitive against rivals like the Ford C-MAX and VW Golf Plus. Compared with other MPVs, the Altea has a sharper look, good handling for its class and an engine range that includes frugal diesels and punchy turbo petrols. It comes equipped with 5 seats rather than seven. The boot is large and practical, and if you need even more space, the XL version delivers a bigger luggage area. Key features include a versatile sliding rear seat, decent safety kit and accessible running costs, thanks to shared parts with VW and Skoda models.
All SEAT Altea models come with a solid list of safety features, such as six airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability control and traction control. The Altea earned five stars from Euro NCAP for occupant safety, giving extra peace of mind for family use. Later cars add extras like rear parking sensors and auto-dimming mirrors.
Across its production, the Altea offered a broad range: 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrols (including TSi turbos), reliable 1.9 and 2.0-litre TDi diesels, and the efficient 1.6 TDi in later years. The Altea XL and Freetrack added further choice. Diesels suit high-mileage drivers, while petrols are smoother and cheaper to buy.
The Altea’s standard kit varies by year and trim. Earlier models get basics like electric windows, air-con and CD/MP3 audio. Later and higher-spec cars add cruise control, dual-zone air conditioning, Bluetooth, and on SE Copa trims, a five-inch touchscreen with sat-nav and DAB radio. More basic versions are, as ever, more spartan.
Fuel economy depends on engine and model year. The 1.6 TDi Ecomotive tops the range for efficiency, returning up to 62.8mpg combined and low CO2 emissions. Most diesels offer 50–57mpg, while petrol versions average between 40 and 50mpg. Real-world figures depend on driving style and traffic.
On any used SEAT Altea, listen for cabin squeaks and check the electronics – especially cruise control, gearboxes and dashboard warning lights. Diesel engines need routine cambelt changes. Early cars sometimes suffer ABS faults. For extra peace of mind, arrange a checkup from The AA Vehicle Inspection.
Generally, the Seat Altea is sound, thanks to widespread Volkswagen parts used throughout. Most engines are robust with regular servicing, though some owners have reported minor interior niggles and the occasional issue with electrics or trim. Later cars are especially reliable if well maintained.