The SEAT Altea is a compact MPV produced by Spanish automaker SEAT and named after Altea, Spain. The vehicle was designed by the Italian Walter de'Silva and launched in 2004 as the first example of SEAT's new corporate look. The current Toledo is identical except for the addition of a larger boot; another extended version, the Altea XL is also available (having been first presented at the 2006 Paris Motor Show).

The Altea was released a few years after many of its competitors arriving on the scene, but it was expected to sell well. However, it exceeded expectations and 31,223 Alteas were sold within the first year.

It is a family-oriented five-seater which attempts to portray a more sporty image than most of its rivals. The car is based on Volkswagen's A platform. An unusual design feature is the 'vertical parked' windscreen wipers, they disappear in to the window surround either side of the screen. The effect is a completely cleanly swept windscreen but does mean the 'A pillars' are rather wide and cause a bit of a blind spot.

It has a five star EuroNCAP rating. There are six trim levels: Essence (no longer available in the UK), Reference, Reference Sport, Stylance, Sport (no longer available in the UK) and FR. Eleven engines are available, with the range-topping 2.0 FR TDI delivering 170 bhp (127 kW), available since April 2006. There are four gearboxes available (depending on market and engine); five or six-speed manual, five-speed tiptronic and six-speed Direct-Shift Gearbox.

Despite being visually very similar to the Toledo upon which it is based, the Altea has sold very well in the UK and has proved itself more popular than the Toledo.

View also:
Seat Exeo - Seat Ibiza - Seat León - Seat Tango - Seat Tribu - Seat Bocanegra - Seat Classic - Seat Córdoba - Seat Cupra GT

Check out the Seat Altea wallpapers and Seat Altea Pictures (pics) collection below: