The sportiest and most dynamic family car on the market has been revamped. The SEAT Altea 2009 range has received several improvements that make it even more attractive. Its exterior looks, interior appointments, equipment list and broad engine line-up make the León’s sibling the ideal choice for families on the move.
The new SEAT Altea 2009’s characteristic features are also immediately visible at the front and rear of the car. Besides, a side view reveals the newly-designed door mirrors and modern set of wheels.
The front end sports a newly-designed grille with a smaller SEAT brand logo and a more stylish chrome surround. The new front bumper is straighter, and houses the trapezoidal ventilation slats casing. The larger headlights are also new, making the front end look much sharper and wider. All of these modifications also allow the addition of new systems such as AFS headlights with daylight driving lights, cornering fog lights and front parking sensors.
But perhaps a look at the rear provides a better view of the tell-tale identity traits of the Altea 2009 models. The broader rear window stretches across the full width of the newly designed hatch and also provides much better visibility. The remaining elements are also new and include the light clusters, the smaller brand logo and the bumper. No change has been introduced on the rear light clusters of the Altea XL versions, and only the front end is different compared to the previous model. Meanwhile, the recently-launched Altea freetrack is identical outside.
The choice of body colours has been reviewed, favouring the addition of new shades such as nimbus grey, Esmeralda green or balea. Customers buying a new Altea can also choose from a total of 13 different body colours, while the Altea XL is available with 14.
It is quite clear the new SEAT Altea range is a cut above in terms of exterior design, and equally importantly, the quality of its manufacturing and the materials used. There are precisely fitted body parts and, on the inside, the brand’s quality is guaranteed thanks to the continuous improvement of all processes.
Significant changes in the interior
Even more changes can be seen on the interior of the Altea 2009 than on the exterior. Modifications have been made to the steering wheel, the controls, instrument cluster, central console, embellishers and seats, making the sportier-looking cockpit and passenger compartment much more modern and sophisticated, and increasing comfort for both driver and occupants.
The multi-function steering wheel and column have been completely redesigned. The four controls are now easier to use, as are the lights mechanism and the Climatic system, and are embellished in galena silver to match the steering wheel. The same silver colour is found on the ventilation bezels, except on the entry-level and Reference versions, which feature a combination of cometa grey and persia black. Customers can also choose the light colours on the Altea and Altea XL, featuring Arena beige combined with a zinc shade.
The upholstery has been changed on the central seat panels. The wide choice of fabrics now includes magma, urano grey, metallic cosmopolitan and catania. The central console houses the hazard warning light buttons and ESP disconnection with a new pictogram, the side lining of the central console features a storage net and the glove compartments of all the models have an inside light.
New features on the Altea freetrack range include a black coloured interior such as on the Sport trim level, replacing the previous brown shades.
One of the most visible differences can be seen on the instrument panel. Now it is backlit with white LEDs and is self-regulating, meaning the brightness varies according to the light in the passenger compartment. There are two kinds of instrument dials depending on the equipment level, either LCD or TFT. This last combination also includes arrow guidance together with the navigator, as well as instant information on driving speed in a digital format.
The models equipped with the common rail engine, and some of the petrol-powered models also include the recommended gear selection display, with an arrow that indicates when to change gears to achieve a more economical and ecological ride. Finally, the new radio, navigation and climate control systems all contribute to the new interior looks of the Altea 2009.
But where the new Altea certainly stands out is in its roominess and modularity. The interior dimensions can be modified according to need. Rear seat passengers can gain more room by sliding the seat bench back. The rear can also accommodate two passengers with a convenient armrest by folding down the middle backrest. More room can be gained in the boot by sliding the rear seat forward or folding it down.
The rear seat can slide 14 cm on the Altea and 16 cm on the Altea XL and freetrack, providing boot space of 510 litres on the Altea and 732 litres on the Altea XL. Besides, the new SEAT Altea and Altea XL each have more than 30 storage solutions for small objects.
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