SEAT Unveils Production Altea MPV

Just five months after its presentation as a prototype at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the SEAT Altea has become a reality, heralding a new generation of SEAT models. It is the first vehicle to be completely developed within the Audi Brand Group since it was established in 2002, bringing a new vehicle concept to the SEAT range, the MSV (Multi Sports Vehicle), which marries SEAT performance to the compact MPV. The Altea will be manufactured exclusively at SEAT's Martorell factory and will have its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2004.

The Altea displays the new styling traits that will be seen on all SEAT's future models: the large radiator grille, expressive almond-shaped headlamps and the "dynamic line" which runs from the front wheel arch over the doors to the rear wheel. Highlighting the Altea's profile, this line was created by Walter de'Silva, SEAT's Design Director, and will be a characteristic of all new SEAT cars. The strength of the Altea's design lies in its compact, sporty look that tells little of the exceptional roominess inside for all five passengers. While not as long, low and wide as the Altea Prototipo, the 4280 mm long, 1770 mm wide and 1570 mm high production model is still wider than most compact MPV's, longer than any 5-seat monospace and lower than any compact MPV since the original 1983 Mitsubishi Chariot (Nimbus or Space Wagon in export markets). Luggage space in the two-tiered boot is over 400 liters, an adequate, if not an exceptional figure for it's class.

The Altea also brings new technology to SEAT including direct-injection FSi engines, a dual-clutch DSG gearbox, new front suspension, multi-link rear axle, electro-mechanical steering gear, and individual driver and passenger air conditioning. An exclusive SEAT development is windscreen wipers that are hidden in the A pillar.

Engine	Power	Transmission
1.6 L FSI	102 PS (75 kW)
1.9 L TDi	105 PS (77 kW)
2.0 L FSi	150 PS (110 kW)	six-speed auto / Tiptronic
2.0 L 16V TDi	140 PS (103 kW)	six-speed sequential DSG

The Altea has a comprehensive level of active safety with ABS, TCS, ESP and the built-in emergency braking system (EBA). These, together with its new electro-mechanical power steering and new chassis with SEAT's agile chassis technology, guarantee stability and exceptional road handling. A new arrangement where the rear disc brake callipers are in front of the disc, greatly enhances braking stability.

The Altea will be the first SEAT model to be sold in the EU equipped as standard with driver and passenger airbag, side airbag and head airbag, as well as three-point anchoring on all seatbelts, front seatbelts with pyrotechnic pre-tensioners and rear seats with the ISOFIX system for child seats.