Seat Altea

The editorial write up is in error, the 1.9Tdi does not have a six speed gearbox. The PD engine fitted to this car is an out of date lemon, the 1.9 very noisy sluggish and underpowered. The fuel economy at 42-48mpg is very poor for a vehicle of this size and it has to be driven carefully to obtain it. The exhaust for a modern diesel is unforgivably sooty. The low end torque is considerably poorer than previous VAG 1.9Tdi's. If you try to get away from the lights quickly on a wet day you will find from wheelspin and a loud clatter from the transmission that the car that it needs an effective limited slip differential. The road handling is surprisingly precise for a tallish vehicle but this is at the sacrifice of a comfortable ride. The 'entertainment system' is poor, the sound only average and the radio fades in and out. The intrusive corner of centre consul can dig into the driver’s leg; the driving seat has to be adjusted to avoid this and the sound volume control is positioned where it can be knocked when manouvering. There are no rain channels between the bonnet and front wings, what flawed logic was this ? This means that dirt enters the engine compartment in wet weather water gets onto the wiring, which is directly underneath the open gaps. The inside of the car is durable and well screwed together. The front seating is firm and comfortable. Due to overall noise I have not found mine to be pleasant car for long distance motoring and at speeds above 65 mph or when using the air con. compressor the fuel consumption increases dramatically. Prone to dual mass flywheel,

I bought a 2 ltr diesel 08 reg Altea in February 2010. I was a very low mileage example in mint condition. It is my second Seat having owned an Ibiza Sport for two years. The altea does exactly what it says on the tin. It is one of the best cars I have owned and is perfect for my needs. Due to a neck problem I had problems getting my head down low enough to get into the Ibiza, no such problems with the Altea with it's high roof line. Getting my grand children in and out of their child seat in the back is also much easier. The only negative comment I would make is that the fuel consumption is nowhere near as good as Seat claim.

Brilliant car in so many ways, but the only drawback is the blindspot caused by the A pillar on the windscreen.