Seat Altea XL: Size matters

Spanish Seat returns to Russia after a year and a half of absence, and with a noticeably updated and expanded model range. At our disposal was one of the largest representatives of the family — the Altea XL.

Representatives of the Russian office of Seat are noticeably upset when their products are compared with Volkswagen or Skoda. They tirelessly emphasize: the Spanish brand is part of the sports wing of the VW concern, on a par with Audi and even Lamborghini. True, the Seat model line itself is so far limited only to versions on the Audi A3 and Volkswagen Golf V platforms, as well as cars based on the small Volkswagen Polo. For Audi, this is only a starting point, and there is nothing to say about Lamborghini.

To test the validity of the Spaniards' ambitions and their chances of gaining a foothold with us, we conducted a test drive of the eldest in the family — the Altea XL compact MPV. More expensive than it can only be the all-wheel drive version Altea 4 Freetrack with increased ground clearance.

Honestly, the combination "XL" itself evokes rather negative associations in me: I immediately imagine either ladies of large dimensions, or cars designed to compensate for the shortcomings of the owner's character. However, the Altea XL managed to make a pleasant impression on me already at the first meeting in the showroom. The embossed lines of the hood and sides distinguish the car from the general flow. Even in Europe, where automotive diversity is great, Spanish models attract attention — especially in the signature bright yellow version. The secret here is in the expressive appearance created by Walter de Silva, whom Volkswagen lured away from Alfa Romeo. It was he who came up with the Alfa 156 family and the Alfa 147 hatchback. First, de Silva completely updated the appearance of the Spanish brand, and now he is engaged in the redesign of the more restrained Audi, giving it the TT, R8, A5 and the newest A4.

Our test got an Altea XL in burgundy color — just what is needed for a large family car. Not too flashy, but without boredom. Except that the standard rear lights betray kinship with the German "donors", and with whom exactly — with the Golf or Audi A3 — let everyone decide for themselves.

The interior of the Seat at first glance seems even more interesting than that of the "Germans": spectacular, slightly inflated lines form their own cockpit around the driver, reminiscent of BMW or even Audi R8. But the quality of the plastic disappointed: the entire front panel is absolutely rigid, although outwardly it looks attractive and even imitates carbon. I personally like this interior, but it does not really fit with the declared status of "close relative of Audi", especially since the price obliges to treat the finish more seriously. For the $42,000 that they ask for the tested copy with an options package, it is quite possible to choose a well-equipped Audi A4 Avant station wagon or Volkswagen Touran with an engine of similar power and similar equipment.

Getting behind the wheel of any of the Seats of the Lion/Toledo/Altea series, you immediately rest your eyes on the bright red sports backlight of the instruments. As befits a sports car, the central place is given to the tachometer, to the right of it is the speedometer. Moreover, in the zero position, the arrows of both devices look vertically down — another hello to Italian design. The steering column switches are overloaded in German: they have control of the on-board computer and cruise control. Even less convenient is the radio with navigation, which, moreover, is not adapted for Russia. Fortunately, both the radio, and 17-inch wheels, and rotating headlights are options that can be easily abandoned, saving well. But the range of adjustment of the driver's seat pleased: you can choose either a high, almost bus-like seating position, or a low, sports one. Both options are convenient and do not cause trouble on a long journey.

Compared to the regular Altea, the XL version has become longer by 187 mm, but solely due to the rear overhang. The wheelbase remained unchanged, which means that the space for rear passengers did not increase — it does not reach the promised Extra-Large here. Two people in the back are quite free, but without much space, and the third passenger will be hindered by a massive central tunnel. Recall that the Altea XL is also available with all-wheel drive — in this case it bears the name FreeTrack.

But the trunk is really huge. Thanks to the sliding rear sofa, its volume varies from 532 to 635 liters, and with the sofa folded — up to 1604 liters. Among 5-seat compact MPVs, this is one of the best results. Theoretically, a third row of seats could be placed here, as in the Volkswagen Touran, but the shape of the Altea roof is not very suitable for passengers of the "gallery".

It turns out that the choice of XL is justified primarily for those who are going to use the car for trips to the country or long trips with a lot of luggage. For the city, a more compact "just-Altea" will be more practical: its interior is the same, and parking is easier.

On the move, the Altea XL showed itself from the best side — the tall body obediently follows the steering wheel, and the electric power steering is almost ideal. In the parking lot, the steering wheel is weightless, and with speed it fills with a pleasant effort. The suspension is perfectly adapted to Russian realities: moderately stiff, confidently dampens rolls, without allowing either pitching or breakdowns. In this regard, the Seat really resembles the Audi A3, which, in turn, differs little from the VW Golf...

The power unit is also well known to us — we have already tested it on the A3. For family needs, it is quite suitable, but the "automatic" sometimes annoys with thoughtfulness, as if confused in its six gears. The transmission is tuned for economy and hurries to engage sixth gear as soon as possible, and responds to any attempt to accelerate with a second pause. The sport mode saves: in the city it helps perfectly, but outside the city it tires with increased noise.

Returning the Altea XL to the dealer, I sincerely wished the sellers good luck. The base version with a 102-horsepower 1.6-liter engine costs $26,490, and for alloy wheels, climate control, rain and light sensors and other little things you will have to pay another $1,500. The equipment will be quite decent, but the engine... A more reasonable 150-horsepower version with a 2-liter engine and "automatic" will cost $34,990. And for lovers of thrills, there is a 163-horsepower modification 1.8 TFSI with a 6-speed "mechanics" for $32,990. With such prices, it is difficult to count on mass sales. There will, of course, be enthusiasts who will like de Silva's bright design, but hardly many. That is why Seat is already thinking about revising prices downward. If the car becomes cheaper by at least $2,000-3,000, it will be possible to talk about the emergence of a "people's Audi" capable of occupying the niche of the "people's Volkswagen", freed up after the significant rise in price of Skoda.

Text: Leonid Pavlov