JUST five months after its presentation as a prototype at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the Seat Altea has become a reality, heralding a whole 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. It brings a new vehicle concept to the Seat range, the MSV (Multi Sports Vehicle), which marries innovative styling and sporty driving characteristics to compact mono-space values.

The Altea displays the new styling traits that will be seen on all of 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.

The Altea also brings new technology to Seat including 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.