SEAT Altea Hatchback (2004-2015) running costs and reliability

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Running costs rating: 3 out of 53.0

Written by David Ross Published: 6 June 2019

Miles per pound (mpp)

Reliable fuel consumption data for comparison purposes is not available for this model.

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Fuel economy

A more stringent standard for fuel economy (WLTP) was introduced from September 2017, and this model was not required to undergo that test. Its fuel economy measured under the previous test system was 31 - 62 mpg. However these figures are less likely to be achievable in real world driving and so should never be compared to another car's mpg which was measured under the newer, more realistic WLTP system.

View mpg & specs for any version

Insurance is good – groups range from 5 to 9 for standard models (or 11 to 13 for the FR) and fuel economy is especially impressive from the diesels. However, the Altea is quite expensive if viewed as a five-seat hatchback, so expect used prices to fall to the level of a traditional family hatch if you’re selling on. Service intervals could be further apart, but at least SEAT dealers tend to offer reasonable labour rates.

The Altea scores well on the eco front. With an average of 177g/km CO2 across the model line-up, its emissions are quite low for a people carrier. The 1.9 TDI is very frugal – it can return 52mpg and emits 146g/km of CO2, but it’s outdone by the Ecomotive version, introduced in March 2010. It emits just 119g/km of CO2, making it cheap to tax, while averaging 63mpg.

The materials used inside the Altea are good quality and the mechanicals are mostly from proven Volkswagens, so there should be few – if any problems.