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SEAT Altea XL (2007-2015) review

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Parkers overall rating: 4 out of 54.0

At a glance

Price new £13,885 - £21,845
Used prices £530 - £5,166
Road tax cost £35 - £415
Insurance group 10 - 21
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Fuel economy Not tested to latest standards
Range 375 - 750 miles
Number of doors 5
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Available fuel types

Petrol

Diesel

Pros & cons

PROS

Loads of room inside, enjoyable to drive, punchy yet frugal diesel engines, good value, Ecomotive model available

CONS

Not as flexible as some people carriers, lacks the style of the standard Altea, no seven seat option

Written by David Ross Published: 6 June 2019

Overview

The Altea XL is a jumbo-size version of SEAT’s popular and distinctive five seat people carrier. It’s almost 19cm longer than the standard car and although this doesn’t sound a lot, it substantially increases space in the rear, so both passenger legroom and boot space are increased. Aside from that, the Altea XL is the same in every department, so that means you get a range of powerful and efficient petrol and diesel engines, generous amounts of equipment and – for a people carrier – a good drive.

It was revised in 2009 with some subtle exterior tweaks and new engines. However, the biggest changes came inside where the interior was given a more upmarket feel and look. In 2010 an Ecomotive model was introduced which has impressive fuel economy and low CO2 emissions, making it very cheap to run.