29 Sep 06 13:44
Drivers are getting bigger and so are our cars: the Seat Altea is now to be offered in XL size. This version of Seat's sporty compact MPV answers criticisms that the Altea just doesn't have quite enough luggage space (and that the larger Toledo is just too oddball).
It's 18.7cm longer and has a boot capacity of 532 litres, or 635 litres with the rear seats moved forwards. Total luggage space is up to 1604 litres with the rear seats folded flat, and the increased rear cabin-room means that the rear seats can be moved 2cm further back than in the standard Altea.
The Altea XL will feature new-design rear lights, and standard roof bars; it will come with the 105bhp 1.9 TDI, 140bhp 2.0 TDI and 170bhp 2.0 TDI diesel engines, and the 100bhp 1.6, 150bhp 2.0 FSI (with Tiptronic gearbox) and - for the first time in an Altea - 160bhp 1.8T FSI petrol engines. More details on specification and pricing will be released nearer to the launch; the Altea XL goes on sale in the UK in early 2007.
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