Seat Altea XL 2.0 TDI 140 CV, road test (Equipment, prices and assessment)

After several days with the Seat Altea XL we conclude our review with the third part of the test. We tested it with the two-litre diesel engine producing 140 CV, a topic we covered in the first part of the test, where we looked at handling, consumption and performance.

In the second part of the test we focused on its exterior and interior design. It is a five-seat MPV with plenty of interior space and many practical solutions for storing our belongings inside. Now we arrive at the third part, where we look at the equipment, trim levels, prices and our overall assessment of the Seat Altea XL.

Equipment

It is essential to begin this review with the safety equipment fitted to an Altea XL. Even the base trim (Reference) already offers six airbags, stability control, traction control, ABS with emergency brake assist, and tyre pressure monitoring. It is a fairly complete safety specification and, looking at the Euro NCAP tests, the Altea XL was not tested by Euro NCAP, but the Altea, which is the same model in terms of chassis and safety, was.

The tests carried out in 2004 already awarded it five stars. At that time it was the first Seat to achieve five stars. Furthermore, Euro NCAP’s comments on the tests note that the car remained stable in the frontal impact, and even that the doors opened normally after the impact. Therefore, although it is a veteran model, it was up to date in terms of safety.

The equipment levels are as follows: Reference, Style and Copa (linked to the Reference or Style). Our model was a Copa Style, which brings the equipment to its maximum level, with the satellite navigation system among other items fitted as standard. But even from the base trim we already have air conditioning as standard, 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, or a CD MP3 radio with AUX input.

The most interesting option is to combine the Copa trim with the Reference or Style, as this gives us more equipment at a reduced price. The Copa Reference adds electric mirrors, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth and specific upholstery, while the Copa Style adds the navigation system and 17-inch wheels.

I particularly want to focus on the navigation system, which Seat calls Media 2.1 but is actually called RNS310. It includes navigation and touch-operated controls for all functions, as well as Bluetooth and an AUX/USB input. It is a very complete system in terms of features and it is genuinely worth it if we want an integrated navigation system at an affordable price.

The xenon headlights on our unit were the only optional element not included in the equipment of the Altea XL Copa Style.

Prices

(it is advisable to check the website or dealership, as a promotion of 3,000 euros for your old car is currently running and is not included in these prices)

–Petrol Seat Altea XL range from (available 1.2 TSI 105 CV, 1.6 102 CV, 1.4 TSI 125 CV and 1.8 TSI 160 CV):

• Altea XL Reference from 17,150 euros (1.2 TSI 105 CV)
• Altea XL Style from 18,800 euros (1.2 TSI 105 CV)
• Altea XL Copa Reference from 17,700 euros (1.2 TSI 105 CV)
• Altea XL Copa Style from 19,470 euros (1.2 TSI 105 CV)

–Diesel Seat Altea XL range from (available 1.6 TDI 105 and 2.0 TDI 140 CV):

• Altea XL Emotion (1.6 TDI 105 CV engine only) 17,250 euros (no alloy wheels, A/C)
• Altea XL Reference from 19,750 euros (1.6 TDI 105 CV)
• Altea XL Style from 21,250 euros (1.6 TDI 105 CV)
• Altea XL Copa Reference from 20,228 euros (1.6 TDI 105 CV)
• Altea XL Copa Style from 21,894 euros (1.6 TDI 105 CV)

-Tested unit: Seat Altea XL 2.0 TDI 140 CV Copa Style with bi-xenon headlights, with a final price of 24,761 euros (the current 3,000-euro promotional discount would need to be deducted).

Overall Assessment

I want to begin the assessment by mentioning the diesel engine, since if we drive more calmly our best option may be the 1.6 TDI of 105 CV. I say this because the Altea XL with 140 CV goes really well, with more than enough power, but we must not forget that we are dealing with an MPV and in many cases that much power is not really necessary.

That said, if we normally carry the car loaded or like the car to respond without hesitation when we press the accelerator pedal, then it is a good candidate. One detail we liked about the Altea XL is its handling: despite its size, it shows no excessive body roll.

The exterior design already shows its age, but it is not completely outdated and still retains its interior practicality. The only drawback is that it does not offer seven seats, but at least the five seats are comfortable, plus a boot that exceeds 500 litres.

In terms of equipment, one of the most complete options is the Copa Reference, which adds dual-zone climate control and Bluetooth, giving us a very well-equipped MPV at an attractive price. Furthermore, if we want full equipment we can opt for the Copa Style, where there is practically nothing more to add.

In short, an interesting car for its space, complete equipment and a very good starting price for the times we live in.

Photos | Diego G. Moreira