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View Full Version : Drove two Altea's today


djawol
04-07-2004, 22:17
A 1.6 base model and a 2.0 150FSi Sport.

Drove the 1.6 first. Like the interior and the soft touch plastics, thought it looked good. The car looks better in certain colours, in my opinion it looks better in metallic blue and best in the metallic red that the concept was in.

It drove well, the 1.6 didn't seem to be struggling, did only have 30 miles on it too so I'm sure it will loosen. The power steering was quite light but the driving position was good, lumbar support even on this model and I was comfortable straight away.

Next the Sport. Lots of kit, dual zone climate etc. Really supportive seats, better than the Leon, really grippy. The ride was noticeably harder but not harsh. The power steering was quite light, however at 40mph it tightened up nicely, this adaptive powersteering did mean steering wheel feel was a bit vague.
The engine was good, still only 60 miles or so but was pretty nippy. Was very economical too when cruising in sixth. Took it through Seven Bends (guess how it got its name?) and it performed well, lots of grip and not a lot of roll. Felt I was driving something quite small and nimble.

I wanted to drive the 2.0 TDI Sport but the queue was silly, oh and there were no DSG's there which would have made me wait around to try it.

I think SEAT will sell a lot of these. Thanks to Amethyst for the invite.

Cheers
Andy

mark sheerin
04-07-2004, 22:29
I'm sure in their market segment they will do well....afterall the picasso sells and its a bloody ugly thing...
The Altea looks better in the metal but still a bit dissapointed the concept wasn't kept original.
A pillar vision obstruction remains a worry with me though...quite a hefty 2 o clock blindspot...could easily hide a pedestrian or even a bus!

Still hoping for something sportier from the Leon...quality and finish do look good though.

LDoR
04-07-2004, 23:19
How did the steering 'feel' compare with the LCR. I like the meatyness of the LCRs steering (although my past 6 months in the gym have diminished that somewhat :)) as it feel much more connected with the tyres. I worry that the Alteas clever new steering will make it feel like a Civic which is just so light.

Stoner
05-07-2004, 07:09
A 1.6 base model and a 2.0 150FSi Sport.
Took it through Seven Bends (guess how it got its name?) and it performed well, lots of grip and not a lot of roll. Felt I was driving something quite small and nimble.



One of my favourite stretchs of road. Drive along it every time I go to and from Cheltenham. Famous for it's array of crumpled bushes!

djawol
05-07-2004, 18:09
How did the steering 'feel' compare with the LCR.

It feels very light at parking speeds and then weights up at about 35mph. However, it's definitely not LCR heavy and you certainly don't get the feel like you do in the Leon, it feels almost remote.

djawol
05-07-2004, 18:09
One of my favourite stretchs of road. Drive along it every time I go to and from Cheltenham. Famous for it's array of crumpled bushes!

:) I certainly didn't throw the Altea around too much.

However, I've come close in a car or two before now. :redface:

Cheers
Andy

Black R
08-07-2004, 19:53
One of my favourite stretchs of road. Drive along it every time I go to and from Cheltenham. Famous for it's array of crumpled bushes!


what they wanna do is resurface it .. then it will be one hell of a cool road!! bit of a suspension batterer at the mo