SEAT Altea XL (2007 – 2015) Review

SEAT Altea XL (2007 – 2015) At A Glance

3/5

+Longer than standard Altea. Very roomy inside and a huge boot. Decent amount of kit. Excellent crash test rating.

-Only five seats. Less versatile than a Renault Scenic. Ride quality not forgiving enough

Insurance Groups are between 10–21
On average it achieves 85% of the official MPG figure

Car seat chooser

Child seats that fit a SEAT Altea XL (2007 – 2015)

Our unique Car Seat Chooser shows you which child car seats will fit this car and which seat positions that they will fit, so that you don't have to check every car seat manufacturer's website for compatibility.

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Real MPG average for a SEAT Altea XL (2007 – 2015)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

85%

Real MPG

34–62 mpg

MPGs submitted

152

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

Satisfaction Index

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Ask Honest John

Can you suggest a replacement MPV for my Seat Altea XL?

"It's time to replace my Seat Altea XL. As they are no longer in production, what would be a suitable spacious economic replacement?"
The VW Touran is still in production and is a similar size and positioning. We'd also look at the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer (more expensive but posher), the Citroen Berlingo and the Dacia Jogger, which is a budget option but offers seven seats and plenty of space.
Answered by Lawrence Allan

DSG gearbox problems

"I have a SEAT Altea and the DSG 7 gear box completely failed (went from 4th to 1st). SEAT will not accept any responsibility even though the fault is not down to wear or tear. I have been quoted £6500 for repairs. I have been told that the failure is typical of incidents reported worldwide. What is this problem?"
The dry clutch DSG7 has had a lot of problems the commonest of which was due to having been filled with synthetic oil on the production line because when this gets very hot it becomes conductive and fuses the Mechatronics unit. The worldwide service bulletin was to replace the synthetic oil with mineral oil, but this only applied to DSG7 from 2010 to 2013. All dual clutch transmissions require a routine change of transmission fluid anyway every 3 - 4 years. The Altea XL is dated from 2007, but you did not state how old yours is. Supplier and manufacturer liability generally ends after 6 years. For a cheaper fix than the ridiculous £6500, tray a member of http://www.fedauto.co.uk
Answered by Honest John

Can you recommend a car with easy access?

"I am getting on in years and am not as flexible as I was. As a result I need to get a newer car with a higher riding position for access and egress. Will the SEAT Altea XL fulfil these requirements? "
The SEAT Altea XL is a stretched Altea. Still a five-seater but with increased luggage space. I'd also look at a Mazda 5 and a Ford C-Max. They are all 'walk-in' cars, best with flat unbolstered front seats.
Answered by Honest John

Which wheels can I fit to a SEAT Altea?

"I have a Seat Altea XL Stylance 19. TDi with 205/55/R16 wheels and have the opportunity to get a set of 195/65/R15 wheels. The motivation is my rims are very corroded and the free set is in brilliant condition (and as a bonus the tyres on the 195's are still very good as well). Is there is difference in circumference between these two sizes and would it make a significant difference if I put the 15-inch wheels on? "
The circumference should match almost perfectly, and the basic Altea 1.9TDI was on 15-inch wheels so they must fit around the front brakes and callipers.
Answered by Honest John
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