When Seat launched the Altea in June 2004 both public and press struggled to know what to make of it. Tall like an MPV but handling like a hatchback, Seat had created a new category of car, the multi-sport vehicle.

Based on the platform of the new Golf, the Altea came with a good pedigree. Shared use of Volkswagen engines also meant it promised reliable and frugal power, and thanks to Seat’s aggressive pricing and cool styling it looked like an attractive alternative to many of the mainstream offerings.

Three years on and the Altea’s success may have been a little muted, but the fact remains that for the shrewd buyer it now represents a great secondhand bargain.

Unlike some MPVs that offer five reasonable seats and the possibility of a couple of occasional chairs in the boot space the Seat prefers to transport fewer people in greater comfort, its generous headroom and ample legroom creating the perfect environment for four large adults. There are more than 30 storage compartments, including underfloor cubbyholes, a parcel shelf that will hide an umbrella, and a glove box that will accommodate a small family.

Boot space is a not inconsiderable 409 litres and that can be increased by sliding the rear seat, an idea pioneered by Citroën with its ZX in the early 1990s but one largely overlooked until recently by other car makers.

At launch the Altea’s power came courtesy of two petrol and two diesel units, the 1.6 litre petrol producing a touch over 100bhp and a 2 litre offering 150bhp. With near identical fuel consumption there is little advantage in buying a 1.6 on the grounds of economy, although a higher level of specification and trim means that early examples of the 2 litre can cost as much as £2,000 more than the 1.6.

But if fuel economy is a concern then look towards a diesel. Again Seat offered just two initially, a 1.9 litre TDI with 105bhp and a 2 litre TDI with 140bhp. Predictably it is the 2 litre that offers the greater driving pleasure, and when mated with the optional “semi manual” DSG gearbox you can enjoy the ease of driving normally associated with an automatic combined with the fuel economy of a manual.

As a testament to their popularity these DSG transmission cars command a £900 premium over the more common manual versions, an identical amount to the difference when new.

Handling is perhaps the Altea’s greatest asset. The car may look a little high-sided but it still feels glued to the road. Find yourself one of the Sport versions, with lowered stiffened suspension, and you can have some fun with other road users who may mistake you for a more pedestrian MPV.

Interior trim is something of a mishmash, with premium quality touches such as the chrome door handles and high spec stereo battling it out with hard plastic trim and dowdy fabrics. But on the whole time has proven the Seat’s interior to be both durable and practical.

Equipment levels are on the high side of average for a car of its price, with all models enjoying air-conditioning or climate control, traction control and multiple airbags.

As you move up through the range the middle-spec Stylance adds cruise control, alloy wheels and remote central locking while the top spec Sport gains an extra ratio on the gearbox, a pair of remarkably comfortable sports seats and modified suspension. While some buyers may find the car’s firmer ride not to their taste there is no denying its obvious handling advantage.

Servicing and maintaining your used Altea need not be an onerous task. Seat dealers are generally friendly and offer labour rates a little lower than VW’s, even for models that are technically similar.

The Altea multi-sport vehicle may have been a little slower to catch on than Seat had hoped but if you get the chance to take one for a test drive you will start to understand why it was an idea worth pursuing.

Safety An impressive Euro NCAP score with five stars for adult occupants, four stars for child occupants and three stars for pedestrian safety

Visibility Good forward and side visibility but the car’s high rump restricts the view through the rear screen

Engine Timing belt tensioners should be

Seats Sport models come with well-sculpted sports seats that offer great support

Steering Power-assisted electromechanical rack and pinion setup alters the amount of assistance depending on road conditions and speed

Gearbox Gearstick mounted high on the dashboard falls easily to hand, but it is the semi-automatic DSG option that impresses most

Vital statistics

Model Seat Altea 2.0 TDi Sport

Engine 1968cc, four cylinders

Power 140bhp

Transmission Six-speed semi-manual

Fuel 47.1mpg (combined)

Acceleration 0-62mph: 9.8 sec

Top speed 125mph

The one to buy

Seat Altea 2.0 TDi Sport DSG 2004 04 with 40,000 miles. Pay £9,950 at a Seat dealer or £9,000 privately

Values

Mileage 10,000 20,000 40,000

2004 04

Trade £9,825 £9,275 £8,150

Retail £11,650 £11,095 £9,950

2005 05

Trade £11,000 £10,350 £9,075

Retail £12,795 £12,150 £10,895

2006 06

Trade £12,350 £11,600 £10,400

Retail £14,150 £13,395 £12,195

Or for similar money

2005 54 Mercedes-Benz A 160 CDI 2005 54 Toyota Corolla Verso 2.0 D4D 2005 05 Golf Plus 1.9 TDI PD 2005 55 Ford C-Max 2.0 TDCi 2006 06 Citroën Picasso 2.0 HDi