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The Altea Ecomotive is powered by a conventional 1.6-litre TDI which, despite this model’s green credentials, produces the same 105PS and 250Nm (184lb/ft) as SEAT’s non-Ecomotive 1.6 TDI. As is often the case with modern diesels, this 5-sp manual’s performance figures – 0-62 in 12.2 secs, 114mph max – don’t properly reflect the car’s low- and mid-range punch. It may be green it can still zoom away from the lights, and it provides a relaxed drive at motorway speeds. There’s a gearshift indicator to further assist efficient driving, and I was also impressed by the progressive clutch action which allows for particularly smooth driving.

SEAT is still busy forging itself a sporty reputation while selling cars to younger buyers than any other brand in Europe, and the ride characteristics of some of the sportier SEATs is indeed pretty youthful, or in other words, firm. This is not the case with the Altea which offers a well-controlled and compliant ride but without being wallowy or under-damped. The energy-efficient, speed-sensitive, electro-mechanical power steering is well-weighted and responsive, while the brakes (which harness braking energy and send it to the alternator thus reducing engine load) are powerful with good feel.

Following a brief test drive it wouldn’t be right to make definitive statements about quality, but based on this and previous, longer-term experiences with other Alteas, I’ve no cause to suspect that anything is amiss. The fit, finish, feel and quality of plastics and materials are all up to par. Of the 27 manufacturers in the 2010 JD Power Vehicle Ownership Satisfaction Study, SEAT scored the same 781 points as last year. This places the brand slightly below this year’s industry average, rather than just above, where it was last year, but a 3yr/60,000m mechanical warranty with a two-year Europe-wide rescue service should bring peace of mind.

In Euro NCAP tests the Altea earned itself the full five stars for occupant protection, fours stars for child protection and three for pedestrian protection. Switchable TCS (Traction Control System) is standard across the range as is the latest generation ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) with EBA (Emergency Brake Assist). In addition to the active safety features, the Altea is equipped with six airbags on all versions: two at the front, two side and twin curtain. Security features include remote central locking with deadlocks, a volumetric alarm with back-up horn, an engine immobiliser, child locks, auto-lock/unlock doors and an interior central locking control button.

Though a 5-seater (some other similarly-sized MPVs seat six or seven) the high-roofed Altea is cleverly designed. With over 30 storage compartments (there’s even one in the rear parcel shelf), bottle and cup holders, umbrella straps, fastening rings and hooks, the boot features a two-tiered floor and the whole rear seat slides forward by 14cm to increase boot space further. Capacity rises from 409 litres to a max of 1,320 depending on how the seats and other items are configured.

Standard equipment on the £18,025 otr SE-spec Ecomotive includes dual-zone climate control, cruise control, electric windows front and rear, an MP3-compatible CD audio system with ‘aux’ inputs and a trip computer. My leather-trimmed test car was also loaded with over £2,500-worth of options too numerous to list. Fuel consumption is quoted at 62.8mpg combined, along with just 119g/km of CO2 (£0 annual VED in the first year, rising to £30 thereon) and group 13E insurance. All’s fine then, but potential customers should be aware that Ecomotive technology comes at a price, in this case £18,025 otr, and that price may not be offset by a less costly, non-Ecomotive Altea.

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