SEAT’S Altea is neither an overaverage sized supermini nor a midi MPV but it avoids falling between two stools because it has all the flair in the world – as befits its Spanish pedigree.

Altea, say the manufacturers, is best called an MSV – an acronym for multi sports vehicle and its emphasis is very much on stylish design and sporty performance.

The concept, in which Seat received input from Volkswagen Group partners Audi, brings together some of the practical aspects associated with MPVs with the more emotional characteristics associated with the Iberian marque.

There are five doors and five seats and mainstream models offer a choice of specifications called Essence, Reference and Stylance with Reference also being available as a more stiffly suspended Sport.

There are six engines (three petrol, three diesel) all offering more 100 horsepower and recent additions to the line-up have been the 168 hp diesel-powered and 198 hp petrol FR variants.

To make absolutely sure the Altea doesn’t miss any market opportunity, Seat have, for 2007, also introduced a longer wheelbase variant called XL which is virtually a whole range of vehicles and which will ultimately also be available with half a dozen different engines.

Standard features across the range include ABS brakes, supported by switchable traction control and powered steering which is electro-mechanical and therefore energy-saving.

Basic comforts include electric front windows and a sixspeaker radio and CD player that’s MP3 compatible. The entry Essence, which costs £11,865 on the road, also has an immobiliser, remote central locking and a driver’s seat with height adjustment.

There are more than 30 different storage spaces and a two-tiered boot can take a minimum of 400 litres’ worth of luggage.

Stylance uses the same engines as Reference and also offers 2.0 litre petrol and diesel derivatives.

The petrol FSi unit linked to a sixspeed manual gearbox develops 148 horsepower. The EU4 compliant 2.0 litre turbo diesel initially tested is mated to the same box and develops 138 horsepower at 4,000 revs. Top speed is 125 mph and the car can move from standing to 60 mph in less than 10 seconds. Overall fuel consumption expectation is almost 50 miles per gallon.

Clever ideas abound in Altea: in particular the windscreen wipers are cunningly hidden in the A pillar when they aren’t in use.

The new XL models are longer than the mainstream vehicles by 18.7 cms and that means there is more boot capacity (up from 409 to 532 litres) and more space and flexibility for occupants.