SEAT’S Altea was one of the most unusual cars to be introduced last year. It’s neither an over-average 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 partners Audi, brings together some of the practical aspects associated with MPVs with the more emotional characteristics associated with the marque.

There are five doors and five seats and mainstream models offer a choice of three specifications, one with a sport line, and four engines (two petrol, two diesel) all offering more 100 horsepower output. Recently announced was a 168 hp dieselpowered FR and this will also be given a 198 hp petrol unit soon. And next year we’ll see the introduction of the longer wheelbase XL.

Standard features across the current 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, a six-speaker 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. Next up Reference offers a choice of 1.6 litre petrol or 1.9 litre turbo diesel engines and both have a five-speed manual gearbox. Reference with the 1.6 petrol engine costs £12,365. The 1.9 TDi diesel costs £13,365. There are also more stiffly suspended sport derivatives of this model.

Stylance uses the same engines as Reference and also offers 2.0 litre petrol and diesel derivatives. The petrol FSi unit linked to a six-speed manual gearbox develops 148 horsepower. The  EU4 compliant 2.0 litre turbo diesel is mated to the same box and develops 138 horsepower at 4,000 revs. Top speed claim is 125 mph and the car can move from standing to 60 mph in less than 10 seconds. Fuel consumption expectation is a wholly acceptable 50 miles per gallon.

Stylance also gains extra equipment in the form of two-zone climate control, an eight-speaker audio system with  controls on the steering wheel, cruise control, 16 inch seven-spoke alloy wheels, illuminated sun-visor mirrors, height and lumbar adjustable passenger seat and leather steering wheel and gear knob. Stylance 1.6 costs £13,365 while the TDi is £1,000 more. With the FSi a Tiptronic unit is available and with the TDi the latest DSG gearbox at £17,295 is an alternative. DSG offers the facility of quicker autochanges by way of a unit that’s made up of two three-speed boxes.

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