Taking pride of place on the SEAT stand is the Altea Prototipo. As the name suggests, this is more a production prototype than a concept, and is due to be launched in a very similar guise to the show car in 2004.

Based on the Salsa, shown at Geneva in 2000, the Altea is designated MSV (Multi Sport Vehicle) and will sit alongside the Ibiza and Leon as a key model in the SEAT range. The Altea introduces several new design cues that set the standards for the future look of the SEAT range such as the distinctive line flowing up from the headlights and then down across both doors towards the rear wheel (which happens to be a gigantic 19 inches).

In fact SEAT have made great efforts to achieve maximum streamlining - the wipers park inside the a-pillars, which is a novel touch. The rear wiper and eye-level brake light are concealed beneath the rear spoiler. Unusually there are actually no perceptible seams anywhere on the car apart from where the doors, boot and bonnet fit. It is noticeable however that the exterior styling has borrowed more than a little from Alfa Romeo - the rear door handles are concealed in the C-pillar and the boot lock is integrated with the rear badge.

The front features new 'cat-eyes'; as well as the shape of the lights, this refers to the variable iris in the headlights which works like the iris of a camera to achieve either dipped beam or main beam. Main beam is sufficiently strong to make fog lamps unnecessary. The sidelights and indicators use 'Luxeon' LEDs.

The interior is referred to as '2+2', but this isn't in the sense of a sports coupe, rather referring to the fact that the rear seat configuration is similar to the front with two clearly defined seats rather than the usual bench arrangement. These seats recline, and fold to increase load space if required. There is interior 'mood lighting', which can be adjusted to suit the passengers' preferences. The dashboard is constructed from two layers - the main part is grey, and the lining on the instrument panel, console and armrests is a black, laser cut material with a three-dimensional finish similar to carbon fibre. The visor over the instrument panel, steering wheel, console side trim and seat side strips are black leather. Finally a few parts, such as the steering wheel spokes, levers, ventilation nozzles, slide-out boot mouldings (for easy loading of luggage) and switches around the navigation screen are fabricated in unpolished aluminium. The centre console features an integrated drinks dispenser, and the rear seats feature a built-in, folding screen for DVDs or computer games.

A 2.0-litre FSI engine powers the Altea, delivering 150 bhp through a six-speed Tiptronic gearbox. This is the first direct injection engine to appear in a SEAT model.

The chassis is completely new, but shares several components with the new Audi A3 and carries across the DSR (Dynamic Steering Response) of previous models. This modulates the power steering according to road and steering speed.

Suspension is independent all round with McPherson struts at the front and a new multilink arrangement at the rear. The shock absorbers are stiffer than normally found in this class, but the coils are more flexible to compensate. The centre of gravity has been made as low as possible to improve stability and handling.

The car is a pleasing design, successfully projecting the distinctive SEAT characteristics into the future. Nowadays it's becoming increasingly difficult for cars to maintain a unique identity, but SEAT has managed to produce a very attractive people carrier (itself no mean feat), which looks both sporty and futuristic. We have no doubt it will be a top-seller when it launches next year.

Adam Jefferson - 16 Sep 2003