Reducing response time between the steering wheel and the car's reaction guarantees excellent control. And it is more than just a sensation: the XL turns in surprisingly fast, with hardly any body roll, despite its relatively high chassis.

This is achieved by careful tuning of springs and dampers, specific tyres with a lower slip angle and variable assistance electro-mechanical steering.

SEAT Altea XL also offers TCS (Traction Control System) as standard. This system works with the engine in order to prevent the wheels slipping when accelerating on slippery surfaces. The XL also features the latest generation ESP (Electronic Stability Programme), which detects braking effectiveness on each wheel and adjusts brake force accordingly. If the ABS is activated on the front wheels, ESP delivers increased braking power to the rear wheels to take full advantage of total braking capacity.

ESP also incorporates Driving Steering Recommendation system which increases the vehicle's stability and EBA (Emergency Brake Assistance) which, in the event of the driver making an emergency stop, increases brake pressure using the system's full capacity. This system is automatically activated when a rapid application of the brake pedal is detected. Furthermore, activating the system automatically switches on the vehicle's emergency lights.


A family design

Despite its more functional aims, the Altea XL keeps the design which is so highly rated by SEAT's customers: a sporty image and a dynamic look. From the front and the side, SEAT Altea XL has the same features as its "little" brother, although the rear doors have a slightly different shape in order to adapt to the SEAT Altea XL silhouette.

The main changes can be found in the car's rear section which has a modern and functional look, making the most of the vehicle's interior space and loading door. This is exactly what the customer for this type of vehicle is seeking. Compared with the Altea, the XL's split tail lights are very striking, occupying part of the hatchback and giving the XL the appearance of a car from the next class up.

Another outstanding new feature is the inclusion of a luggage rack with a black finish on the Reference and a silver finish for the other trim lines. Apart from the rack's practical function enabling luggage to be easily placed on the roof of the car, it gives the Altea XL the look of a genuine family car.

SEAT The Altea XL also has new, larger door mirrors, which improve visibility for the driver.


Intelligent solutions

The interior of the SEAT Altea XL retains the well-known look of the rest of the Altea range. One outstanding feature is the parcel shelf system. With just one touch the shelf rolls up and folds away so that you can make the most of the boot's load capacity. This makes dismantling the shelf easier and above all reduces the size of the shelf for storage.

Another of the SEAT Altea XL's new features are the two airline-style trays fixed onto the back of the front seats, which rear passengers can also use as drink rests (the trays come complete with hollows for this). The trays are fitted as standard on all the versions of the XL.

A further example of the practical nature of the XL is the new 12 volt socket located in the boot, instead of on the rear part of the central console. Another socket is located between the two front seats.

Along with these new features, some of the practical solutions offered by the Altea range are also used in the XL. For example, the interior of the XL boasts a plethora of storage areas.

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