The Volkswagen Group Empire has expanded over the years with brands such as Porsche, Bentley, and SEAT. Despite being a common sight in Western Europe, SEAT vehicles are not found on American streets. One rare find is the SEAT Altea compact MPV, discovered in a scrapyard in Yorkshire, England.
### The History of SEAT
SEAT was established as a partnership between the Spanish government and Fiat in 1953 before being taken over by Volkswagen in 1990. The Altea, produced from 2005 to 2015, shared a platform with various Volkswagen Group vehicles, including the VW Golf and Audi A3.
### The Altea’s Design and Popularity
Named after a Mediterranean city, the Altea was considered a sportier and more spacious alternative to the VW Golf in the UK. The tall hatchback MPV design was popular in Europe during the 2000s but did not gain traction in the US. Various color options were available, and the car was equipped with multiple petrol and diesel engine choices.
### Specs and Features of the Altea
The Altea featured a 1.6-liter petrol engine with 125 horsepower and a five-speed manual transmission. Although an automatic transmission was an option, this particular Altea had a manual gearbox. Unfortunately, this specific vehicle had been involved in a severe crash, resulting in the deployment of the airbags.
### Unique Marketing Campaigns
SEAT enlisted tennis player John McEnroe to promote the Altea, emphasizing the brand’s rebellious spirit. The slogan “Auto emoción” was used to convey the excitement and passion associated with SEAT vehicles.
### Conclusion
Although SEAT vehicles may not be commonly seen in the US, they have left a lasting impact on the European automotive market. The Altea, with its distinctive design and versatile features, remains a symbol of SEAT’s innovation and style. Despite its rarity in American junkyards, the Altea serves as a reminder of SEAT’s legacy within the Volkswagen Group.