The European MPV segment is a unobserved mystery at the moment, a bit like the mid-size sedan one. You see, while BMW and Mercedes have placed an emphasis on their "touring" models, the 2GT and B-Class, other companies are discontinuing their due to lack of sales.
Photo: SEAT
We've long known that SEAT's aging Altea was unlikely to get a replacement. Parent company Volkswagen wants to cut any unprofitable model in the lineup. That includes the Eos convertible and possibly even the Scirocco, some sources say.
According to a recent report from Autocar, both the Altea and the Altea XL models have already been axed. The leftover production capacity is undoubtedly needed for the Leon and other newer models.
A replacement for the Altea is not planned. However, SEAT has four launches planned for the next two years.
The most important is the production version of the 20v20 concept that will become the first SUV in the company's history. It will be assembled at the same factory in the Czech Republic as the Skoda Snowman and might eventually have a 7-seat version.
Spain could become the hub of production for much smaller B-segment crossovers, such as the "Ibiza SUV" (name not yet known) and the Audi Q1.
When will the Altea be discontinued? Probably within a month, due to the Euro 6 emissions regulations. The UK market has already dropped the model, but it continues to be sold in Spain with a 1.6-liter TDI diesel engine producing 105 horsepower. SEAT sold a total of 439 Altea models in the UK during 2014, plus another 445 Altea XLs. She's had a good life, having stayed in production for over a decade, but it's time to say goodbye to the old and hello to the new. If you're dead-set on buying an MPV, SEAT still has the Alhambra.
According to a recent report from Autocar, both the Altea and the Altea XL models have already been axed. The leftover production capacity is undoubtedly needed for the Leon and other newer models.
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A replacement for the Altea is not planned. However, SEAT has four launches planned for the next two years.
The most important is the production version of the 20v20 concept that will become the first SUV in the company's history. It will be assembled at the same factory in the Czech Republic as the Skoda Snowman and might eventually have a 7-seat version.
Spain could become the hub of production for much smaller B-segment crossovers, such as the "Ibiza SUV" (name not yet known) and the Audi Q1.
When will the Altea be discontinued? Probably within a month, due to the Euro 6 emissions regulations. The UK market has already dropped the model, but it continues to be sold in Spain with a 1.6-liter TDI diesel engine producing 105 horsepower. SEAT sold a total of 439 Altea models in the UK during 2014, plus another 445 Altea XLs. She's had a good life, having stayed in production for over a decade, but it's time to say goodbye to the old and hello to the new. If you're dead-set on buying an MPV, SEAT still has the Alhambra.
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