More space, smoother lines, plenty of seating options, amazing road handling, greater safety and all the control you'll ever need right there at your finger tips. The new Altea XL is a car totally adapted to its surroundings.

Now, that's clever.

The Altea XL has gone in for a major update and come out with new eyes, a body touch-up and enough colour and wheel options to fulfil any desire. The Altea XL is 18.7 cm longer than the Altea, which means it has a boot capacity of 532 litres. And because of the variety of seating arrangements you'll have all the room you need to fit the kids, their luggage and anything else you hope to pack away for the weekend.

The front seats are fitted with fold-down airplane-style seat back tables. The backrests are also adjustable allowing the kids to kick back and relax after a hard day's play.

Seen and not heard, the new Altea XL has much to put your mind at ease, and some of the best bits are all under the hood. With a range of powerfully efficient diesel and petrol engines, there's a version to suit everyone.

However, the new Altea XL's intelligence isn't limited to the engine. For comfort it comes with an optional Dual Zone Climate Control. And for ease it comes with everything - from light sensors which turn your lights on the moment that night starts to fall and optional rain sensors just so you don't have to go to the bother of actually turning the wipers on. And if you're worried about damaging that beautiful new bumper there are even parking sensors in the front and back to help guide you into a free spot.

The new multi-functional steering wheel includes integrated (and upgraded) Bluetooth® with a handy agenda function. There's a new instrument cluster and a new touch screen navigation system which comes complete with SD card input and high resolution colour screen. And for those concerned about their family approval ratings, there is an optional fold-down 7'' monitor in the back for those DVD/ video game / iPod® moments. Meanwhile, in the front you get all the fun with our new Combined USB/Aux-in Port (CUP), which allows you to fully control your MP3-files on your USB device or iPod® through your multi-functional steering wheel.

Having some of the best roadholding credentials in the business is no accident. They come from a perfect balance between size, wheel ratios and pure technology. Central to this is the multi-link rear axle which has been engineered with what we like to call an Agile Chassis. Effectively, it strikes a balance between the highly rigid and the finely tuned, turning the steering, brakes and transmission into a single responsive unit dedicated to doing exactly what you want it to. Other features that go towards making the new Altea XL a true pleasure to drive are such things as the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and the electromechanical steering, which controls the steering tension depending on speed to give you maximum control at all times. The Altea XL has also been fitted out with an anti-slip programme known as ESP (Electronic Stability Programme), which will instantly correct the spin if a wheel loses grip. Safety and stability, working hand in hand.

In designing the new Altea XL we tried to anticipate your every need. When the first drops of rain hit the windscreen, the wipers know it's time to get working. When parking, you'll have the option of a Parking Distance Control (PDC) with sensors in the front and rear bumpers which emit a sonic signal in case you are getting a little too close to the car next to you. Also, if you want satellite navigation, you have the possibility to add an Optical Parking System, which gives you visual reference on the multi-functional display if you specify your vehicle with the SEAT Media System. Other gadgets to make your drive more comfortable include the optional Hill Hold Control, which stops you from rolling down a slope the moment the clutch is engaged, and cruise control that comes as standard in the SE and Sport models. It's all about enjoying the ride.

The new Altea XL comes with many safety features like the Adaptive Front-Lighting System (AFS) that allows its bi-xenon headlights to follow the rotational movement of the steering wheel. Also, it has fog lights with cornering function - something that practically allows you to see around corners. Plus it has Daytime Running Lights (DRL) for your better visibility on the highway. We've also included an evermore sophisticated Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) and a Traction Control System (TCS) to give you even more stability on the road and control at the wheel. Finally, if things should go wrong, the Altea XL comes with 6 airbags (and 2 optional thorax airbags on the lateral seats) to protect you and your family.

The Altea XL is part of the Altea family, which has a five star Euro NCAP Adult Occupant Protection rating as well as a four star Child Occupant Protection Rating. The Altea XL also comes with ISOFIX, which allows up to two child seats to be attached directly to the chassis.