Whatever your reason for needing a bit of space, it is good to know that when you get into the Altea you have loads of it. A large cabin and great road-handling credentials put the Altea not one but rather two steps ahead of the rest. Did we mention that it also has some of the most advanced safety features in its class, and that it combines supreme comfort with cutting-edge technology?

Make that ''miles ahead''.

The Altea's exterior design update includes a new front bumper and grille, new mirrors, a new and wider rear windscreen, new rear lamps, optional bi-xenon headlights, a tasty new tailgate and new alloys. Inside, the new Altea still has class-beating cabin space. All in all, it's like a breath of fresh air.

In optimising the design of the Altea we tried to anticipate your needs every step of the way. 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 Parking Distance Control (PDC), which emits a sonic signal in case you are getting a little too close to the car next to you. Whereas if you have the SEAT Media System, you have the possibility to specify an Optical Parking System, which gives you visual reference on the Multi-Function display.

For your interior comfort the Altea comes standard with air conditioning, or dual zone climate control for SE models and above - meaning that driver and front passenger can enjoy their personal perfect driving temperature.  Enjoy the easy life.

The Altea's class-beating road-holding credentials are due in part to a multi-link rear axle. As part of our commitment to safety, all Altea models are fitted as standard with an Electronic Stability Programme (ESP). So: If a wheel starts slipping, the Altea's ESP compensates, and stops it from doing so - something that significantly improves the grip you've got on the road. The result is greater stability and safety, agility and comfort. Bring on the curves!

Thanks to the Adaptive Front-Lighting System (AFS) the new Altea's bi-xenon headlights follow the rotational movement of the steering wheel, giving you illumination where you need it most. The cornering lights serve a similar purpose - activated by the indicator signal, a cornering light housed in the fog lamp illuminates the area in the direction you intend to turn. Like the Daytime Running Lights (for cars specified with bi-xenon headlights), this also makes you more visible to oncoming drivers.

Safety is as much about road holding as it is about protection. And for road holding the Altea is king. This is due to its multi-link rear axle and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), which is in turn linked to the Traction Control System (TCS). In its latest incarnation the TCS has its sensors in the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), which prevents wheel spin at lower and higher speeds. The combination quite simply turns bad roads into good ones. Also, while talking about the brakes, the Altea comes with Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) which maximises the braking power in the shortest available time. Meanwhile, the interior rear view mirror has been fitted out with an auto-dimming rear view mirror (when specified as part of the Convenience Pack) to prevent the driver from getting blinded by glare from the car behind.

It remains to be mentioned that the Altea has been awarded with the maximum five star NCAP safety rating. Six airbags come as standard, while thorax airbags for the passengers in the rear lateral seats are optional. If you are family-minded ISOFIX is fitted as standard, meaning your child seat can be secured directly to the chassis. Something which has won the Altea four stars on the Child Occupants test. And finally, you may also be glad to learn that the car has won the highest possible score for pedestrian safety.

Versatility would be nothing without performance, and the Altea has what it takes. Its already sporty drive is given some extra pepper with options such as the famous 6-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) which - thanks to steering wheel-mounted paddle controls - allows you to change gears in a fraction of second. There is also Dynamic Steering Response (DSR), a gearshift indicator - so you can get the best performance out of your Altea whatever your mood - and, of course, there is the possibility of Common Rail engineering, making your ride more efficient and all the quieter. Other options such as cruise control and Hill Hold Control all add up to a car that's as big on performance as it is on the space inside.

What would life be without a few surprises? Nice ones, of course. Like the new, multi-function steering wheel with integrated and upgraded Bluetooth® which includes an agenda function. Like the new instrument cluster with fancy new white graphics. Like the new touch-screen navigation system complete with SD card slot and colour screen. Naturally, things are iPod®, MP3 and USB-friendly. After all, there is no predicting how you like your music.