The Seat Altea XL 1.6 (102 hp) LPG, produced from 2009 to August 2015, represents a practical and fuel-conscious variant within the broader Altea XL range. Introduced as part of the facelifted Altea line, this model aimed to provide a more economical option for families and individuals seeking a versatile MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle). It was positioned as an entry-to-mid-range offering, appealing to buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency and lower running costs over outright performance. The Altea XL itself was a larger, more spacious version of the original Altea, designed to compete with vehicles like the Renault Scenic and Citroën C4 Picasso in the European market. This particular variant combined a 1.6-liter petrol engine with a dedicated LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) system, offering the flexibility of dual-fuel operation.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Seat |
| Model | Altea |
| Generation | Altea XL (facelift 2009) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 (102 Hp) LPG |
| Start of production | 2009 |
| End of production | August, 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | MPV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 10.0 l/100 km (23.5 US mpg, 28.2 UK mpg, 10 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (LPG) | 13.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 6.1 l/100 km (38.6 US mpg, 46.3 UK mpg, 16.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (LPG) | 7.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 7.5 l/100 km (31.4 US mpg, 37.7 UK mpg, 13.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (LPG) | 9.8 l/100 km |
| CO2 emissions | 174 g/km |
| CO2 emissions (LPG) | 159 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / LPG |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 13.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 13.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h (LPG) | 14.0 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph (Calculated) | 12.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 181 km/h (112.47 mph) |
| Maximum speed (LPG) | 178 km/h |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 14.7 kg/Hp, 68.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 10.1 kg/Nm, 99 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 102 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 63.9 Hp/l |
| Torque | 148 Nm @ 3800 rpm (109.16 lb.-ft. @ 3800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CHGA |
| Engine displacement | 1595 cm3 (97.33 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 81 mm (3.19 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 77.4 mm (3.05 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.3:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt, 3.96 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1495 kg (3295.91 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2039 kg (4495.23 lbs.) |
| Max load | 544 kg (1199.31 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 446 l (15.75 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 55 l (14.53 US gal, 12.1 UK gal) |
| Fuel tank capacity (LPG) | 49 l |
| Length | 4469 mm (175.94 in.) |
| Width | 1768 mm (69.61 in.) |
| Height | 1581 mm (62.24 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2578 mm (101.5 in.) |
| Front track | 1527-1541 mm (60.12 – 60.67 in.) |
| Rear track | 1503-1517 mm (59.17 – 59.72 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.7 m (35.1 ft.) |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 91H; 205/55 R16 91V; 225/45 R17 91W; 225/40 R18 92Y |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 15 ET47; 6.5J x 16 ET50; 7J x 17 ET54; 7.5J x 18 ET51 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Altea XL variant is the CHGA engine code, a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder petrol engine. This engine utilizes a multi-point fuel injection system, delivering fuel directly into the intake ports. The engine features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) design with two valves per cylinder. The LPG system is a dedicated conversion, meaning it operates on LPG when available and automatically switches back to petrol when the LPG tank is depleted. This system typically includes a separate fuel tank, vaporizer, and ECU to manage the LPG delivery. The engine produces 102 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 148 Nm (109 lb-ft) of torque at 3800 rpm. The engine is transversely mounted, driving the front wheels. The five-speed manual transmission was the standard offering, providing a balance between fuel economy and usability.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6L LPG Altea XL, with its 102 hp, wasn’t designed for spirited driving. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took around 12.7 seconds, and 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) took 13.4 seconds. The focus was on providing adequate power for everyday driving, with a relatively relaxed driving experience. The LPG system slightly reduces power output compared to running on petrol alone. The five-speed gearbox offered reasonable gear ratios for maintaining fuel efficiency, but required downshifts for overtaking or climbing hills. Compared to the more powerful 2.0 TDI diesel or the 1.8 TSI petrol variants, this model felt noticeably slower, but it offered a significant advantage in fuel costs, especially with the availability of cheaper LPG.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.6 LPG Altea XL typically came with a moderate level of standard equipment. This included air conditioning, electric front windows, central locking, and an audio system with MP3 compatibility. Safety features such as ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and front airbags were also standard. Higher trim levels, such as Style or Sport, offered additional features like alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, cruise control, and upgraded interior trim. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with options for different color schemes. The dashboard layout was functional and straightforward, prioritizing usability over luxury.
Chassis & Braking
The Altea XL utilized an independent suspension setup, with McPherson struts at the front and a multi-link system at the rear. This provided a comfortable ride quality, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road surface effectively. The front brakes were ventilated discs, offering good stopping power, while the rear brakes were solid discs. The steering was a rack and pinion system, providing precise and responsive handling. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Seat Altea XL 1.6 LPG was generally well-received as a practical and economical family vehicle. Critics praised its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and low running costs. However, some reviewers noted its lack of outright performance compared to other engines in the range. Compared to the 2.0 TDI, the 1.6 LPG offered lower torque and slower acceleration, but significantly lower fuel costs, particularly in countries with favorable LPG pricing. The 1.8 TSI petrol engine provided more power and a more refined driving experience, but at a higher price point and with increased fuel consumption.
Legacy
The CHGA engine, while not known for being particularly groundbreaking, proved to be relatively reliable when properly maintained. The LPG conversion, if installed correctly, added to the engine’s longevity by reducing carbon buildup and providing cleaner combustion. Today, the Altea XL 1.6 LPG can be found on the used car market at affordable prices. Its appeal lies in its practicality, fuel efficiency, and relatively low maintenance costs. However, potential buyers should be aware of the need for regular LPG system servicing and inspection to ensure safe and reliable operation. The Altea XL, in general, represents a solid and dependable choice for those seeking a spacious and versatile MPV.
