Altea XL: A powerful addition to the SEAT range
by: Guest
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SEAT the Spanish subsidiary of
Volkswagen and recipient of quality VW parts and accessories such as vw rubber floor mats will be presenting a new model that will
join its range of SEAT vehicles. The Altea XL is the most recent model to join
the SEAT range. It is also the first model equipped with the totally new 160 hp
1.8 TFSI engine. This new and enhanced 1.8 litre engine makes use of
turbo-charged petrol direct injection technology that has been tested and tried
on other SEAT engines.
The more compact engine block
of the Altea XL takes up minimal space in the engine bay, while the new
counter-rotating shaft arrangement minimized vibrations for lower noise levels.
The XL’s 1.8 TFSI also sets new power and torque standards. Its turbo charger
and the new engine management provide even faster response at low revs,
allowing the torque to flow more smoothly. It produces a maximum torque of 250
Nm which is available throughout a wide rev range, from 1500 to 4200 rpm.
The Altea XL powered with this
engine can reach a top speed of 210 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in
8.6 seconds. Moreover, the engine's suppleness gives it 80 to 120 km/h in-gear
acceleration of 10.4 and 13.3 seconds in fifth and sixth gears. Fuel
consumption has been registered at 10.5 liters for city driving, 6.2 out of
town and only 7.7 combined for every 100 km.
This makes the Altea XL 1.8
TFSI to be positioned as an interesting petrol engine alternative, combining
excellent performance, contained fuel consumption levels with great driving
pleasure. The Altea XL offer includes two petrol (the already mentioned 1.8 160
hp 1.8 TFSI and an additional 102 hp 1.6) and three diesel versions - the 105
hp 1.9 TDI, the 140 hp manual or DSG 2.0 TDI and the 170 hp 2.0 TDI.
The 160 hp Altea XL 1.8 TFSI,
is exclusive in the Sport-up version---features stiffer coils than on Reference
and Stylance models and more in tune with the car's power and performance
levels.The McPherson suspension springs at the front are perfectly angled and
include rigid silent blocks that provide great stability in any driving
conditions, from sudden load shifts to braking in curves. The silent blocks
also helps in reducing loads on the driveshaft especially during acceleration
and braking and minimize rocking.
The XL’s rear suspension
features a multilink set-up, wherein three transverse and one longitudinal arm
guides the wheels with truly exceptional dynamic qualities and smoothness. The
XL’s near perfect wheel alignment helps in reducing both understeering and slips
angles.
The SEAT's DSR Agile Chassis
concept provides greater control and lower response time result boosting the
car’s safety. Likewise, the reduction in the command time between the steering
wheel and the car's response guarantees absolute control. Despite the XL’s high
chassis it can turn surprisingly fast without the risk of body roll. This
remarkable display of balanced and stability is made possible through careful
tuning of springs and dampers, specific tyres with a lower slip angle and
variable assistance electro-mechanical steering. This engine is exclusively
available in the Sport-up trim, which implies 25% stiffer suspension ratings,
and 23mm front and 19.6 mm rear stabilizer bars.
And lastly, the Altea XL with
this trim level includes standard ESP electronic stability control + DSR. Its
EBA emergency brake assistance, increases braking power in case of emergency,
and automatically activates on the car's hazard warning lights.
About the Author
Benjamin Hudson works as a supervisor at one of the top engineering firms in the business district of Louisiana. He is also a freelance journalist and has passion for anything automotive.
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