SEAT Altea Receives the 'autonis' Design Award

Press Release

Distinguihed by the 'Auto-Strassenverkehr' and 'MOT' Magazines

The SEAT Altea has received the prestigious "autonis" award for best car design in its category from the specialised German "Auto-Strassenverkehr" and "mot" motor magazines. Thanks to votes from the more than 54,000 readers who participated in this year's edition, the SEAT Altea won first place within its category, an amazing recognition since at the moment of voting the model was not available on the market. Readers had to vote on the shape and exterior styling of cars competing in each of 12 categories, from utilitarians up to the large sport saloons. 38.3% gave top marks to the Altea's attractive design, while only 5.9% thought otherwise, putting SEAT's model at the top of its category. With the Altea, SEAT has begun a new age with the market launch of the MSV concept (Multi Sports Vehicle), which combines innovative styling and compact mono-space values with the sporty character and handling that come with all SEAT models. Steve Lewis (right), director for the SEAT Design Centre, receiving the "autonis" design award for the Altea from Hermann Reil, editor of the German "mot" motoring magazine. The Altea possesses the features that will identify future SEAT products. The front end features a large radiator grille and expressive headlamps. The Dynamic Line is clearly visible from the side, starting at the front wheel arch and descending gracefully over the doors until the rear wheel. Highlighting the Altea's profile, this line will be characteristic of all of SEAT's future production models. This is the third design award to be won by the SEAT Altea. The first was given by Designers (Europe) for best concept car unveiled in 2003. The second was the "red dot: best of the best" award from the Nordrhein Westfalen (Germany) Design Centre.

Four "autonis" on display

With the latest award for the Altea, SEAT now has four "autonis" on display. The first two awards in 2001 went to the Arosa, which placed first in its category, and the León, which placed third. In 2002, the SEAT Tango won in the category of concept car.