The Altea, launched in 2004, was the first model in a new generation of SEAT cars and introduced a new concept to the brand's range and the market in general: the Multi Sports Vehicle, a compact MPV with character and sporty performance. It quickly became SEAT's third pillar, alongside the Ibiza and the Leon.

The Altea symbolised SEAT's desire to evolve. It was the brand's first model designed within the Audi Brand Group (where SEAT had been integrated in 2002) and ushered in a new image for SEAT models. Designed by Walter de Silva, SEAT's design director, its lines were derived from the Salsa concept car. It was a compact MPV based on the future Leon II, with a profile marked by the dynamic side line that De Silva introduced on the new SEAT models.

The Altea concept was unveiled in September 2003 at the Frankfurt Motor Show with the Altea MSV Prototype, whose Multi Sports Vehicle acronym defined its philosophy of sportiness combined with space and versatility in a MPV body. It was already virtually identical to the upcoming production Altea, except for the front spoiler, tailgate, large 19-inch wheels and 2+2 interior configuration.

The reception was enthusiastic: the Designers Europe association awarded the Altea MSV the distinction of ‘Best Concept Car’ and the Nordrhein Westfalen Design Centre awarded it the ‘Red Dot: best of the best’. In addition, in April 2004, the production Altea received the prestigious Autonis award, recognising it as the best-designed vehicle in its category.

Just six months after the unveiling of the Altea MSV Prototype, the final production version was launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2004. The evolutionary line marked by the Salsa, Salsa Emoción and Tango concept cars and, finally, the Altea MSV Prototype, was finally hitting the roads. The Altea was the best calling card for the new SEAT, focused on enhancing the design, sportiness and quality of its cars.

To begin with, the Altea introduced a platform with a sophisticated multi-link rear axle and electric power steering. In addition, the Altea brought FSI technology to SEAT, the latest generation of direct petrol injection engines. It also featured a newly designed front suspension, independent climate control for the driver and passenger, and windscreen wipers hidden in the A-pillar, an exclusive SEAT development that demonstrated the attention to detail of the design and the obsession with optimising aerodynamics.

Built in Martorell, it also featured ABS, TCS and ESP with brake assist, all combined with the Agile Chassis developed at the Technical Centre. In addition, the boot had a capacity of 409 litres, expandable to 1,320 litres, and the interior contained 32 storage compartments. The result was a family MPV with a sporty and very attractive look.

The engine range consisted of a 1.6 102 HP and 2.0 FSI 150 HP (with 6-speed manual or sequential Tiptronic transmission) petrol engines, and 1.9 TDI 105 HP and 2.0 TDI 16v 140 HP in diesel. The latter was fitted with a 6-speed manual gearbox or the innovative DSG dual-clutch automatic gearbox already fitted to some VW and Audi models.

The trim levels were Reference, Stylance, Sport and Sport-up, and later there were Emocion, Select, Style, Copa and Ecomotive versions. In November 2005, the Altea FR was unveiled at the Essen Motor Show, the first SEAT of the new generation to bear the FR (Formula Racing) badge, which had already been used on the Ibiza and Leon. It was powered by the 2.0 TDI 170 engine and later also by the 2.0 TFSI with 200 HP.

Safety was also a top priority. The Altea was awarded 5 out of 5 stars in the crash tests carried out by the independent Euro NCAP organisation, 4 out of 5 for child safety and 3 out of 4 for pedestrian protection, the best score in its class.

The Altea family was expanded in November 2006 with the arrival of the Altea XL. It was 18.7 centimetres longer than the Altea, with a longer rear overhang. In fact, it had the same dimensions as the Toledo III, although it was not as refined as the three-box, five-door saloon. The Altea XL was therefore ideal for families who were attracted by the Altea's styling and sporty image but needed even more space. Its boot capacity was increased to 532 litres, and the rear bench seat could be moved forward by 14 cm, bringing the boot capacity to 635 litres. With the seats folded down, the load capacity was 1,604 litres. To enhance passive safety, the Altea XL could be equipped with optional rear side airbags (eight airbags in total).

The Altea family was further expanded in May 2007 with the launch of the Altea Freetrack at the Barcelona Motor Show. This was SEAT's first foray into the SUV segment, a crossover based on the Altea XL with a Haldex-type all-wheel drive system. It was clearly distinguished by large bumpers and protective mouldings on the black plastic wheel arches, and 40 mm higher ground clearance.

In 2009, the Altea underwent a restyling, focusing on the headlights, bumpers, seats and centre dashboard panel. The model was discontinued in mid-2015 with a version called Last Edition. Its place as SEAT's third pillar was to be taken by the imminent Ateca, SEAT's first SUV.