Whereas an MPV-style car was once a grudge purchase for the cash-strapped, nowadays there are some very desirable offerings. Honda was probably the first to exploit this with the Stream, a seven-seater that was a genuinely fun pedal. Now SEAT is in on the act and the Altea is unlike any MPV you’ve ever seen. In fact, the Spaniards shy away from the MPV tag, preferring the rather inelegant MSV (multi sports vehicle).

The car has been improved for the latest model year, mainly through the addition of a clever rear seat which slides forward 14 cm to increase boot space by an additional 101 litres, but still leaves plenty of rear legroom for the rear seat passengers.

Otherwise, the improvements are limited to spec and trim changes, with the dynamic shape having been wisely left alone. Prices now start at £11,695.

The Altea offers five spacious seats rather than seven cramped ones but weighs in with some innovative thinking. Inside there are more than 30 places to stow and stash goodies, including a supersized glove compartment, big storage bins on all four doors, drawers under the front seat and even a storage area under the boot floor. Even the parcel shelf has a storage cubby incorporated within. The two-tiered boot has a capacity of more than 400 litres.

Based on the latest generation Golf chassis, the Altea serves up a set of sophisticated road manners. Four engines are available – two petrol and two diesel. The petrol engines comprise a 102bhp 1.6-litre entry level unit and a peppier 150bhp 2.0-litre FSI unit. Diesel buyers choose between the 105bhp 1.9-litre powerplant and the 140bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel unit.

The trim levels range from Essence, through Reference, Reference Sport and Stylance to range-topping Sport.

If you’re not too hung up on vehicle definitions and prefer something that’s fun, stylish and practical, it’s well worth a look.