SPANISH brand SEAT has added some techno touches to its Altea family hatchback line-up.

Out goes the current Copa spec grade to be replaced by a new I Tech trim that's actually better value.

It means that from this month, the Altea and Altea XL are only available in I TECH trim, with extra kit but the same price as the outgoing Copa SE.

I TECH adds stuff like 16-inch titanium finish alloys wheels, front parking sensors, a colour TFT screen for rear passengers plus forward sliding rear seats.

The simplified Altea and Altea XL ranges now comprise one trim level and three powertrain options.

It means buyers are able to choose from a 1.6 TDI Ecomotive diesel engine with 105PS, the same engine with a DSG automatic transmission or a 2.0 TDI diesel producing 140PS.

As well as the additional equipment, there are also dark tinted rear windows, roof rails, climate control, auto wipers and headlights, rear parking sensors and a SEAT Media System 2.2 including sat-nav and Bluetooth.

You also get a double floor boot and overhead interior storage along with the choice of two new colours - Bahama Blue and Technic Grey.

SEAT product manager Steve Mirfin said: "We're reflecting buyer preference. Over the last year, more than nine of ten Altea models sold were specified in SE Copa trim, on which the enhanced I TECH is based."

The Altea range begins at £19,345 for an I TECH 1.6 TDI 105PS Ecomotive, while the DSG version is £20,215 and the 2.0 TDI 140PS costs £20,145.