SEAT Altea Freetrack 4 (07-09) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
Last Updated: 25 June 2009
SEAT's first foray into the 4x4 market, the Freetrack 4 - is still very much in the mould of a stylish and practical, high-performance hatchback - which should be no surprise, as it's based on the Altea. The XL version, to be precise, with its extra rear passenger and luggage space. Off-road hardware is limited to a little extra ground clearance and a four-wheel drive system that automatically sends drive to the rear wheels when the front wheels begin to slip. Some plastic lower-body cladding is thrown in to help it look the part. However, it remains remarkably agile on the road, and extremely nimble thanks to the powerful petrol and diesel engines offered. In 2009 it was revised with subtle exterior tweaks along with a much more upmarket cabin.
4 out of 5

Other SEAT reviews

4.5 out of 5

Safety

The Altea has scored well in official European crash tests, gaining a maximum five-star rating for adult occupant protection and three stars out of four for pedestrian protection. Front, side and curtain airbags are standard on all models plus the front passenger airbag can be disabled when carrying a rear facing child seat. Isofix child seat mounting points are also fitted to the outer rear seats. Electronic stability control, which can help the driver regain control of the car during a skid, is also standard, and adaptive lighting, which corners with the steering is offered as an option.

NCAP Test

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  • Adult Occupant Rating

    5 out of 5
  • Child Protection Rating

    4 out of 5
  • Pedestrian Test Rating

    3 out of 5
4 out of 5

Reliability

SEATs tend to perform quite well for reliability, so no major problems are expected in the first few years of ownership.

Car check problem points

Body

Check for off road damage.

Engine/Gearbox

No problems reported.

Other

No problems reported.