The four-wheel-drive Altea offers added security without too much extra cost. If last winter’s big freeze set you thinking that four-wheel drive may be useful, the good news is that there’s a used family car that has it but isn’t a big, heavy SUV with a serious drinking habit.

Seat’s Altea people carrier came with four-wheel drive from late 2007, offering versatility, punchy performance, go-most-places ability and (in diesel guise) more than 40mpg. However, because the Freetrack 4 was always a niche model, there is a shortage of used examples now. Prices start from just under £10,000, and that’s typically cheaper than a Freelander of equivalent age.

Sharing its underpinnings with the larger-booted Altea XL, it promises one of the most sporting drives of any MPV, including the Ford S-Max. Add to that a Haldex four-wheel-drive system that can automatically transfer up to 50% of available power from the front to the rear wheels, and you have a car that can carry on gripping no matter how tough the going. The only comparable car on the used market is the Renault Scénic RX4, a car that could never be described as offering a “fun drive”.

The Freetrack came with a choice of engines. The turbocharged 2-litre petrol unit is the same that powered the last Golf GTI, and under normal circumstances this would be the one to buy; however, the decision is made trickier by the fact that the diesel produces a lusty 168bhp (against 197bhp) and, with 258 lb ft from just 1800rpm, a lot more torque. For my money, the quick and frugal diesel has the edge.

On the road, the Altea Freetrack 4 is no hot hatch, but if it’s precise driving dynamics and added traction you’re after, look no further. The all-wheel-drive system comes with electronic traction control that can be disabled, equipment levels are good, and the Freetrack 4’s practicality will impress. Sliding rear seats let the boot grow from 490 litres to 600 litres, and seat-back tables and even a roof-mounted 7in DVD player are standard.


Reliability and servicing

The petrol and diesel engines are both well proven in other Seat, Audi, Skoda and Volkswagen models, so owners should find little to concern them. However, as with any all-wheel-drive car, it’s worth paying special attention to the transmission and drivetrain, so a thorough test drive is strongly advised.

Service costs are palatable, but bear in mind that certain items have different replacement cycles, so costs can escalate if a service coincides with the need for a new cambelt or water pump.


Residuals

At launch Seat charged more than £21,000 for the diesel Freetrack 4, and a touch more than £20,000 for the 2-litre petrol. By 2009 both had been reduced in price — the diesel by some £1,500 and the petrol by more than £1,000 — and used prices dropped correspondingly. With new models now no longer available, and used examples scarce, the second-hand market has levelled out, and the Freetrack 4 should see a slower than average rate of depreciation.

Need to know

Boot: Space-saver spare under the boot floor
Bumpers: Black plastic bumper mouldings are more durable than visually subtle
Four-wheel drive: Owners haven’t reported problems but as higher mileages are reached it’s worth arranging an inspection
Gearbox: Six-speed manual is standard on both petrol and diesel, but check for clutch slip by trying to pull away in second gear with the handbrake applied
Safety: Regular (shorter) Altea upon which the Freetrack 4 is based scores five Euro NCAPstars for adult crash safety and four for child crash safety
Upholstery: Check front seat bolsters for wear
Visibility: Thick windscreen pillars can hamper visibility, so check you’re okay with this before buying the car





 

Figures based on CAP July 2010 edition

 © Bumper Media Limited July 2010