2008 SEAT Altea freetrack 2.0 TDI

Naturally, excellent fuel economy goes hand-in-hand with this performance. The combined average figure is 6.5 litres/100 km, which drops to 5.5 litres on the extra-urban cycle. Meanwhile, CO2 emissions are limited to just 171 g/km.

The use as standard of a state-of-the-art DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) helps the freetrack clean up its act still further. The DPF technology helps remove fuel exhaust soot particles which would otherwise remain suspended in the air, attracting other, potentially harmful elements. Diesel engine emissions comprise about 0.3% gases such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, sulphur dioxide and nitric oxide, as well as soot.

Four-wheel drive, with Haldex clutch

Created to be as flexible off-road as it is capable on it, the Altea freetrack features part-time all-wheel drive via a Haldex-type clutch arrangement. Its hydro-mechanical connection and electronic control ensures that drive is distributed in a particularly progressive, precise manner.

The Haldex coupling is basically a multi-plate clutch that governs the difference in rotational speed between an input and an output shaft. The shaft which leads from the gearbox serves as the input shaft, while the output shaft is connected to the rear axle via a propshaft.

Under normal conditions, drive is directed entirely to the front wheels. But, when circumstances dictate, as much as 50% can be sent to the rear axle.

Add the car’s innately agile chassis set-up, plus modest front and rear overhangs, and you get a vehicle with an angle of approach of 17.6 degrees and an angle of departure of nearly 23 degrees.

Better still, the use of the 140 hp 2.0 TDI adds only a modest 64 kg to the car’s kerb weight (1,568 kg) versus the standard two-wheel drive Altea, which barely alters the impressive performance stats. The figures speak for themselves: a top speed of 193 km/h, 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 10.1 seconds and 0 to 1,000-metre acceleration in 32 seconds. On the front-wheel drive version the figures are 196 km/h, 10.2 seconds and 31.9 seconds respectively.

The efficient Haldex system that controls the four-wheel drive means precious little difference in fuel economy, too, with a combined figure of 6.1 litres/100 km on the 2WD and 6.5 litres on the 4WD version.

Brakes are uprated on the Altea freetrack, with larger 260x12 discs (225x10 on the 2WD version), ensuring assured stopping power in any situation.

The following table compares the 2WD Altea with the new 140 hp 2.0 TDI Altea freetrack in terms of performance, fuel economy and CO2 emissions.

Top-notch safety

The Altea freetrack is equipped with the latest safety elements for peace of mind travelling alone or with the whole family.

The freetrack features six airbags as standard across the entire range (driver, passenger, side and head airbags) and two more can be added to cushion the rear sides without hindering the possibility of sliding the rear seat for increased cargo. The rear seats are also fitted with Isofix anchoring points for child seats.

The car also includes all the usual electronic active safety systems: ABS, TCS and ESP + DSR with EBA and tyre pressure warning.

The TCS traction control intervenes in the engine management to prevent the wheels from spinning when accelerating on slippery surfaces while the ESP (Electronic Stability Program) teams up with the Driving Steering Recommendation (DSR) system, which detects the quality of braking at each axle and takes corrective action by transmitting a small impulse to the steering wheel to keep the vehicle on the correct course. EBA (Emergency Brake Assistance) can also come to the driver’s aid by boosting the brake pressure during an emergency stop.

The ESP system fitted to the freetrack also incorporates TSP (Trailer Stability Program), which is specifically designed to enhance vehicle safety when towing. TSP helps stabilise a trailer when towing in bad weather, on a poor road surface or under emergency braking.

The chassis structure itself is yet another safety feature, and the freetrack’s has been developed as a protective cell. In the event of an impact, the areas of programmed deformation have been well-studied to provide maximum energy absorption and the highest level of passenger protection.

New latest generation SEAT Mediasystem navigator

Technology is clearly at the heart of this vehicle, thus the latest Altea freetrack features the sophisticated new SEAT Mediasystem navigator as an option. Many significant improvements have been made to previous navigation equipment, and the new Mediasystem integrates numerous extra functions.

The system includes DVD mapping information featuring no less than 28 Western European countries, a 6.5" colour touch screen with VGA (800 x 400) resolution and a 30 Gb internal hard disk, to slash route planning calculation times.

Manufactured by Siemens, and with Navteq mapping, the SEAT Mediasystem includes several other non-navigation facilities that improve communication and deliver stereo sound quality. One of its highlights is sound adjustment - it optimises sound according to the volume and shape of each model’s passenger compartment.

With the new Mediasystem, the SEAT Technical Centre in Martorell has furnished all current and future audio and video needs by developing a system that responds to new uses and available technology.

On-board entertainment can be enhanced still further via an innovative, optional, 7" TFT screen multimedia system. The screen folds down from the car’s roof lining, and the system includes an RCA connection to plug in DVD players, video games consoles, laptops and MP3 players, with sound played through the car’s own sound system.

Generous standard equipment

The SEAT Altea freetrack features a broad range of standard equipment including fog lamps front and rear, electric heated door mirrors, twin chrome tailpipe, roof rails, dual zone climate control air conditioning, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, leather steering wheel and gearknob, one-touch electric front windows with anti-trap function, rain sensing windscreen wipers, cruise control, trip computer, ’coming home’ headlight function, CD/MP3 stereo radio with steering wheel controls and AUX-in connection, remote controlled central locking, electromechanical power steering, front and side airbags with front passenger airbag deactivation, Isofix child seat anchoring points, height adjustable front seats with lumbar control, tyre pressure monitoring and 225/50 tyres on 17-inch alloy rims.

The range of optional extras includes tempting choices such as the new generation navigation system with 6.5 inch touch screen, DVD player and 30 Gb hard disk, Bluetooth connection with steering wheel controls, heated front seats, Bi-xenon headlights and AFS, rear privacy glass, rear side airbags and more.

The SEAT Altea freetrack 4WD equipped with the efficient 140 hp 2.0 TDI engine guarantees on and off-road driving satisfaction. Whatever the destination, its gripping traction, performance, low fuel consumption and stability on any type of terrain make driving it a real pleasure.