SEAT Altea Freetrack 4 (2007 - 2009) 2.0 TDi 5d (2009/58) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Possibly that I don't mind being a bit leftfield, but also keep an eye on practicality.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Some love the looks, some hate them; it's definitely a Marmite choice! Everyone likes the interior, space and specification. Those who've been out in it are bemused by the performance!

Would you buy this car again and why?

Without hesitation. It's basically a hot-hatch in a fat-suit and eats up the miles rapidly, effortlessly and in great comfort. Economy is excellent (average of 44 MPG on mixed driving, more on long motorway hauls) and between this and the petrol version, I wouldn't even consider not buying the diesel; there's little in it performance wise, but the petrol doesn't half gobble up the fuel.

What are you likely to buy next?

Something a bit leftfield again! The advantage of things like this is that they're relatively unloved and the residual values reflect this. The amount of equipment for the money is fantastic and I'll look for something similar next time round.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£9,000

When did you buy the car?

August 2012

Did you get a good deal and why?

Pretty much so. Despite its low miles and being as new, it had been sat at the dealer for a couple of months and they were keen to move it on. It's not everyone's cup of tea; a fact that worked in my favour.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Needed something with plenty of grunt for towing, but that was also good for long distance touring, as well as around the town. Issues with my back meant that seats and driving position were also of great importance.

What was the dealer like?

No grumbles here. Friendly. No pressure. Very accommodating.

What's it like to drive?

Goes like stink; seriously. You wouldn't think it was the size and weight it actually is! Acceleration from a standstill is phenomenal, but mid-range is more so. It's not all beast though, as it's easy to drive gently and surprisingly refined. The Seat heritage shows through; handling is surprisingly sporty, although it may be a little too hard for some tastes.

What's it like to park?

It's taken a bit of getting used to. Reversing is aided by the parking sensors on the back, which are standard kit. Sadly, there are no sensors on the front and, with the long bonnet dropping away as it does, it's hard to judge where the front bumper is. Mirrors could do with being deeper, as they don't give a good view of the actual road whilst reversing into a parking space.

Have you had any problems with the car?

One of the air sensors was faulty prior to purchase and replaced by the dealer before I collected the car. Nothing else so far and given its age and heritage, I don't expect that to change.

What's most practical about your car?

Enough space in the back to swing a family of cats or, alternatively, seat three adults comfortably, or two in luxury. Very spacious, including the boot.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The TV screen in the back (standard equipment) is the obvious choice but, in reality, the reversing sensors (standard again) are the best gadget; it ain't easy to judge the back of it, so reversing would be interesting without them.