Overview

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.