SEAT altea test drive since 2009 minivan

Snow test

Seat Altea Freetrack. Price: 1 040 000 rub. On sale: since the spring of 2008
Seat takes to the Russian market almost the entire line of its cars. The next novelty should be suitable for operation in Russia. We are talking about an all -wheel drive altea freetrack, whose debut coincided with abundant snowfalls

The Spanish Seat, part of the Volkswagen concern, introduced Altea Freetrack to the automobile world. But first, let's talk about the tastes that play an important the role in market success or the defeat of new models. Russian buyers are significantly different from Europeans. In the Old World, economical low -commercial machines are often chosen, which are transported in normal mode, one or, in extreme cases, two people. Everything is different with us. They think little about efficiency, even at rising prices for fuel. Powerful motors are in fashion. An important role is played by the size: the larger the better. And this despite the fact that only the driver is the lion's share of time in the cabin. And if you add all -wheel drive to the dimensions, then it is better to come up with it. Apparently, therefore, SUVs are more and more in fashion, which are a symbiosis of an SUV, a mini-wen and a car.
The Spanish Seat is walking along the same path, introducing Altea Freetrack. The manufacturer himself calls the novelty a full-fledged crossover, but the secret is that they made this machine from the usual Altea XL CD. It is difficult to attribute the debutant to any class. Only one thing can be approved. The car combined the capacity of the station wagon and crossover.
Visually distinguishing the version of Altea XL from Freetrack is easier. Freetrack is noticeably higher: the clearance was taken by 4 centimeters. In a circle there is a protective plastic body kit in black. He protects the body from scratches, and the appearance of Altea has become more severe. The geometry of the front and posterior reviews was changed. As a result, the angle of entry is 17.6 degrees, and the angle of the congress is 23 degrees. Not every SUV is ready to boast of such characteristics. In the movement of Altea Freetrack behaves quite adequately. The information content of the steering wheel at an acceptable level. There is some insufficient feedback, but in general everything is not bad.
The suspension was subjected to serious improvements. Shock absorbers, unlike the ALTEA XL version, have large oil tanks. The suspension settings are such that the car holds the trajectory perfectly and passes with minimum rolls. At the same time, being in the cabin is comfortable even on a strongly broken road. The suspension is well and silently practices small irregularities and overcomes large ones with dignity. She can only occasionally annoy a breakdown.
A confident movement of public roads, as well as off -road, helps a number of systems. These include the TCS anti -operating system and the ESP stabilization system. There is a system that defines Freetrack as a real crossover. We are talking about automatic braking control during DSR descent. The computer determines the intensity of braking on each axis and, if necessary, is adjusted, directing a small pulse to the steering wheel in order to hold the right course. There is also an EBA emergency braking system, which, if necessary, enhances brake pressure to the maximum level. Travel lovers will like the TSP trailer stabilization function. All this helps to feel very confident at the wheel of Altea Freetrack on any coating, which was confirmed by tests on a snowy highway.
During driving in snow and ice, the stabilization system behaves more noticeably than others. However, it does not interfere in the actions of the driver at an early stage, allowing a slight sliding. When the amplitude of the drift begins to grow strongly, ESP without strong jerks stabilizes the car. It is imperceptibly included in the work and all -wheel drive.
The appearance of all -wheel drive entailed serious changes to the design of the rear suspension. This is done in order not to violate the inner space of the car. For the same reason, the fuel tank was modernized. But its volume remained unchanged 55 liters. Full -wheel drive used on the Spanish crossover can be called classic. There is a long -term coupling Haldex, which distributes the torque between the front and the rear axes. Under normal conditions, the car is front -wheel drive. A programmed electronic unit controls the coupling, which, analyzing the readings from the ABS and ESP sensors, redistributes the torque. Up to 50% of total power can be supplied to the rear axle. It is better not to meddle on a serious off -road with such a set, but you can feel calm on a slippery road and snow virgin lands.
Only one very non -poor equipment is delivered to Russia. This applies not only to a huge list of equipment present, but also to the engine. Of the three possible options in Europe, we sell the most powerful with a two -liter turbocharged engine of 200 hp. And they aggregate the motor exclusively with a 6-speed manual. As a result, the car turned out to be very fast. He gains the first hundred in just 7.7 seconds. At the same time, the maximum speed is 220 km/h. Not bad for a family car.
Plans, successes, development
CEO of CJSC Iberia Motor Rus, Thomas Dorenender:
Iberia Motor Rus began its work as an importer of Seat cars in Russia less than a year ago. And already today in Russia more than 10 dealerships of SEAT have been opened. By the end of 2008, there will be 25 of them, and by 2012 there will be 55. Seat in Russia is the entire lineup in Russia: Ibiza, Cordoba, Altea, Altea XL, Leon, Toledo and Altea Freetrack. In Russia, all new models and configurations will appear simultaneously with all other countries. Now we are preparing for the emergence of a new New Ibiza car. We are in Russia we support the brand development strategy adopted by SEAT. Including in the sports direction. In the 2008 season, the SEAT LEON Super Cup will be played as part of the Grand Prix RTCC series. Competitions of 300-horsepower racing machines are held in many European countries, and now they have come to Russia! Pilots have to perform on a very serious technique.

Driving
A powerful motor provides excellent dynamic indicators. The suspension is improved taking into account new operating conditions. Small complaints cause a steering wheel with implicit feedback and the presence of rolls.
Salon
The operating conditions for which Freetrack is intended is quite responsible. Only brown inserts can not be to everyone.
Comfort
The salon is spacious, there are enough space for all five passengers. A comfortable suspension will allow you to overcome more than one hundred kilometers without problems.
Safety
The car is originally positioned as family, so everything related to safety was worked out in the highest category.
Price
There is only one equipment so far. It is distinguished by rich equipment. But how many buyers are there for this car at this price? The question is relevant.
Advantages and disadvantages
+ Full -wheel drive, large clearance, spacious interior, original design.
- mediocre rear review, rolls, high price.
Specifications
Mark and Model - Seat Altea Freetrack
Dimensions - 4493x1788x1622 mm
Engine - gasoline, 1998 cm3, 200 hp/5100 min -1
Transmission - mechanical, 6 -speed
Dynamics - Max 220 km/h; 7.7 s to 100 km/h
Competitors - Skoda Octavia Scout, Subaru Outback

Our opinion
Seat Altea Freetrack meets most of the requests of the domestic buyer. It has an attractive appearance, a spacious interior, an extensive list of options and equipment, good road and off -road qualities. But among other things, our buyer compares the product with the price. This is where the danger lies. Is the consumer ready to buy a Spanish crossover for $ 44 thousand?

Author: Maxim Egorov
Photo: Sergey Kresto
 

 

Source: Magazine 5 wheel [April 2008]