SEAT altea test drive since 2009 minivan
Spanish Trinity
So: Altea, the elongated version of Altea XL, and almost SUV Altea Freetrack. They have a lot in common, but these are not the same cars, and they behave differently. Perhaps each version will find its Russian buyer, as evidenced by sales of last year: out of two thousands of thousands of machines sold, 22% had to be for this trinity. They have to themselves
I like the appearance of this Spanish family. Regardless of the version and modification. Perhaps because the former chief designer of Alfa Romeo Walter de Silva, who, in fact, inhaled the second life into the Spanish brand, which is part of the VW concern, worked on him. They say that the master held a slanting line, indicating the belt of a new car, looked at it for a long time, and the image of Altea was born in his head. This very line connected the top of the front arch to the rear, and became forming for the profile. A very successful profile, I note.
And the face is a pleasant large grille of the radiator and developed air intakes, a powerful bumper and original lighting technology everything looks dynamic, perceived for granted, while forming the impression of external friendliness. The design of the stern is slightly more modest, although flower -shaped lanterns support the common avant -garde spirit. Yes, the same XL is 187 mm longer, but it looks no less swift with the amendment to its family purpose, of course. In addition, XL has the rear lights noticeably larger, which facilitates the visual perception of the stern.
As for Freetrack, which is built on the XL platform, he is perhaps the brightest representative of the family. A decent clearance (+40 mm) and large wheels, overlays on arches and unpainted bumers give the exterior some masculinity. In addition, on such a machine you can storm light off-road still all-wheel drive. Moreover, unpainted bumper allow not to particularly worry about small scratches.
Sensation of spaciousness
The interior in all three versions is almost the same. Although there are still some differences. But even in the standard Altea thanks to the design of the body (essentially, this is a single collector built on the Golf platform) there is a feeling of inner space. Of course, in XL and Freetrack this sensation intensifies, and in the rear seats much more frequent. An increase in overall length provided additional space for passengers, and made it possible to increase the luggage compartment volume to 532 liters against 409 in ordinary Altea. In addition, the rear seats can be moved within 14 cm, and in the most shifted position the volume reaches already 635 liters. Naturally, the seats can be folded altogether, then the owner will already have 1604 liters for the luggage at their disposal, which is almost the best indicator in the segment.
I note that the rear passengers of Altea XL offers very comfortable travel conditions. In the backs of the front seats, folding tables with cup holders are built -in, there are quite spacious pockets in the doors. This is fully treated with Freetrack. The rear seat also move here, although the luggage volume is slightly smaller than in XL from 490 to 593 liters, depending on the position of the seats. And the reason is simple, despite the common platform, the all -wheel drive transmission bit off a little floor at the compartment, which is noticeably raised. For Freetrack and XL, even special compartments in the ceiling are offered. And in the driver's place it is best in Freetrack.
The seat here is regulated widely, and its form itself is very successful. Side support as in a sports car. Only the blockage of the lower pillow personally seemed to me a little more than necessary. Nevertheless, the seat holds the body tightly even with the most aggressive ride. Naturally, the steering column is adjusted both in height and in departure. As a result, even on a long trip, you do not feel fatigue behind the wheel. An audio system and an on -board computer can be controlled without tearing the hands from the steering wheel using buttons. However, these functions are endowed with the entire Altea family, the presence of a particular option depends on the configuration. I will add: the seats are convenient in both altea and XL. In other details, the decoration of the salon of three cars is identical. So, the central console can have a monochrome monitor with the buttons of the audio center, or a large color monitor, which displays information from the same audio center, from the on -board computer and navigation. True, the navigation system in Russia has not yet been working, but with such a screen the console looks stylish.
Perhaps I can’t do without complaints. Firstly, the interface is not too convenient. For example, I spent a lot of time just tune in to the necessary radio frequencies. Secondly, this was already noticed in the process of long-term operation, in the cold the engines warm up for a long time. Oddly enough, the 1.6-liter engine of the arrow of the corresponding indicator wakes up quite quickly than others faster, and it becomes warm after ten minutes later. But 2.0-liter engines with direct fuel injection (Altea XL) and with a turbine (Altea Freetrack) are heated slowly. Even on the move they need a good 15 minutes so that warm air begins to enter the salon. If, in addition, the seats are not equipped with heating, you feel very uncomfortable at this quarter of an hour.
With a spark
The Spaniards managed to give cars built on a single platform with models, not only an original appearance, but also a cheerful disposition. Moreover, regardless of the motor under the hood.
Take the usual altea. A modest in volume and a rather old 1.6-liter gasoline engine very vividly reacts to the game of gas pedal. And the accuracy with which commands from the steering wheel are transferred to the front wheels simply captivates this truly driver settings. At the same time, the bodies of the body are minimal in the turns, and the supply of stability is great. If you turn off the stabilization system, you can feel that, for example, when entering a turn on a obviously greater than it should, the speed of the body begins to slide in all four wheels outside the arc. This expands the capabilities of the driver’s pedal of the accelerator, and the front drive wheels begin to stretch the car, increasing the radius of rotation. Threw the gas gas will begin to gently slide out
the turn, and then the main thing is not to bring to deep skidding, but to keep the car, as they say, on the verge. But the most pleasant thing is that the stabilization system does not interfere with fast driving. Of course, she will not allow obvious slipping, but electronics are tuned in such a way that she permits some liberties, despite the fact that she is always ready to very clearly and effectively direct the body in the right direction. Plus informative, transparent steering. But that's not all. A clear move of the 5-speed manual man transformation plant allows you to maintain a sports pace. The competently selected gear rates of the CP correspond to the dynamic movement, so that a lack of power is felt only after a set of 120 km/h. Is it required more in the city? But powerful brakes will come in handy. It is not at all difficult to dose force on the pedal, and ABS even allows small wheels.
The elongated version of XL showed almost the same character. A 2.0-liter gasoline engine with a capacity of 150 hp was installed under its hood, which is aggregated exclusively with a 6-speed automatic transmission. What does not detract from Altea's dynamic potential. You are convinced of this right away, it is worth drowning the accelerator pedal once on the floor. The car begins to accelerate very sporely, and switching automatic transmission is barely noticeable. And in general, the machine is very quick. He sensitively reacts to work by the accelerator and instantly, if the driver requires this, goes to the step, or even two down. There is also a sports algorithm of work, as well as the ability to manually switch programs. In addition, the motor itself is quite brisk. He demonstrates the maximum of his potential after 3000 rpm, although he pulls well on the bottoms. The return side of the medal appetite. During the test, the average fuel consumption was about 13 liters per 100 km of run. But in fact, this is not so much, taking into account the fact that the car was operated mainly in the city.
If we talk about suspensions, then their settings, compared to ordinary Altea, are clearly more comfortable and safe. The rotation is rather insufficient, and the rolls of the body in the bends are slightly more noticeable. But then the excellent smoothness and good energy intensity of pendants, not in any pit, it did not come to breakdown. In such a car, you can safely go on a long journey. Although, taking into account the roads, especially in winter, Freetrack is better suited for such voyages.
Already in this case, neither with dynamics nor the energy intensity does not arise any problems. A 2.0-liter engine with a turbocharged gasoline develops 200 hp. and a decent moment of 280 nm, available already at 1800 rpm. Together with a 6-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive transmission, this guarantees confident movement always and everywhere. By the way, the Freetrack is based on the Haldex type electronically controlled by electronics. It is able to redistribute the moment between the axes in any proportion, and therefore at least 100% of the power can be directed to the front wheels. As a matter of fact, this occurs with a straightforward movement on an even and nonsense coating. In other cases, the computer, receiving information from the sensors of the ESP stabilization system, directs the moment back. Most
the pleasant in all this system is that its actions are well predicted. Having shot, you start easily, intuitively predict the behavior of the car and adjust your actions. So that, without waiting for a sharp change in character from the front -wheel drive to the rear -wheel drive, the potential of the machine is as efficient as possible. Of course, it is better not to leave for real off -road, but for traveling along winter roads, overcoming small snowdrifts and borders Freetrack is perfectly suitable. The only but clutch pedal has a huge stroke. This is well kneading the muscles of the left leg, but, along with the small informativeness of the adhesion itself, after prolonged standing in traffic jams begins to tire.
Other but no. Hard, but at the same time, ergonomic pendants do not allow body rolls, powerful brakes perfectly slow down the car on any coating. Yes, and a rather informative steering control will allow experienced drivers not to deny themselves anything, because ESP can be turned off.
For every taste
So, it is clear that the Seat Altea family has many talents. Suppose Altea and Altea XL are perfect for family people. Or they can take a place in a corporate fleet. And Freetrack is able to attract those for whom compact Japanese and European crossovers are expensive or fresh.
As for the prices and cost of service, they are given in tables for all tested versions.
Andrey Osipov
Photo Seat
