Seat unveils the Altea Freetrack, based on the Altea XL

Seat unveiled its first off-road (in appearance) vehicle, the Altea Freetrack, a few days before its public debut at the Barcelona Motor Show in June. Seat unveiled a concept version of the Freetrack in Geneva and not many changes were made in the process.

The Freetrack will incorporate VW's four-wheel drive chassis, which transfers power to the front wheels under civilized driving, and up to 50% power onto the rear wheels when needed. The Altea Freetrack can be opted with two powertrains: a 2.0L TFSI petrol 200hp and a 2.0L TDI diesel producing 170hp. The Altea Freetrack, which is based on the Altea XL, will go on sale in Europe in September.

[Source: SEAT]



PRESS RELEASE: NEW SEAT ALTEA FREETRACK: The family adventurer

-The Spanish car maker’s first all-road car
-Four-wheel drive, 200 hp petrol and 170 hp diesel engines
-Rear seat multimedia system fitted as standard

At the upcoming Barcelona Motor Show from 7 to 17 June, SEAT will be presenting its first all-road vehicle – the Altea freetrack. After unveiling the prototype version in Geneva, which hinted at the new model’s silhouette, the definitive version can be seen in Barcelona and goes on sale this summer.

With this model, SEAT is making its debut in the SUV segment, an area of the market which has grown considerably in recent years. The new Altea freetrack is one of the few compact monospace cars on the market featuring clear off-road styling, as well as engines that deliver up to 200 hp. This factor proves the dynamic character of SEAT’s new all-road model, whose slogan “auto emoción” works just as well on- as well as off-road.

Exclusive off-road looks

Based on the Altea XL, the visual enhancements on the new freetrack include protective moulding below the waistline, as well as the specific plastic front and rear bumpers. These elements lend a rugged and robust image to the new model while also protecting the body when driving off-road.

The exterior stands out with new, exclusive design 17-inch wheels and larger diameter tyres. The Altea freetrack also has 40 mm more ground clearance than the Altea XL, making it easier for the new model to tackle any kind of terrain.

Top level performance

The Altea freetrack is available with four-wheel drive via a Haldex-type arrangement with a hydro-mechanical connection and electronic control, to ensure that the tractive force is distributed permanently in a progressive and precise manner. Under normal use, power is fully transferred to the front wheels, with up to 50% being distributed to the rear wheels when the need arises.

One of the most outstanding features of the new Altea freetrack is its engine range, with performance levels that make the new SEAT model the market’s most dynamic family-sized SUV. A 200 hp 2.0 TFSI petrol and a 170 hp 2.0 TDI diesel engine are responsible for taking the Altea freetrack over all types of terrain.

The 2.0 TFSI engine enables the newcomer to reach a top speed of 214 km/h, with 0 to 100 km/h taking just 7.5 seconds – yet it can still average fuel consumption of 9.4 litres. On the other hand, the freetrack 2.0 TDI reaches a top speed of 204 km/h, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.7 seconds and consumes an average of 6.8 litres for every 100 km of driving.

Besides these performance figures, the new Altea freetrack matches the Altea XL in terms of impressive interior space and generous load capacity. With its 593 litre boot, the freetrack can carry everything needed for the entire family’s hobbies and leisure activities.

The rear seats are exceptionally roomy and flexible, as they can slide back by up to 16 centimetres for added legroom while still allowing more than enough boot space.

Multimedia system as standard

The Altea freetrack will be sold with just one trim level featuring a complete set of standard equipment.

The most outstanding feature is a new multimedia system, which comprises a 7-inch TFT screen hinged on the ceiling and an RCA connection that allows connection to a DVD player, videogames, laptops and even MP3 players. This way the sound is transmitted over the car’s own sound system.

The Altea freetrack also features new rear window shades as standard, that are hidden inside the doors when not in use, leaving the view unobstructed for rear seat passengers.

Further standard-fit elements on the Altea freetrack include dual climatise control, rain sensor wipers, light sensor, parking sensors, cruise control, trip computer, plus CD MP3 radio and steering wheel mounted controls, among others. Safety highlights include standard ESP (Electronic Stability Control), six airbags, EPS electro-mechanical steering and tyre pressure warning.

Designed, developed and manufactured in Spain

The new Altea freetrack has been wholly designed and developed at the SEAT Technical Centre in Martorell, where over 1,000 highly qualified staff work daily to develop new models.

It will be exclusively made at the SEAT facilities in Martorell, one of Europe’s most modern and most flexible automotive factories, where the Ibiza, Córdoba, Altea, Altea XL, Toledo and León models are also produced.

Geneva: SEAT Altea Freetrack Concept

We're fans of the SEAT Altea, though the smallish five-door hatch back isn't sold in the U.S. It's got great packaging, a unique though not ugly design, and there's even an FR model sporting corporate parent Volkswagen's venerable 2.0T FSI engine and a DSG transmission. SEAT is planning to stretch the Altea's scope a bit further when it releases an SUV version of the on-road MPV in the near future. The SEAT Altea Freetrack Concept you see here is a thinly veiled preview of SEAT's first production SUV.

Frankly, the Altea Freetrack Concept looks great lifted on its beefier suspension and larger wheels. It's got all the normal cute ute styling cues we'd expect like fender flares, a fuax skid plate beneath the front bumper and a full-size spare mounted on the rear hatch, but it doesn't look anything like SUVs we're used to thanks to its extreme cab-forward stance and virtual absence of front and rear overhang. Plus, it's motivated by an even more powerful version of the 2.0T FSI in the high-performance FR model producing 240 horsepower. As we've repeated so many times, sadly the Spanish automaker doesn't sell its stuff in the U.S., so no Altea Freetracks for us.

[Source: Autoblog]

Hi-res image gallery and official press release after the jump.



PRESS RELEASE:

ALTEA FREETRACK PROTOTYPE

SEAT unveils its first 4x4 in Geneva

*A concept-car that previews the street model
*4-wheel drive and 240 hp 2.0 TFSI engine
*Shakira visits the SEAT stand tomorrow, exhibiting the León Pies Descalzos
*This morning, SEAT President Erich Schmitt has unveiled the latest creation of the Spanish carmaker in Geneva – the Altea Freetrack Prototype – a sneak preview of SEAT's first SUV, which will soon be seen both on-road and off.

During the presentation, Mr. Schmitt stated that "this prototype comes in response to the increasing demand for 4x4 vehicles, and opens the possibilities for SEAT in this segment". More importantly however, this SEAT vehicle goes several steps further. As the company President said, "the Altea Freetrack Prototype is an excellent 4x4, a roomy family car with enormous load capacity and a true sportscar all rolled into one, both for its dynamic design and the powerful 240 hp 2.0 TFSI at its heart".

Adventurous spirit

The Altea Freetrack Prototype is anauthentic sporty 4x4, ready to safely tackle any off-road path chosen. With a ground clearance of 310 mm, its angles of approach and departure and its ramp breakover angle are those of a true off-roader: 26°, 29°and 23° respectively.

The prototype exhibited at the SEAT stand combines the outward looks of a typical 4x4, with the Spanish maker's trademark dynamic, sporty silhouette.

Immediately visible is the powerful design statement, with a body that is 60 mm wider than the Altea XL. The oversized bumpers feature aluminium embellishers, while at the rear the triangular exhaust pipes are set directly into the bumper itself. Similar to most 4x4s, the rear also sports the spare wheel, topped by the SEAT logo and an original "4x4" symbol that emphasises the models all-terrain capacity.

Seen from the side, the first thing you notice are the imposing 19 inch alloy wheels, atypical on an all-terrain vehicle. Finally, the exterior is graced with exclusive matt white paint, enhancing the Altea Freetrack Prototype's positive, open nature.

Eye-catching details on the inside

Once inside the SEAT prototype, you immediately notice the original 2+2 seating arrangement and bucket-style competition seats, as well as the broad panoramic ceiling. Its two-tone brown and white leather upholstery adds a touch of bright refinement which the floodlight ceiling greatly enhances.

The dashboard has been carefully designed and fitted, using leather and aluminium freely with a soft finish on the passenger side.

The remarkable central console features two screens at the top that deliver all navigation information, including all kinds of details required for off-road driving, and the climatiser at the bottom. The newly designed air nozzles are vertically positioned on the central console and arranged in circles at the sides.

Top-class engine

The same engine that powers the León Cupra, the 240 hp 2.0 TFSI, is responsible for making the Altea Freetrack Prototype a roaring sportscar, thanks to its top-notch performance levels. This 2.0 TFSI transmits all its energy to all four wheels via a Haldex-type arrangement with a hydro-mechanical connection and electronic control that guarantees permanent, steady and precise power distribution.

Shakira and the SEAT León Pies Descalzos

The popular Colombian singer Shakira, whose tour is being taken across Europe by SEAT, will be on hand today at 13:45 at the SEAT stand to sign the León "Pies Descalzos". This model, which is also on display at the Motor Show, will be personalised by Shakira herself, and will be given away at a draw. The prize-winner will have donated money to the charity sponsored by SEAT to help needy children in Colombia.