The Freetrack 4 is slightly longer, wider and higher than its siblings meaning more room not just for five adult occupants, but all the equipment this car comes with as standard. The most distinguishing feature has to be the large central console that slightly curves towards the driver for ease of use and is home to the MP3 compatible CD payer, duel zone climate control with dust and pollen filter or the optional sat nav.
The higher positioned front sport seats not only gives a better view of the road especially those boulders if you happen to go off road, but comes with height and lumber adjustment, which, upon reflection, is very considerate and appreciated, while the three spoke sports leather height and reach adjustable steering wheel includes the mutli function controls for the audio, telephone and navigation option – where fitted, plus cruise control. Geared for the family in mind, the rear can either accommodate three passengers or two if the rear central console is used and comes with a rear seat entertainment system using a 7 inch screen with RCA connection for the children’s game consoles. For their other bits and pieces to be stored safety in case mum goes mad on the off roading are roof storage boxes, front and rear cup holders, storage box in the central console with a two level facility, front and rear door pockets, pockets and trays on the back of the front seats, plus a storage bin in the rear central console. Then there is the brilliant rear parcel shelf system that, with just one touch, the shelf rolls up and folds away so that mum can hang onto the shopping trolley at the same time. This also frees up more space hence the Freetrack 4 provides 490 litres of boot space, increasing to 593 if the rear seats are moved forward by just 14 inches in case it is a really big shop or 1,562 if the seats are folded flat. The boot itself has two tiers with concealed compartments, a cargo net and lashing hooks so even the shopoholics are catered for is this extraordinary car.
On that note, lets get going and the Freetrack 4’s 2.0 litre turbocharged FSI engine using direct injection technology certainly has the racy asset sprinting to 62 mph in just 7.5 seconds, a top speed of 133 mph with respectable fuel economy of 30.1 mpg on a combined cycle. The 2.0 litre diesel is not far behind taking just 8.7 seconds to reach 62 mph claims a top speed of 127 mph but wins the fuel consumption race with 41.5 mpg on a combined cycle. Being a complete four wheel drive, the Freetrack 4 also has a higher ground clearance to cope with all types of terrain and I experienced this first hand at the launch courtesy of the MOD in Surrey. Suffice to say, I did not expect this car to rise to the challenging often gruelling off road track the MOD uses for its own vehicles, but the Freetrack 4 did not falter and was remarkably impressive. So as winter sets in, if you become the proud owner of a Freetrack 4, there will be no excuse for not getting out of your muddy or icy driveway to take the children to school or go to work. The Freetrack 4 features numerous safety features to ensure its firm hold on the road such as TCS Traction Control to prevent the wheels from spinning when accelerating on slippery surfaces, ESP that incorporates Driving Steering Recommendation, Emergency Brake Assist and Trailer Stability Programme specifically designed to enhance vehicle safety when towing. On top of that is ABS while the electro mechanical power steering provides assistant only when needed thus saving on the fuel consumption. The Freetrack 4 has scored an incredible 5 stars for Occupant Safety, 4 stars for Child Protection and 3 stars already mentioned for Pedestrian Protection. This is thanks to the Freetrack 4 being equipped with six airbags, deformation zones to absorb the energy of an impact, an active footrest that resists impact without distortion therefore reduces the risk of ankle injury, pressure sensors in the doors and energy absorbing ‘soft’ surface on the bonnet/ lower part of the front end in case those pedestrians jump out in front of you. Securing the Freetrack 4 is remote central locking with deadlocks and selective opening of the driver’s door, alarm, immobiliser plus locking wheel nuts thus fall into money saving 11E insurance group.
Impressed? Yes I most definitely was with this new Freetrack 4. Lovely rugged looks dramatically contrasting if you choose the bright yellow exterior paint, a spacious and mega functional practical interior with superb driving dynamics. What is so good about the Freetrack 4 is that it is not an imposing gas guzzling 4X4 but a truly perfect family sized car albeit slightly higher, with numerous solutions a family car needs, provides a sporty drive that some families may have had to foregone in the past yet equipped with an outstanding 4x4 capabilities that is there all the time for when needed. What’s more, families are often battling with tight purse stings. Just look at all the equipment you get as standards on the Freetrack 4 then look at the price. This will surely appease the most stringent of households. Watch out Brits, the Spanish Armada has landed. View the video: Seat Fastrack 4
FemaleFirst Jackie Violet