Sales remain strong for SUVs, with this year's Geneva Motor Show alone signalling the entry of half a dozen or so new entrants, especially so in the soft-roader side of the market, where buyers are looking for a car that mixes the rugged looks and versatility of an SUV with the qualities and more environmentally friendly image of a regular MPV or estate. SEAT previewed its entry into this market with the Altea Freetrack Prototipo.

Essentially an Altea on stilts, the Freetrack Prototipo features various equipment alterations and design cues that transform it into an off-road vehicle. Riding 185mm higher than an Altea XL, the Freetrack Prototipo has a full-time four-wheel drive system and the 240bhp 2-litre TFSI engine normally found serving duty in SEAT's new Leon Cupra.

Major chassis revisions provide 310mm of ground clearance, allowing for generous approach, departure, and ramp breakover angles that will certainly prove useful for off-road ventures. The concept measurements are slightly larger than the car on which it is based as well, with width having been increased by 60mm - mainly to accommodate larger tyres mounted on 19-inch wheels.

Oversized bull bars and plastic side guards with aluminium inserts give the car a resemblance to other soft-roaders such as the Volvo XC and Audi Allroad models, whist also protecting the bodywork from rocks and other obstacles. A revised bumper with hexagonal grille air intakes highlights the front of the vehicle and incorporates two LED fog lights with aluminium casings.

A spare wheel is mounted at the rear of the car, above two triangular-shaped tailpipes integrated into the bumper and between transparent rear lamps. A panoramic tinted glass roof is also unique to the concept and features a luggage rack for added load lugging capability.

Despite larger exterior dimensions the concept is just a four-seat vehicle, with individual bucket seats finished in two-tone brown and white leather with a built-in storage area separating the rear seats. The two-tone theme is also carried over to the steering wheel and dashboard, which is covered in dark brown leather with a white hood over the instrument binnacle. None of this is likely to make it into production as it is though.

However, SEAT claims that the prototype is more than just a styling exercise; that it showcases the look of a forthcoming road-going model that will be joining the line up in the not too distant future. We hope the styling is a little better resolved in the showroom version than the slightly awkward show car managed.

Eric Gallina - 12 Mar 2007