| First UK Drive | Edinburgh, Scotland | SEAT Altea freetrack 4 |

Something strange happens the first time I turn the steering wheel of the SEAT Altea freetrack 4. The tight corner, which admittedly I approached with perhaps a bit more speed than is prudent, is despatched with aplomb. The freetrack turns in sharply and holds its line through the tricky bend. There's very little body roll either, the freetrack's body control remarkably tight. This isn't what you'd expect from an SUV.

It must have been a fluke; I had fully expected sorting out some wobble and slip through the bend, but instead of giving me a wrestling match the freetrack responds faithfully and accurately. Perhaps the 'track' in freetrack isn't referring to the off-road-type. Yet that's exactly what the Altea freetrack 4 is; a raised suspension four-wheel drive family hauler, which, along with the mud-enabling mechanicals, gets a chunkier look courtesy of the de rigueur contrasting black bumpers and wheel-arch over-riders. I don't know about you, but I think it looks pretty good - certainly more appealing than the odd-from-some-angles ordinary Altea.

It's based on the Altea XL, too. That means along with a roomy interior for five there's a good-sized boot to hold all their kit. The marketing people would like you to think that it'll be filled to the gunnels with climbing gear, skis, bikes, surf-boards and the like, but it's more likely to be carrying shopping, buggies and school satchels. That's no criticism though, as the Altea freetrack 4 is an appealing all-rounder, and a very appealing family vehicle. The jacked-up suspension raises the body by 40mm, and while that's done nothing to detract from the Altea's agility it has done wonders for the ride. The sort of bumps and lumps that would jar regular Altea passengers are shrugged off with ease.

Those big bumpers are less likely to show the inevitable parking knocks from day-to-day use too, and should you ever need it, the Haldex clutch four-wheel drive system can direct as much as 50% of drive to the rear wheels. That makes it surprisingly useful off-road, even if few owners are ever likely to discover that. It all works automatically, so if you find yourself in a snowstorm, or get a bit excited on the accelerator exiting a slippery junction, the four-wheel drive system sends drive to the appropriate wheels to help sort it out.

Two engines are offered, both being 2.0-litre units and turbocharged. One's a petrol, the other a diesel, the petrol delivering 197bhp and 206lb.ft of torque. That makes it a rapid machine, able to reach 62mph in a most un-SUV like 7.5 seconds. Its ample torque gives it serious in-gear flexibility and pace, too. More GTI than SUV, really. The 2.0-litre TDI lacks the immediacy of its petrol relative, but 167bhp isn't exactly lacking and allows it to cover the 0-62mph sprint in a still respectable 8.7 seconds. Its larger 256lb.ft torque figure means it feels stronger through the gears than the petrol unit, its nature being less frenetic in comparison.

Both engines are mated to a quick-shifting six-speed manual transmission, the high positioning of the lever in the cabin making it easy to reach. Although surprising with its performance the freetrack doesn't suffer too badly on the economy front. The petrol version manages 30.1mpg and CO₂ emissions of 233g/km, the diesel bettering those with 41.5mpg and 179g/km respectively. That's better than the SUV norm. And that's part of the freetrack's appeal; it offers most of the appeal of a conventional SUV, but without the compromises. If you're really lucky, it might also be ignored by the anti-4x4 lobby.

Inside, the freetrack benefits from revised carpets and 'bark' coloured inserts, but most buyers are more likely to be interested in its family-friendly equipment like the standard rear seat multimedia system to entertain the kids. SEAT only offers the Altea freetrack 4 in one high spec trim level and equipment is extensive. Standard kit includes dual-zone climate control and sports seats among the lengthy list. Those sports seats are a high point in the same cubby-rich, but rather drab interior shared with its non-4x4 relatives.

Drab perhaps, but workmanlike and certain to be hardwearing, which for family buyers is unquestionably appealing. Which kind of sums up the freetrack 4. Appealing. It's practical, quick, enjoyable to drive and reasonably economical. Throw in the huge list of standard kit and it's almost the perfect family car. Just don't tell the anti-SUV protesters.