MOTHER Nature's persistence in throwing us a real mixed bag of weather with our seasons has prompted many car makers down the route of producing 'four-wheel drive' cars, in order that more deep puddles can be straddled, muddier roads can be gripped better and generally unpleasant journeys can be 'weathered' more safely.

SEAT is the latest in the line to bring out a four-wheel drive option on one of its existing and already very popular family cars – the Altea – and Freetrack 4 is its name. This comfy cocoon-like car is one of the most spacious in its class already. And, thanks to its bubble shape it has lots of headroom, legroom and elbowroom.

The option of permanent four-wheel drive means the car has better ground clearance than the existing model, but more importantly has the added benefit of better grip on unsavoury road conditions.

SEAT is determined to do well in the crossover market with the Freetrack and the interest already shown in the car by some public-sector services should instill confidence in the car's capabilities and value-for-money running costs.

How does it compare with its two-wheel drive stablemate and more importantly does it match up to the others in this rapidly growing segment?

Available now with a VW 2-litre TSi petrol engine and alternative 2.0 TDi turbodiesel engine, there is no automatic transmission choice. However, the six-speed manual gearbox is well ranged to suit both powerplants.

The diesel engine, although harsher than the petrol, will be the choice of the business user. It might have less power on paper, but the 0-62mph time of 8.7 seconds will be more than enough power to play with. It is a band lower on tax, too, so it's lighter on your pocket once or twice a year.

However, the quiet petrol engined version will still see some hot hatches diving for cover, as it can achieve 62mph in just about 7.5 seconds – quite ridiculous for a 'soft-roader'.

Driving both versions on the open road was most enjoyable. I found the ride to be very smooth and refined. It was really only road noise through the tyres that I could hear. When I needed the power for a hasty manoeuvre, there was plenty on tap and I didn't feel guilty about driving an 'off-roader' because neither version spews out any more CO2 than your average family car.

Off the beaten track using a dedicated off-road testing course nearby, the Freetrack 4 proved its mettle again with pot-holed tracks, steep inclines and near-vertical drops to contend with. Aside from the smell of burning clutch on one occasion trying to reach the summit, the car made veritable molehills out of the mountainous conditions.

From inside the cocoon, my passenger and I felt safe and cosy. The front seats of the Altea are not sumptuous and ample, however they are sporty and grip you in the right places. We were comfortable enough for several hours' driving.

The dashboard in multiple textures and a couple of different colours is very complementary. All the instrumentation is easy to navigate and my passenger and I both felt the simple approach to all the controls is tastefully achieved.

I do like the gear stick. It's very well crafted and looks like it's come straight out of a posh super car. I also love the steering wheel, which is chunky and ergonomic. It has audio and cruise controls fitted and you can really feel the weight of the power steering through it. The feedback is great.

I thought the shape of the windscreen might cause some visibility problems because the car seems to have large A-pillars (from inside.) But once I was driving the car my worries were soon aleviated. I could see everything I needed to and therefore felt comfortable and all the safer for them.

Overall the Freetrack 4 should be adept at getting its occupants away from the TV and out into the big blue yonder for fresh air and freetracking frolics.

Equipment is too long to list but includes cruise control, intelligent four-wheel drive, rear entertainment system, sports suspension, dual zone climate control and tinted windows.

SEAT Altea Freetrack

2.0 TDi diesel

Top speed: 127 mph

0-62 mph: 8.7 secs

Power: 170 Ps

Torque: 350 Nm

Urban Economy: 33.2 mpg

Extra urban: 49.6 mpg

Combined: 42.5 mpg

CO2 emissions: 179 g/km

Price: £21,395