Sure-footed when going gets tough

Another gadget for drivers, or an indication that the Spanish company is currently one of the real high-fliers in the car world?

Its UK sales were up 18 per cent last year – well above the national average – thanks in no small part to the much-admired Leon.

The family hatchback was joined last year by the sporting Cupra then the ST compact estate and sales really took off.

Now there's another new version, the X-Perience: a 'lifestyle' estate based on the ST but with the addition of the VW Group's proven Haldex four-wheel drive system.

It also heralds the launch next year of a new to SEAT range of SUVs, due to arrive here next year, which are likely to be based on similar underpinnings.

The altimeter, of course, is a bit of a gimmick. It's part of a digital display which pops up on the Satnav screen, along with a compass, when you venture off-road where there are no roads to display.

Since the ST is already a popular model, things are looking good for SEAT's dealers as there is not too much competition in this particular class. One of those rivals, for example, is available only with a 2.5 litre petrol engine (and costs more) while the X-Perience comes with a choice of two economical diesels. Both are 2.0 litre turbocharged units, a 150PS version with six-speed manual gearbox and the uprated 184PS engine reserved for cars with the VW Group's brilliant DSG automatic/manual transmission.

There are two trim levels, with prices ranging from £24,385 to £28,870.

While it is a 4x4, the X-Perience isn't designed as a serious mud-plugger but more of a softroader, intended for those who's work or play requires the occasional off-road foray such as forestry tracks.

Recognising that, it has 15mm extra ground clearance over the standard ST but the '4Drive' system as SEAT calls it is the latest incarnation of the Haldex system which is entirely automatic and helps to keep you safe on road in all types of weather.

Essentially all the power goes to the front wheels in normal conditions but under heavy load, or in slippery conditions such as mud, gravel, ice and snow, up to 50 per cent of the torque is transferred to the rear. Then the dynamic stability and traction control decide whether there is more grip under the left or right wheels. You can actually feel it in action on the loose surface of the forest tracks, pushing the car round the corners to counteract understeer.

SEAT's engineers have found a good compromise with the suspension and damping, so while the car feels quite dynamic on twisty B-roads you don't get your teeth rattled when you do venture onto the rough stuff. Both engines are quiet, too. Despite their differences in output, though, both are capable of averaging 57.6mpg with a CO2 rating of 129g/km.

The 150PS version is pretty quick, tackling the 0 to 62mph dash in 8.7 seconds while the uprated version with the DSG gearbox is even quicker, at an impressive 7.1 seconds.

The DSG, dual clutch transmission is a fast and 'intelligent' way of changing gears which, in my opinion, is superior to older torque converter autos – the figures illustrate that – and for enthusiastic drivers also allows for ultra quick manual changes, using 'paddles' behind the steering wheel.

The combination of higher powered engine and DSG adds around £2,500 to the showroom price, which might seem quite a jump but it also comes in the model with the highest standard equipment levels

Like the award-winning family hatchback, on which it is based, it has plenty of room for five but with the addition of a rear cargo area for extra versatility. It holds at impressive 587 litres of luggage with five on board – more than many big saloons – extending to 1,470 litres with all three rear seats folded flat. Roof rails add to its load-carrying ability.

As the new X-Perience sits alongside the sporty Cupra as the flagship of the Leon range, equipment levels are impressive, too.

Alloy wheels, cruise control, climate control, tinted rear windows, touch screen infotainment system and rear parking sensors are standard, as well as all the usual items such as electric windows and mirrors.

For safety there are seven airbags and a full range of electronic stability and traction systems, plus an electronic differential lock and 'hill hold' control.

The higher grade, dubbed SE Technology, gets bigger alloys, additions to the infotainment package including touch screen controls, DAB radio plus satnav, LED headlights, 18-inch alloys, and front sports seats in alcantara and leather,

An electric panoramic sunroof is among the optional extras, along with features such as heated, electrically adjustable front seats, towbar installation and adaptive cruise control.

And – oh be joyful – there's a real spare wheel.

Those of you who have had a puncture and whose car is supplied with one of those foam inflator kits instead of a spare will know what I mean.

The interior of the X-Perience is a relaxing place to be.

Roomy, quiet and comfortable with easy performance will be features familiar to anyone who has driven the hugely popular hatchback, but with the extra versatility of an estate which will add to the appeal for family or business users.

But it also adds the reassurance of a proven four wheel drive system which adds little weight and doesn't sap performance for those times when the going gets tough, whether it's winter weather, a muddy camp site or gymkhana field.

By John Griffiths