First Drive: SEAT Ateca

The Ateca is one of SEAT’s most crucial cars ever.

SEAT’s Ateca was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, now this all new SUV arrives in Ireland writes Geraldine Herbert

What is it? The Ateca is SEAT’s first Sports Utility Vehicle, a must have in any car range as families increasingly shun hatchbacks, saloons and MPVs in favour of crossovers and SUV’s. The name ‘Ateca’ comes from a Spanish village that lies to the west of Zaragoza, right in the heart of the brand’s homeland.

First impressions of the new SEAT Ateca? With Spanish good looks and German build quality SEAT’s new SUV certainly turns heads with bold looks and striking features including side blisters with sharp creases, plus, a striking triangular light signature.

What about the interior?  Behind the wheel its all very familiar Volkswagen but the cheaper price tag shows in some of the harsh plastics and it is a little on the dull side. That said there is plenty of space plus good head and leg room throughout. The  boot space  is 510 litres that’s 80 litres larger than Nissan Qashqai. Fold the seats down and this increases to 1,604 litres.

SEAT Ateca on road? There is a mix of two petrol, 1.0TSI and 1.4 TSI and two diesels a 1.6TDI and 2.0TDI diesel engines. We drove the SEAT Ateca 2.0 TDi with four wheel drive. On the road it feels very balanced and responsive and the suspension is good if a little on the firm side.

How much? Prices for the SE 1.4-litre petrol starts from €27,920 but there is also a 1-litre version that starts from €24,750.  The diesel range is priced from €26,450 for the 1.6-litre 115bhp diesel  while the 2-litre models start from €29,500.

How Safe? The Ateca gained a five-star rating when tested in the Euro NCAP test programme and  received an excellent classification in each of the categories included in the tests, with particular emphasis on adult passenger and child safety, as well as in pedestrian protection and driver assistance systems.

What are my options? There is  three trims S, SE and Xcellence and all are well equipped.  There is also 2WD and 4WD versions and manual or automatic ( DSG) transmissions so whether you do high or low mileage, are city or rural based  there is an option in the range for you.

3 words to describe the  Ateca?  Smart; Stylish; Spacious

For more information check out Seat.ie  the Seat Facebook page or follow them on twitter here.

Geraldine Herbert

10th October, 2016