It takes a lot of courage to plunge headlong into the depths of the SUV market with enough and very good offers from competitors such as the Nissan Qashqai, Ford Kuga and Renault Kadjar.
Moreover, this is the first «dive» in this sector for the Spanish brand, which has no experience with similar models in its history. But the «mother» VW helps with this, which hits a serious shoulder with technologies, units and units. After all, SEAT’s first foray into the SUV sector is impressive, and the brand promises not to be left alone with the release of a more compact car.
I had the opportunity to test the car in the vicinity of Barcelona, unfortunately, there was no off-road section. We had the opportunity to test the qualities of the model as an SUV at a special test site in the port, where, in addition to several different ramps, we drove a car, etc. «blind mode» with the help of cameras and software, giving an idea of what is in front and outside car.
Advantages of the solution and model:
- SEAT definitely needs a similar car in its lineup to complement the lightweight portfolio of the Leon and Ibiza brand’s lightweight models.
- The car is quite stylish, very pleasant to drive and promises a good price.
- A good range of five engines — two petrol and three diesel, among which the two-liter 2.0 TDI 150 SE is the most impressive.
- Choice between 4×2 and 4×4 drives.
But you can’t do without minuses — in the basic configuration there are not so many things given out by competition at this level, there are also cheap materials in some places in the interior.
The SEAT Ateca is a mid-size crossover that shares the platform and engine lineup of the brand’s best-selling SEAT Leon hatchback. The wheelbase remains the same, a higher roof allows more air in the cabin. The luggage compartment volume is one of the largest in the industry — 510 l / 485 l for the 4×4 / variant. There are four levels of equipment, there is a choice between manual and automatic transmission, as well as all-wheel drive.
Interestingly, the new SUV is the second in the industry to offer a 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine after the Peugeot 3008. This offshoot of the «downsized» model in the automotive industry offers 115 hp. and is only available with a six-speed manual transmission. At the base S level, the model offers air conditioning, a five-inch USB touchscreen, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a split-reclining rear seatback.
As for other engines, diesel options will probably be the most in demand — 115, 150 and 190 hp. The latter is two-liter and only available with all-wheel drive. The 1.4 liter turbocharged petrol engine develops 150 hp. The mid-range SE is supposed to be the best-seller, offering dual air conditioning, cruise control, heated and folding power mirrors, and a rear parking aid.
The reason for buying an SUV is mainly its practicality, more interior space and the ability to ride in off-road conditions. But the Ateca is convincing enough when you’re behind the wheel. It was then believed that the positioning of SEAT as a sports brand in the VW Group was not unreasonable.
When you get behind the wheel, the first thing to consider is how flexible the driving position can be. The steering wheel and seat allow all drivers to sit comfortably. At times, the ride softens a bit for a milky car, but it doesn’t feel uncomfortable in any way. The Ateca handles precisely and easily, and for a normally tall SUV, body control is very good, allowing for higher speeds in tight corners without excessive lean.
The most powerful version is 190 hp. from standstill to 100 km / h accelerates in 8.5 seconds. If that’s not enough, the manufacturer promises to add a sportier version with the familiar Cupra designation at a later date. According to SEAT representatives, the best-selling version will be the 150 hp version. a two-liter diesel, while a 1.6-liter will be the choice of people who are more closely monitoring their vehicle operating costs.
For nature lovers, the most interesting is the 115 hp three-cylinder engine, for which SEAT claims an average fuel consumption of 5.2 liters per 100 km and combined CO2 emissions of 121 grams per kilometer. This is really impressive considering such a big car is powered by such a small engine. Larger petrol engine — 1.4 L, 150 hp claimed with an average consumption of 5.4 liters per 100 and an emission level of 125 grams per kilometer.
Diesels are even more economical — 1.6-liter 115 hp. consumes 4.3 liters per 100 and has emissions of 112 grams per kilometer. Diesel 150 hp on the other hand, its average consumption is just over 4.4 liters. The 190 hp version, which should have 4×4 and automatic, gives a result of 5 liters per 100 and CO2 emissions of 131 grams per kilometer.
One of the most monitored and up-to-date parameters today when buying a new car is its possible residual value after a three-year period. The Ateca is too new a model to make accurate predictions, but if we take the SEAT Leon as an example, we can expect a similar residual value of around 40%.
But back to the car. Ateca has a clean and simple design, very good looking and logical, but definitely not something exceptional. The dashboard material is good quality and soft, but on the center console and on the bottom of the doors it will probably get scratched over time due to the cheaper plastics. But this is partly justified by the lower base price of the car compared to competitors.
The base level S doesn’t have a very long list of extras, it’s not even available as a navigation option, but it does have air conditioning, 16-inch wheels, and seven airbags. The SE level now comes with 17-inch wheels, dual-zone air conditioning, cruise control and rear parking sensor, SEAT Full Link smartphone connectivity with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink.
The top XCELLENCE features a full leather interior, 18-inch wheels, LED headlights and a rearview camera. The infotainment system is intuitive and can be controlled from the touch screen or via commands on the dashboard.
The car received an excellent five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests, thanks to its safety systems and full number of airbags. For adult protection, Ateca has a rating of 93%, for child protection — 84%. Pedestrian protection is rated at 71 percent, and among the most useful safety systems are lane departure warning systems and adaptive cruise control.
