Photo: JE Design
For the past couple of months, we have been actively searching for tuning projects involving the SEAT Ateca, the first SUV in the history of the Spanish brand.
There are two main reasons for this. Number one is that the Ateca is going to become SEAT's best seller. The second has to do with the fact that every VW Group model has an avid fanbase of bolt-on fans.
It looks like JE Design is the first company to offer goodies for the Ateca. But, as we've come to expect from them, the outcome is polarizing by any standards.
Their Seat Ateca program starts with a few simple accessories that can be split into aero and aesthetics. A good example of the latter is the add-on the protection strip for the top of the bumper where it meets the cargo bay, available in silver or black.
Meanwhile, the top of the trunk can be decorated using a rear spoiler that sticks out further than the top of the car. JE Design says that " the improved aerodynamics may also contribute to improved fuel efficiency," but we're not so sure.
JE Design also tried to do something about the stance, using 30mm lowering springs designed to work with the original dampers. This is suitable for both front- and four-wheel-drive variants. And naturally, the alloys were an easy fix.
This new design is a 10-spoke one available in sizes upwards of 19 inches. A set of four 8.5J x 20-inch ET45 wheels in matte black with matching 245/35ZR20 tires is available. Fans of even bigger wheels can opt for the 21-inch variant in black or graphite, and shod with 245/30ZR21 or 255/30ZR21 rubber.
And finally, two types of performance exhaust are being developed. The choice is between quad 80mm diameter tailpipes, or oval tailpipes measuring 160 x 90mm. Both versions have EC approval, and are also available for all-wheel-drive versions of the Ateca.
There's an engine mod available as well, for the top-end 2.0 TDI with 190 PS, which can be boosted to 190 PS and 430 Nm (317 lb-ft) of torque (400 Nm standard). This, JE Design claims, is enough to increase the top speed from 212 to 220 km/h (137 mph).
It looks like JE Design is the first company to offer goodies for the Ateca. But, as we've come to expect from them, the outcome is polarizing by any standards.
Their Seat Ateca program starts with a few simple accessories that can be split into aero and aesthetics. A good example of the latter is the add-on the protection strip for the top of the bumper where it meets the cargo bay, available in silver or black.
Meanwhile, the top of the trunk can be decorated using a rear spoiler that sticks out further than the top of the car. JE Design says that " the improved aerodynamics may also contribute to improved fuel efficiency," but we're not so sure.
JE Design also tried to do something about the stance, using 30mm lowering springs designed to work with the original dampers. This is suitable for both front- and four-wheel-drive variants. And naturally, the alloys were an easy fix.
This new design is a 10-spoke one available in sizes upwards of 19 inches. A set of four 8.5J x 20-inch ET45 wheels in matte black with matching 245/35ZR20 tires is available. Fans of even bigger wheels can opt for the 21-inch variant in black or graphite, and shod with 245/30ZR21 or 255/30ZR21 rubber.
And finally, two types of performance exhaust are being developed. The choice is between quad 80mm diameter tailpipes, or oval tailpipes measuring 160 x 90mm. Both versions have EC approval, and are also available for all-wheel-drive versions of the Ateca.
There's an engine mod available as well, for the top-end 2.0 TDI with 190 PS, which can be boosted to 190 PS and 430 Nm (317 lb-ft) of torque (400 Nm standard). This, JE Design claims, is enough to increase the top speed from 212 to 220 km/h (137 mph).
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