SEAT has officially unveiled its first SUV model. Called the Ateca, it looks like a combination of the Leon's DNA and the all-new Tiguan's body, which should be a winning formula. From bumper to bumper, the Ateca measures 4.36 meters, making it about the size of a Nissan Qashqai. Thanks to bold styling, it looks bigger and more muscular, just like the Range Rover Evoque.
The Ateca looks exactly as an SUV should, having short overhangs and skirts that are rounded off at the bottom. The 2.64-meter wheelbase is identical to that of the Leon. However, the trunk is deeper and boast an impressive size of 510 liters in standard form or 485 liters when AWD is fitted.
From the front, it looks like a vertically challenged Leon, as the full LED headlights (optional) are nearly identical. The back features a mixture of interlocking surfaces and the trunk opening is a large one. The only slight disappointment is that the exhaust system is not symmetrical, as it is on the Mazda CX-5.
The interior is typically dark. The steering wheel and the design of the dash are identical to those on the Spanish hatchback. However, the screen is up to 8 inches wide and the center console is different. Behind the gear stick, SEAT installed a knob that controls how the vehicle behaves in off-road conditions. Unfortunately, the classic handbrake has been replaced by an electric one. The Ateca is also the first SEAT that can be equipped with Wireless Smartphone Charging. Alongside MirrorLink, SEAT Full Link also incorporates the functions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Being based on the MQB platform, the Ateca's engine range is easy to figure out. There are two TSI petrol and three TDI diesel engines available. The entry-level FWD models get either a 1.0 TSI or a 1.6 TDI, both with 115 PS. After that, you have the choice between two radically different 150 PS engines, namely the 1.4 TSI ACT (cuts fuel to two cylinders under light loads) and the much bigger 2.0 TDI.
Finally, the most powerful engine available on the Ateca will be the 2.0 TDI rated at 190 PS. Frankly, we are surprised by the decision not to offer more powerful gasoline turbo engines, since SEAT is supposed to stand for driver enjoyment.
But the company's strategy has changed. Now, SEAT is all about offering the most exciting VW technologies at an affordable price, sometimes below Skoda.
While a Cupra model is out of the question, the Ateca FR might be developed later. While our pants have not been set on fire by the first SUV in SEAT history, we will agree that it has everything a TDI+DSG family man might want.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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