SEAT Ateca Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

The Spanish brand SEAT introduced the compact SUV Ateca in 2015 at the Geneva Motor Show as a sibling for the Volkswagen Tiguan, but with a sportier look. Five years later, it received a facelift.

The mid-life refresh for the Ateca brought new safety features and cleaner, Euro 6d, engines in the lineup. To emphasize those, the Spanish brand prepared a modified exterior look as well. Some elements were mandatory due to the 2021 European regulations.

The SEAT Ateca was based on the MQB platform, like most of the Volkswagen Group vehicles. On the front, the designers installed a new, wider, hexagonal grille with a 3D design. For the headlights, they prepared a daytime running light pattern with LED that followed the headlamps contour. The slim taillights made the car look taller than it was.

The interior went through a significant revamp and, depending on the trim level. It was fitted as standard with a 10.25” digital instrument cluster. An additional 8.25” or 9.2” touch-screen display for the infotainment unit, depending on the trim level or options, completed the digital instrumentation of the interior. The SEAT Ateca integrated some of the most advanced driver assistance systems available, including Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control, Side and Exit Assist, and Front Assist with Pre-Crash braking. These technologies made the compact SUV safer.

Under the hood, the Ateca was fitted with a choice of diesel and gasoline turbocharged engines. While the base model featured a front-wheel-drive configuration with just 110 hp, the top of the range 190 hp 2.0-liter unit was fitted as standard with an all-wheel-drive system. Depending on the engine choice, a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed automatic (DSG – dual-clutch) were fitted as standard.

The first compact SUV produced by Seat was released in 2016. Part of the VW Group, the Seat Ateca was based on the Tiguan and resembled much of its silhouette.

Compared to the Tiguan, the Ateca seemed to offer much more emotion and a more attractive exterior design, with LED front and rear lights.

A real head turned, the Ateca was available with both a front-wheel-drive or a 4-wheel-drive system.

The cabin was welcoming, with high quality finishes all around. The controls were easy to action and intuitively placed.

Small storage spaces were available all throughout the cabin, with a decent sized glovebox, enough space for a bottle of water in the door panels and another compartment under the driver’s seat. 2 cupholders were also included, however, they were of different sizes.

Even the base version of the Ateca offered good safety with the 7 standard airbags. 2 USB ports were standard, as well as ISOFIX mounting points for easily installing the child seat.

The back seats offered good headroom and legroom for 2 adults.

Standard features also included air conditioning and alloy wheels, however, the cabin was fitted with cloth upholstery and a smaller touschreen display.

The higher trim levels offered a higher resolution touchscreen with smartphone integration, keyless entry and keyless go, as well as a rear-view camera. 19-inch alloys, leather upholstery and heated seats were also available.