What We Like
Sharp styling
Neat interior
Nimble handling
Punchy engine
What We Dislike
Slightly firm ride that may not be to everyone's liking
It's been a long time coming but Seat has finally jumped on the global Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) bandwagon and introduced the Ateca. This humble hauler marks the Spanish marque's first foray into the full-sized SUV segment and comes in an understated yet highly desirable package.
Wait, that looks oddly familiar
If the Ateca looks familiar and you can't quite put your finger on it, we won't blame you. Due to its relationship with its German parent company, the Spanish SUV shares many similarities with the Volkswagen Tiguan.
Seat has drawn on the experience of its German overlords, utilising similar componentry such as the MQB platform - found in the Tiguan - for the Ateca. But while the Tiguan has a more commanding road presence, the Ateca presents itself in a simpler yet sportier exterior.
Simplicity extends to the cabin as well, with sport seats and vinyl trims decked out in black and grey. Straight edges and angled corners are a common theme in Seat models such as the Leon, and the Ateca is no exception.
Easy peasy, lemon squeezy
A handsome interior isn't all the Ateca offers, though. Controls are easy-to-use while the infotainment system is straightforward and intuitive. The 8.0-inch touchscreen also features Full Link - which allows for smartphone mirroring, as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality.
Wait, that looks oddly familiar
If the Ateca looks familiar and you can't quite put your finger on it, we won't blame you. Due to its relationship with its German parent company, the Spanish SUV shares many similarities with the Volkswagen Tiguan.
Seat has drawn on the experience of its German overlords, utilising similar componentry such as the MQB platform - found in the Tiguan - for the Ateca. But while the Tiguan has a more commanding road presence, the Ateca presents itself in a simpler yet sportier exterior.
Simplicity extends to the cabin as well, with sport seats and vinyl trims decked out in black and grey. Straight edges and angled corners are a common theme in Seat models such as the Leon, and the Ateca is no exception.
Easy peasy, lemon squeezy
A handsome interior isn't all the Ateca offers, though. Controls are easy-to-use while the infotainment system is straightforward and intuitive. The 8.0-inch touchscreen also features Full Link - which allows for smartphone mirroring, as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality.
Navigation is available as an option but that may not be necessary since you'll be able to connect your smartphone and just navigate with Google Maps anyway. More noteworthy is a storage compartment beneath the climate controls, which offers wireless charging, two USB ports, a headphone jack and a 12V port.
Further down the centre console sits a rotary dial, which enables the convenient selection of various drive modes, including Eco and Sport.
Nippy, zippy
The Ateca doesn't just look sporty, it also handles well for its size. Firmer suspension makes it a little more agile than the Tiguan but that may not be to everyone's liking.
Still, we welcome the slightly stiffer ride as it minimises body roll through corners and gives the impression that the SUV is smaller than it actually is. Couple that with sharp steering and you get a well-controlled and confidence-inspiring ride.
Further down the centre console sits a rotary dial, which enables the convenient selection of various drive modes, including Eco and Sport.
Nippy, zippy
The Ateca doesn't just look sporty, it also handles well for its size. Firmer suspension makes it a little more agile than the Tiguan but that may not be to everyone's liking.
Still, we welcome the slightly stiffer ride as it minimises body roll through corners and gives the impression that the SUV is smaller than it actually is. Couple that with sharp steering and you get a well-controlled and confidence-inspiring ride.
The humble 1.4 TSI may not seem like much on paper but on the road it feels punchy enough, with 148bhp and 250Nm of torque to keep up with traffic and overtake the occasional road hogger. Floor it and the Ateca goes from 0-100km/h in 8.9 seconds, and on to a top speed of 189km/h.
The 1.4-litre turbocharged engine is mated to a smooth, quick-shifting six-speed DSG and boasts cylinder deactivation, which shuts down two cylinders whenever possible in order to get better fuel economy.
Lay off the throttle and the only indication that the car has gone into two-cylinder mode is through a notification, which pops up on the driver's display.
Jack of all trades
An SUV with good driving dynamics is all well and good but for a car of its genre, what's important is practicality. For that, the Ateca does a pretty good job.
The 1.4-litre turbocharged engine is mated to a smooth, quick-shifting six-speed DSG and boasts cylinder deactivation, which shuts down two cylinders whenever possible in order to get better fuel economy.
Lay off the throttle and the only indication that the car has gone into two-cylinder mode is through a notification, which pops up on the driver's display.
Jack of all trades
An SUV with good driving dynamics is all well and good but for a car of its genre, what's important is practicality. For that, the Ateca does a pretty good job.
It has a decent-sized 485-litre boot that's capable of stowing away luggage for five, 60:40 split rear folding seats that fold flat and storage compartments to accommodate other bits and bobs.
Plus, seats in the rear will fit three adults comfortably over short trips, thanks to a big and flat middle seat that allows for more useable space.
Serious contender
For its first SUV, Seat has got it right on the money, thanks in part to the experience of its parent company. It may be a more stripped down version than its German sibling but the Seat Ateca is a proper SUV in its own right.
Its looks, performance and practicality make it a serious contender among more popular SUVs and will appeal to drivers looking for functionality without sacrificing driving dynamics.
It is worth noting that the test unit we drove is Europe-specced and comes with front-wheel drive. The version that will arrive in Singapore, however, will be fitted with all-wheel drive and will be available in three trims - Style, Xcellence and FR.
The Seat Ateca has not been homologated and is expected to arrive in September. Homologation is still pending but Seat expects this to be done by the year-end.
Plus, seats in the rear will fit three adults comfortably over short trips, thanks to a big and flat middle seat that allows for more useable space.
Serious contender
For its first SUV, Seat has got it right on the money, thanks in part to the experience of its parent company. It may be a more stripped down version than its German sibling but the Seat Ateca is a proper SUV in its own right.
Its looks, performance and practicality make it a serious contender among more popular SUVs and will appeal to drivers looking for functionality without sacrificing driving dynamics.
It is worth noting that the test unit we drove is Europe-specced and comes with front-wheel drive. The version that will arrive in Singapore, however, will be fitted with all-wheel drive and will be available in three trims - Style, Xcellence and FR.
The Seat Ateca has not been homologated and is expected to arrive in September. Homologation is still pending but Seat expects this to be done by the year-end.
