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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
Thanks to a humble 1.4-litre engine and a simple yet sporty design, the Seat Ateca is a hauler capable of taking on everyday tasks in style.
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.
The Ateca has a simpler yet sportier design, compared to the 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.
The Ateca shares a similar cabin layout with the Leon
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.
The wireless charger amplifies antenna reception but is available as an option only on Xcellence and FR trims
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.
Sharp steering inspires confidence while taking on corners
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.
