New Seat Ateca 2.0 TDI 150 first drive review

The Ateca is Seat's first SUV, but with big brother Volkswagen just a phone call away, there’s no lack of expertise behind the scenes. Underpinned by proven mechanicals, spiced with Spanish gusto and priced to kill, it could be one of the best cars of 2016

Auto Trader verdict:

Obviously, Ateca has what it takes to disrupt established players in the SUV market continues to grow. Its look sharp and interesting driving factor is charming, while spacious, nicely finished interior, attractive price and a comprehensive specification meant Chair tends to have an instant hit on his hands.

Need to know:

chair first foray into the SUV and crossover market targeting Nissan Qashqai
Sharply styled, spacious, economical and fun to drive
On sale now, with first deliveries in September and prices starting at £ 17 990

What is that?

Seat is under no illusions as to the size of the task facing an attempt to overthrow the established favorites such as the Kia Sportage SUV and Nissan Qashqai.

Qashqai, in particular, is a car that broke the mold SUV, take the rugged styling of an off-roader and draping on a car that is easy to drive and live with a family hatchback. Winner of countless awards, continues to set the benchmark at this end of the spectrum SUV.

As a consequence, if even just want to compete, Seat has partially nick the best bits from the Volkswagen parts bin to provide sturdy, crisp motor-driving. Additionally, Ateca comes stacked with a security system / the latest comforts, including congestion assist, which independently steer, accelerate and brake for you at speeds of up to 37mph. blind spot monitoring to assist lane continued and autonomous braking to help prevent low-speed collisions are also available.

Engine options include 113bhp 1.0-liter three-cylinder and 148bhp 1.4-liter TSI petrol engine, as well as TDI turbodiesels 1.6- and 2.0-liter. The most powerful TDI comes only with four-wheel-drive and seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox, but the 148bhp car front-wheel-drive with manual gearbox, we've driven here, which might be the best -penjual.

2016 Seats 2016 Seats Ateca Ateca

How does it feel?

At the risk of repeating what we have said in so many previous tests, no manufacturer currently makes diesel engines more refined than the Volkswagen Group, and the 2.0-liter 148bhp four-cylinder engine found in Ateca is further proof of that.

With the exception of low-rev trail combustion rattle at tickover and just a smidgen of vibration, which can be felt throbbing through the floor when the lift revs far from idle, the motor Ateca is the right smoothie.

For the most part, it's also good enough to avoid turbo lag, so consequently it pulls strong and smooth, and resulted in a sea of mid-range arrogant. As a result, after sailing, motor is rarely takes more than a single downshift to collect a powerful blast of acceleration.

Given that most Atecas, like our test car, come with setting the rear axle are fairly basic - a four-wheel-drive gets more complicated multi-link rear suspension - some wheels are quite sizeable and absorber rates sharply, it is perhaps not surprising that Ateca trip occasionally bordered on the tough side.

The trade-off for this firmness body control is excellent, which means Ateca is one of the more attractive SUV you can buy. With a decent amount of steering nuances and reactions fast enough, which Ateca spear despite challenging bends with great calmness and control.

Moreover, as a bonus arrangement rear axle is simple - the system multi-link suspension may be more adept at isolating the lumps and bumps, but because they have more points of contact of the body, they allow more road noise and vibration to enter the cabin - the basic Ateca seems to be one SUV that better isolate road noise, although assessed in Spain smoother road.

2016 Seats 2016 Seats Ateca Ateca

Equally, as well as increasing the visibility of the front and side - we've lost count of the number of SUVs were marred by a mirror A-pillar-mounted large - aerodynamically sculptured door-mounted mirrors that Ateca produces very low levels of turbulence noisy.

Inside, the dashboard Ateca is almost a facsimile of Leon hatchback, with its mix of fast system reacts infotainment touch screen, clear graphics and instrumentation classy look. The driving position typical of the Volkswagen Group, so you get a lot of adjustments, both the seat and the steering wheel, so most people should have few problems setting perched comfortably.

That said, Ateca increased waist and elevated door trims means uns' small sitting behind would struggle to see out. There is also a feeling that they are relegated to the back row to sit in the cheap seats, as the plastic does not feel luxurious cabin like the one in the front. At least there are plenty of leg and elbow room.

A fair bit has been made of the fact that Ateca misses out on a sliding rear bench that was found behind the new Tiguan. For us, though, it is a sacrifice we will be happy to accept, given Ateca's list price is significantly cheaper; and, in addition, the rear seat backs Ateca is split and fold to create a load area that is large enough to be more than enough to cope with the daily needs of most of the people.

Should I get one?

If you are after good-looking alternative to some crossover style bust and SUVs that are currently flooding the market - some might argue that Ateca is sharp looking SUV Range Rover Evoque since exploded onto the scene - then Ateca well worth considering.

It was a nice ride, with natural agility and flow that is more similar to that of the hatchback achieved from a high SUV. While smart, spacious cabin might not be finished to the same standard as the cousin of the Volkswagen Tiguan, features excellent security, a high level of standard equipment and competitive prices all add to wish that this Ateca.

Key facts:

Model: Seat Ateca 2.0 TDI 150PS SE
Price: £ 22 930
Engine: 2.0-liter turbodiesel, six-speed manual
Power / Torque: 148hp / 273lb ft
0-62mph: 8.5secs
Top speed 126mph
Economy: 64.2mpg
CO2 / BIK tax liability: 114g / km / 22%
Boot space: 510 - 1604 liters

Also consider:

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Renault Kadjar

A Nissan Qashqai with French dressing. More visual appeal, and infrequently, but otherwise little different