Just last week SEAT presented its first SUV model to the media after a much anticipated wait. The new Ateca is a unique combination of distinctive design, dynamic driving fun, urban versatility and compelling utility. First-class connectivity, innovative assistance systems and highly efficient drives are among its technology highlights and make the Ateca one of the most innovative SUVs in the segment. Outstanding quality, precision production and excellent value-for-money make the Ateca a true SEAT. Front and centre, however, is its agile, light-footed and precision driving fun – the Ateca makes every day and every kilometre that little bit more of an experience. When the SEAT Ateca begins advance sales this spring, it will be available in a wide range of variants. The choice of powerful turbocharged TSI petrol and TDI diesel engines spans from 85 kW / 115 PS to 140 kW / 190 PS, with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive, not to mention manual or dual-clutch DSG transmissions. The extensive array of technology options extends from full-LED headlamps through a broad portfolio of assistance systems, like the innovative traffic jam assist and the new Emergency Assist, to a package of latest-generation infotainment systems with 8-inch touchscreens and Full Link connectivity. Three equipment lines offer colours and top-quality materials to suit every taste, the top-of-the-range being the Ateca XCELLENCE.
Niall Phillips, Brand Director, SEAT Ireland said, “We are delighted to announce the addition of the all-new SEAT Ateca to our already excellent product line up. The SEAT Ateca marks the brands entry into a new segment for us and it will, we believe, set the standard in its class. The introduction of the Ateca comes at a time when the mid-size SUV segment has seen phenomenal growth, up 51% year to date compared to the same period in 2015, increasing its share of the total market from 16.7% to 19% which makes it one of the core segments. The announcement of the Ateca adds to what is already an extremely exciting time for the SEAT brand as we’re currently in the process of rolling out a full re-brand of our dealerships to ensure that our 22 strong dealer network can offer an even better experience with greater choice to their customers”. He continued, “The Ateca will epitomise exactly what the SEAT brand stands for; incredible quality, high class design and attractive, value for money pricing.”
In keeping with SEAT tradition, the Ateca derives its name from Spanish geography. The Ateca village lies in the west of Saragossa in the heart of the Iberian Peninsula. The Ateca’s design is utterly unmistakeable offering a striking combination of dynamism and functionality. Many elements, like the trapezoidal grille, the side blisters with their minimum radii and maximum sharpness and the triangular light signatures, are typical of brand icons, such as the Leon. Yet every single detail has been carefully developed to the next level for the Ateca. The front end of the Ateca is 100 percent SEAT and yet 100 percent SUV. The large, high grille brims exude self-confidence, while the sharply defined lights and substantial air intakes leave no doubt as to the Ateca’s dynamic credentials. At the same time, the SUV maintains a muscular stance that exudes solidity and reliability. Typical SEAT features include the optional full-LED headlamps. Combined with the triangular signature of the daytime running lights, the overall impact is utterly unmistakable. In the Ateca, the indicator lamps are also an integral part of this signature.
The interior harmonises perfectly with the exterior design – Elegant but still dynamic and offering that unique feeling of solidity and safety so highly prized by SUV drivers. Key factors are the raised seating position as well as the clearly visible vehicle front end and solid door strips. At an exterior length of 4.36 metres, the Ateca offers the best use of space in the segment, with maximum interior length and a luggage compartment that holds 510 litres in its standard configuration or 485 litres in the versions with all-wheel drive. The bodyshell is outstanding not only for its wide-ranging versatility, but also for its intelligent lightweight design. Incredibly stiff, the Ateca is also among the lightest vehicles in its segment, which secures an agile driving experience not only for urban traffic conditions. Once the driver has stepped inside, a ring of light around the illuminated start button indicates that the Ateca is all set for its next road-going adventure. The SEAT Drive Profile is on-hand for adapting the Ateca to the current driving situation, road conditions and personal preference.
The range of innovative driver assistance systems is extensive. For example, Traffic Jam Assist: This assistance function makes progress in heavy stop-and-go traffic far more bearable. At full-blown “traffic jam speeds”, the Ateca steers, accelerates and brakes automatically within the system boundaries. At higher speeds of up to around 60 km/h, the system provides support with speed control and lane keeping. A new safety function has been introduced: Emergency Assist: If the driver remains inactive beyond a certain period, the vehicle issues first a visual then an acoustic warning, followed finally by a brief pulse of the brakes. If there is still no reaction, the Ateca slows down to a standstill, while staying in lane. More technical keywords are ACC with Front Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Traffic Alert or Top View. The SEAT Ateca offers the very highest level of connectivity – with the latest generation of Easy Connect infotainment systems. SEAT Full Link and the exclusive SEAT ConnectApp: Media System plus, with its 8-inch screen, is the highlight. The Connectivity Box in the centre console of the SEAT Ateca for the first time enables Wireless Smartphone Charging. SEAT Full Link is the connectivity world for users of virtually all smartphones. Alongside MirrorLink, Full Link also incorporates the functions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Extraordinary driving fun is at the core of the SEAT brand. The Leon in particular is a unique combination of precision and agility, comfort and safety. The Ateca is no less impressive in this front. With its compact character, powerful engines and perfectly tuned suspension, it offers performance and handling that sets a new benchmark among its SUV competitors. It also fits perfectly for an urban and versatile lifestyle. The Ateca’s dynamic drive comes courtesy of a palette of state-of-the-art power units – all of them turbocharged. Ranging from 85 kW / 115 PS to 140 kW / 190 PS with outstanding torque figures across the board, they meet every possible performance desire. The array of diesel engines starts with the 1.6 TDI and 115 PS. The 2.0 TDI is available with 150 and 190 PS. Consumption figures range from 4.3 to 5.0 litres / 100 km, the CO2 figures from 112 to 131 grams / km. The entry level petrol engine is the 1.0 TSI with 115 PS. The 1.4 TSI comes with cylinder deactivation under partial load and produces 150 PS. The consumption and emissions figures for these engines are between 5.3 and 6.2 litres and between 123 to 141 grams.
