Overview

SEAT arrived late to the SUV market when it launched the Ateca in 2016, but few could argue against its efforts when playing catch-up. Combining excellent practicality, keen pricing and sharp handling, the Ateca rightly established itself as one of the Spanish brand’s most popular models.

The Ateca faces some stiff competition, though. Key rivals include the Peugeot 3008, Ford Kuga and the Nissan Qashqai. The closely-related Skoda Karoq is a current class favourite, although the Volkswagen Tiguan they’re both based on has been replaced, which means we’ll be seeing a new Ateca before long.

Younger rivals offer more advanced technology and increasingly attractive cabins (SEAT’s 2020 facelift left the car’s interior basically unchanged), but the Ateca still stands up as a sensible family car. You also have a reasonable selection of trim levels and powertrains to choose from.

The range opens with a 110hp 1.0-litre petrol, which feels nippy around town but labours at higher speeds – especially when you’re carrying passengers and luggage. SEAT also offers a range of 150hp petrol and diesel engines, which should provide ample performance for most drivers. However, if you crave something quicker, there’s always the Cupra Ateca.

In terms of trim levels, you’ve three branches to climb along. At the entry-level, there’s the SE and SE Technology, which offer good value, conservative styling and enough toys to keep you entertained – especially with the latter option, which gets a larger 9.2-inch touchscreen. Every model also comes with roof bars as standard, and you can specify accessories such as a tow bar and a luggage net.

SEAT’s sporting FR and FR Sport variants get some sporty exterior styling tweaks and some additional equipment inside, such as customisable ambient lighting, bucket seats and a digital gauge cluster. Meanwhile, the comfort-focused Xperience and Xperience Lux models feature the same basic level of technology, but toned-down styling and softer seats.

Over the next few pages, we’ll be thoroughly assessing every aspect of the SEAT Ateca before offering our overall verdict of the car. Click through the following pages for our review of the Ateca’s practicality, interior, running costs and driving experience.