With over 300 thousand units sold since 2016, the SEAT Ateca is a serious case of success within the Spanish brand and to keep it that way, the SUV received a well-deserved update.
Now, being a restyling, the “recipe” adopted by SEAT underwent a refreshing appearance, where the new front section (which adopted the “family air” inaugurated by Tarraco) concentrates the biggest differences, but there are still new headlamps and for -rear shocks.
New is the lettering adopted to identify the model, just as new is the version we are testing called Xperience, with a more adventurous inspiration.
The end result is, in my opinion, positive. If there was an area in which I considered that the Ateca's well-appointed look had room for progress, it was the front section and I must admit that this new front “fits you well”.
like yourself
Inside, more attention is needed to find out what has changed. The main novelty is the new 10.25” digital instrument panel and the revised infotainment system.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Another new feature is the increase in perceived quality. Already robust before the restyling, the Ateca's cabin saw the perception of quality increase as a result of the use of new materials and a bicolor decoration on the dashboard that uses inserts whose quality is evident.
The quality perceived on board the Ateca increased as a result of the use of new materials.
Also new is the steering wheel. In addition to offering a good grip and an adequate size, I have to praise its controls, which are easy and intuitive to use.
Finally, I would like to “thank you” to SEAT for not having offered the Ateca some tactile climate control controls like Volkswagen did with the Tiguan. The physical controls remained and their strengths in the field of ergonomics are evident when we get behind the wheel.
In a team that wins, doesn't move
Referred to as one of the best mid-range SUVs when it comes to dynamic behavior, the SEAT Ateca remains faithful to these scrolls after restyling.
The steering remains precise, direct and communicative, the chassis is well calibrated and the whole set achieves a good compromise between comfort and handling. All of this makes the Ateca one of the most fun SUVs to drive when driving alone, while still conveying safety on the go, with predictable reactions when we take the family.
The engine, the 1.5 TSI petrol 150 hp and 250 Nm, is supported by the well-scaled and fast seven-speed DSG gearbox. This looks like a chameleon, adapting very well to different driving styles and all four driving modes.
In “Eco” mode, it exchanges some liveliness and quick response from the accelerator (without becoming lethargic) for greater economy, allowing averages of 5.7 l/100 km. In "Normal" mode it strives (and manages) to reconcile the best of both worlds.
The trunk continues to offer 510 liters of capacity.
In "Sport" mode, which also acts on the steering, making it heavier, the 1.5 TSI starts to respond with more and pleasant vivacity, counting for this with the action of the DSG box that stays longer in a relationship, changing between ratio at a higher engine speed, allowing you to make overtaking with ease.
In this mode, consumption suffers a little, but not too much, with the average around 7-7.5 l/100 km, a more than acceptable value considering that we are talking about a familiar SUV with a gasoline engine .
Is the car right for me?
The SEAT Ateca was not one of those models that “desperate” for a restyling. However, its success and the renewal of the SEAT range threatened to make its look “tired” and not in line with the other models of the Spanish brand, which is why it was renewed.
The result of this renovation was a model that kept its qualities intact — from the interesting behavior to the familiar aptitudes — and saw its image strengthened and some edges smoothed.
The technological offer has increased (although the tested unit gave up the always welcome rear camera), the look has been updated and, above all, the perceived quality on board has improved.
All of this makes SEAT Ateca the personification of the maxim that says “in a team that wins, you don't move”, or in this case, “you don't move much”. Reinforced in some details, Ateca thus continues to be one of the most balanced proposals in the segment and, without a doubt, an option to take into account.