The SEAT Ateca marks the debut of the Spanish brand in the SUV class, using the Volkswagen Group's Transversal Modular Platform (MQB) for this purpose. This guarantees the new Crossover from the Spanish brand an excellent base in terms of rigidity and space, as well as allowing flexibility in the mechanical and technological chapters. In this front-wheel drive configuration, the SEAT Ateca features McPherson architecture at the front and semi-rigid axle at the rear, in contrast to the 4Drive versions, which feature multi-arm suspension. This is assumed to be the best compromise between weight, space and comfort for driving on any type of floor.
With 2,638 mm of wheelbase, the SEAT Ateca provides adequate space for family use, adding to that a luggage capacity of 510 liters, wider than in the 4Drive versions, due to the absence of the rear differential.
In terms of aesthetics, the SEAT Ateca is covered with precise and well-defined lines, which give it dynamism and a hi-tech look. The same applies to the interior, with a sober and practical design, without ceasing to be stylish, with all the controls arranged in an ergonomic way.
The version submitted for competition has at its service the well-known 115 hp 1.6 TDI block with a constant torque of 250 Nm between 1,500 and 3,250 rpm and associated with a six-speed manual gearbox, this SEAT Ateca can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 11.5 seconds and record a weighted average consumption of 4.3 l/100 km, achieving little more in city driving (4.7 l/100 km), thanks to the Start/Stop function.
Since 2015, Razão Automóvel has been part of the panel of judges for the Essilor Car of the Year/Crystal Wheel Trophy award.
On the Style equipment level, the SEAT Ateca includes light, rain and rear parking sensors as standard, anti-glare interior and exterior mirrors with electric folding, LED rear and fog lamps with cornering function, 17” alloy wheels and roof bars in black.
Inside, it also has a multifunction leather steering wheel, two-zone climate control and a Media Cor MP3 sound system, with a 5” screen, USB + SD + AUX-IN and Bluetooth inputs. As part of driving support, the Style version also offers radar and automatic braking Front Assist, Hill Hold, tire pressure control and cruise control.
In addition to the Essilor Car of the Year/Crystal Wheel Trophy, the SEAT Ateca 1.6 TDI Style S/S 115 hp also competes in the Crossover class of the year, where it will face the Audi Q2 1.6 TDI 116, the Hyundai Tucson 1.7 CRDi 4×2, the Hyundai 120 Active 1.0 TGDi, the Kia Sportage 1.7 CRDi, the Peugeot 3008 Allure 1.6 BlueHDi and the Volkwagen Tiguan 2.0 TDI 150 hp Highline.
Motor: Diesel, four cylinders, turbo, 1 598 cm3
Power: 115 hp/3 250 - 4000 rpm
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 11.5 s
Maximum speed: 184 km/h
Average consumption: 4.3 l/100 km
CO2 emissions: 113 g/km
Price: 29,260 euros
Text: Essilor Car of the Year/Crystal Wheel Trophy