What is it?

Back in 2016 the Ateca was SEAT’s first foray into the crowded SUV market and it soon began to collect awards, which wasn’t surprising as it was built on the same platform as the VW Golf and Audi A3.  Fully designed and developed by SEAT, the Ateca continued with its success and in 2020 was subjected to a very light update.  If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

On the road

I booked the Ateca 1.5 EcoTSI SE Technology 150PS 7-speed DSG knowing I had a six hour round trip to Bedfordshire, which I usually save for larger and more luxurious motors, but in my experience the Ateca always punches above its weight for long drives.

In truth, the reason for the Ateca's continuing appeal is its driving experience, and 7 years after its initial launch it’s still up there as one, if not the best handling SUVs in its class.

It doesn’t matter which model you go for, the Ateca always feels taught and sure-footed around corners, it doesn’t feel top heaving either, unlike other SUVs I’ve driven of late.

But you don’t have to drive it like a hot-hatch to get the best experience out of it, as it will happily tootle along at normal speeds. That said it can feel a little firm along rough roads, but that’s a trade-off I’m willing to accept.

Visibility is very good, as is the overall ambience, and even though its 150ps will take you from 0-62mph in 9 seconds, it’s the ease with which you can build speed from low revs in any given gear that really impresses.

Official WLTP figures suggest the plucky 1.5ltr engine will achieve between 39-42mpg, but on the 6-hour round trip to Millbrook in Bedfordshire the computer read just over 47mpg at normal motorway speeds, I was more than happy with that.

Off road

Unfortunately this version was 2WD, an error on my part when booking in.  However, opt the 4Drive Ateca and it’s packed with the usual electronic wizardry that will take you wherever its tyres and clearance will allow.

Interior

If I had to pick one fault with the Ateca, it’s the interior.  I remember writing the same around four years ago when I last borrowed one.

Don’t get me wrong, the interior is functional and everything about it feels solid, and both well laid out and screwed together, but it isn’t really inspiring.  I may go as far to say that it’s a little bit dated.

Having said that, it may have a simple dashboard design, but everything is easy to use, including heating controls.

Despite my little moan you still get a spacious and practical interior that will easily stand up well to the rigours of family life.

When it comes to tech I don’t know where to begin, but opt for the SE Technology and you get a few more features on top of what you get on SE models, including 18” alloys, sat-nav, voice control and a larger 9.2” infotainment system.

Conclusion

I know I’ve whinged a bit about the interior, but I would be more than happy to have one on the Mud Life fleet.

The Ateca is simply one of the cars that just works really well - it’s stylish, affordable, well put together and great to drive.  It’s also a bit of a looker that’s also impressively spacious, well equipped, competitively priced and comes with a range of economical and swift engines.

To conclude, if you’re looking for a family SUV that’s also capable of putting a smile on your face, the Ateca needs to be very high on your shopping list.

price: from £27,330 (as tested, £32,895)

more at » seat.co.uk

Reviewed in Issue 49 - July 2023