Seat Ateca

This is known to be as SEAT's first ever crossover utility vehicle in history and because this is the first in SEAT's lineup, the new Ateca is a solid all-rounder that fits through everyone's lifestyles at work or at play. Be it a daily driver or a weekend getaway vehicle, the Ateca is all about multitasking at a crossover's pace. So then, what's it all about the Ateca?

2017 Seat Ateca

At first glance, the new Seat Ateca looks like a jacked-up Leon with some sorts but in reality, it's basically a Tiguan underneath so you might expect the similar behavior you can expect from the latest VW Tiguan only this time in Seat's perspective.

2017 Seat Ateca interior

2017 Seat Ateca interior

The inside is just typical SEAT from within but if you're very busy digging deeper on the Ateca's interior, you can spend most of the time toying around with its ambient lighting, class-leading space for some bare necessities before setting off from one point of interest after another, five-seater capacity which is typical for a crossover, Full Link connectivity, and some concessions of comfort and convenience that balances what you can work and you can play. Nothing says mixing business and pleasure in a very unique and clever packaging so it's like a nice stay at a very posh condo in the city.

2017 Seat Ateca

Because the Seat Ateca's riding on the same platform used on the VW Tiguan, you can expect the Ateca to behave just like the Leon as if the new Tiguan behaves like a Golf. MQB relatives, if you know what I mean, but that's just the first half of it because the biggest key point of the Ateca is the available 4Drive system, which uses a newly made multi-plate coupling with hydraulic actuation and electronic control. Seat says that it reacts quickly on different driving situations and in general, the Ateca's four-wheel drive system is a great all-rounder that can be taken anywhere, rain or shine.

Under the hood, the Ateca offers a wide array of engine choices such as a 1.0L TSi, a 1.4 TSi, 1.6L TDi, or a 2.0L TDi engine. They are varied with different configurations, you know. Meaning if you want something powerful, you should go for the 2.0 TDi engine, which produces 190PS of power and 400Nm of torque, or if you want something economical, there's a 1.6L TDi ECOMOTIVE engine that delivers a claimed CO2 emission of 111g/km. Gearbox of choice? Depending on the variant, it can be mated with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG.

As a technologically advanced crossover, the Ateca comes with a wide array of tech such as Traffic Jam Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with Front Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Top View cameras, Park Assist 3.0, Emergency Assist, and High Beam Assist.

Should you buy it? The SEAT Ateca starts at 20,440 Euros, which is five grand less than its relative crossover, the VW Tiguan, making it a good value for those who can't afford the latest VW Tiguan. With that kind of pricing, SEAT's first SUV makes it a healthy competitor in the world of compact crossovers and if the underdog is taking its first steps in this category, so be it.

Available colors: Azul Mediterráneo, Blanco Bila, Rojo Pasión, Blanco Nevada, Plata Brillante, Gris Rodium, Beige Capuccino, Marron Mato, Azul Lava, Verde Jungla, Naranja Samoa, and Negro Magico.

Photo: SEAT, S.A.