The Ateca was SEAT's very first Crossover. This updated version continues to look a strong proposition. Jonathan Crouch checks out what's on offer.

Ten Second Review

SEAT's Ateca feels rejuvenated as a result of a significant package of updates. There are fresher looks, a more modern cabin, more frugal engines and stronger standards of safety. Plus this compact mid-sized SUV remains dynamically adept in a way few rivals can match.

Background

Not many brands enter an entirely new market segment and get it right first time, but that's exactly what Spanish maker SEAT managed with its first compact SUV, the Ateca. Launched in 2016, it's since become one of the Iberian manufacturer's biggest selling models, over 300,000 having been sold prior to the launch of this facelifted version. Nothing too extreme's been done here. Nothing much needed to be. The Ateca was already the best car in its segment to drive and also one of the most affordable and one of the more efficient. But its looks were becoming over-familiar, so SEAT's tweaked those, at the same time as adding the latest screen tech to the cabin, plus there's been some mild tinkering in the engine range.

Driving Experience

Prior to the original launch of this Ateca, we'd come to accept that compact Crossover models of this kind were never going to be very good to drive. If that's still your perspective, then a pleasant surprise is in store once you hit a few twisty roads in this little SUV. Drive at seven or eight tenths and there's pretty much no difference between the dynamic responses you get from this SEAT and those of the Leon hatchback it's based upon. Only when you push right to the limit does this Ateca's taller stance and slight extra weight begin to tell - and even then, the car's pretty responsive, with well-controlled body roll and enthusiastic levels of grip and traction. That much has remained the same, but there are a few changes on the engine front. The turbocharged 1.0-litre three cylinder TSI petrol unit that most customers choose is now standardised with 115PS and gets a range of updates to improve its efficiency. It's only available linked to manual transmission. If you want the option of an auto with a petrol-powered Ateca, you'll probably want the 1.5 TSI unit, which puts out 150PS and is also now slightly more efficient, as before integrating Active Cylinder Management technology. The most powerful petrol option is the 300PS 2.0-litre TSI unit of the top CUPRA Ateca, which can only be had linked to DSG dual-clutch auto transmission and a 4Drive all-wheel-drive system.

Design and Build

You'd recognise this as a slightly newer model thanks to its revised radiator grille, its smarter LED headlamps and its redesigned fog lamps. Further design changes have been made to the front air intakes, the skid plate and the bumper. The designers have also added the same creases into the bonnet as you'll find on the latest Leon hatch and the large Tarraco SUV, establishing a family connection between these key models. There are also new exhaust pipes and on the tailgate, the Ateca gets the handwriting-style logo badge we first saw on the latest Leon. Under skin, this SEAT continues to sit on the same MQB platform as its more conventional Leon stablemate and uses most of the same mechanicals found in similarly-sized Volkswagen Group SUVs. Inside, there are fresh designs for the door cards and smarter trim materials, plus there's much nicer re-upholstered steering wheel. Plusher models now get the 10.25-inch SEAT Digital Cockpit instrument binnacle screen. Plus across the range, an upgraded infotainment system, which incorporates a new HMI interface, is available via repositioned 8.25-inch or 9.2-inch touchscreens, ensuring that the interior is fully digitalised. At the back, there's decent room for two adults on supportive seats, but the bench doesn't slide nor do the back rests recline like they do in a Volkswagen Tiguan. The 485-litre boot's a bit smaller than that pricier Volkswagen rival model too, though will easily swallow a couple of big cases and a pushchair.

Market and Model

There's a choice of 'SE', 'SE Dynamic', 'FR', 'FR Sport', 'Xperience', 'Xperience Lux' and 'CUPRA' trim levels. The asking figures start from just under £28,500 and you're going to be paying around £32,000 for one of the sporty 'FR' variants many potential buyers will want. The 'Xperience' variant gets off road styling additions including black plastic lower trim, an aluminium finish valance and side mouldings and body-coloured surrounds for the wheel arches. The mid-range 'FR' trim level is defined by a sportier visual with key accents, including a fresh grille design, special front and rear bumper mouldings, a fog lamp grill, mirror caps, unique side mouldings and bespoke exhausts, all finished in Cosmo Grey Matte. The standard infotainment system boasts an 8.25-inch screen with smartphone audio compatibility, while the larger 9.2-inch Connect System (standard from 'SE Dynamic' trim upwards) offers online navigation and natural voice control to simplify user interaction. There's a redesigned voice recognition system too: to wake it up, you say "Hola Hola" and it will be ready to go. Plus as before, there's SEAT's 'Full Link' media system, allowing owners to seamlessly pair their smartphones and access their digital lives no matter what device they use - either wireless Apple CarPlay (based on Bluetooth or WLAN) or Android Auto using a cable.

Cost of Ownership

A little surprisingly, there's no trace of engine electrification here - for the time being anyway. The key news with this revised model is that the 1.0-litre TSI three cylinder petrol engine that most Ateca customers choose now features a new combustion process and a variable geometry turbocharger, which together improve efficiency by claimed 10%. The alternative entry-level diesel, a 115PS 2.0-litre TDI unit, has also been enhanced over the previous 1.6 litre TDI powerplant, now featuring a twin-dosing SCR system that cuts and NOx emissions significantly. The 2.0 TDI 150PS unit continues, managing up to 52.3mpg on the combined cycle and up to 141g/km in manual form. On to maintenance. Every Ateca has the same servicing requirements. A major service is required at 2,000 mile intervals, with an oil change every 10,000 miles. Cars that travel less than 10,000 miles a year require an inspection service with an oil change every 12 months. What else? Well there's SEAT's usual three year/60,000 mile warranty. That's unexceptional when rivals like Toyota and Hyundai offer five years of cover as standard and Kia offers up to seven years. However, the SEAT deal is extendable, so you might be able to negotiate on that. And it includes two years of Europe-wide roadside assistance.

Summary

If you didn't already want an Ateca, there's nothing here that would radically reposition this car in your thinking. But if you were approaching the purchase of one of the smaller volume brand mid-sized SUVs with an open mind and tried the improved version of this SEAT, we think you'd like what you found. This Ateca now feels like an up-to-the-minute crossover, rather than one launched half a decade ago. That's the object of any facelift but not all of them achieve this goal. The engine changes are probably most significant, with greater economy and lower emissions for the base petrol and diesel units that most Ateca buyers will want. But we think this car's biggest selling point will continue to be something that hasn't been affected one jot by this update. Driving dynamics. This is still that rarest of things, a small SUV that is great to drive. Long may it continue.

Body Glass

Front and rear electric windows

Dark tinted rear windows

Variable front intermittent wipers

Rear wash/wipe

Brakes

Hill hold control

Electric parking brake with auto hold function

ABS, Traction control system (TCS), Electronic stability control (ESC) and Electronic differential lock system (XDS)

Front assist with autonomous emergency braking

Communication

wired and wireless full link smartphone integration

E-call

Driver Aids

Cruise control system with speed limiter

Progressive power assisted steering

Self parking functionality (includes front and rear parking sensors)

SEAT drive profile with driving experience button - Normal, Sport, Eco and Individual mode, steering and throttle response

Driver Convenience

Tailgate

Start/stop system

Wireless phone charger

Driver Information

Colour multi-function on board computer display

8" Digital cockpit

Trip computer

Outside temperature gauge

Driving Mirrors

Door mirrors with welcome light silhouette

Electric adjustable/heated/folding door mirrors

Embellishment Trims

Chrome interior detailing

Entertainment

Steering wheel mounted audio/phone controls

Exterior Body Features

Illuminated aluminium front door sill

Black roof rails

Rear spoiler

Rear side wing doors

Rear exhaust tailpipe

Body coloured wheel arch surrounds

Body colour bumpers

Chrome front grille frame

Black side window trim

Exterior Lights

Dynamic headlight range control with self adjusting whilst driving

Daytime running lights

LED rear tail lights with dynamic indicators

Full LED headlamps with lens and LED front fog lamps with cornering function

LED 3rd brake light

Rear fog lights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Dual zone climate control

Interior Features

Dinamica upholstery with front comfort seats

12v socket in front

Front centre armrest

Drawer under right front seat

Leather sports steering wheel and gear knob

Aluminium pedals

Packs

Navigation system pack with DAB - Ateca

Safety and driving pack with attention and drowsiness assist - Ateca

Interior lighting pack - Ateca

Convenience pack - Ateca

Safety

Tiredness recognition system

Manual rear child locks

3x3 point rear seatbelts

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Airbags - Driver and front passenger airbag with deactivation, front side, two curtain and driver's knee airbags

Single tone horn

Front and rear seatbelt reminder

Seats

Rear armrest and easy back seat release mechanism from boot

Front and rear head restraints

Front seat back storage pockets

Single front passenger seat

ISOFIX points in outer rear seats with top tether anchorage points

3 seat bench in 2nd row

60/40 split folding rear seat

Height adjustable driver and passenger seat with lumbar adjustment

Security

Alarm

Remote central locking

Keyless entry

Locking wheel bolts

Wheels - Alloy

18" Brillaint silver alloy wheels

Emissions - ICE

Particles: N

CO2 (g/km): 121

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

NOx: 0.02

HC+NOx: N

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 177

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 145

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 129

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 154

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 148

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 157

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 148

Engine and Drive Train

Gears: 6 SPEED

Transmission: MANUAL

Compression Ratio: 12.0:1

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Catalytic Convertor: No

Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION

Camshaft: DOHC

Number of Valves: 16

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 85.9

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 74.5

Cylinders: 4

CC: 1498

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 6.4

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 40.4

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 43.5

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 43.5

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 41.5

WLTP - MPG - High: 49.6

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 44.1

WLTP - MPG - Low: 36.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 7.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 6.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 5.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 6.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 6.5

General

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 18E

Based On ID: N

Special Order: 0

Special Edition: 0

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

Badge Power: 150

Badge Engine CC: 1.5

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Generation Mark: 2

Coin Series: FR

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Coin Description: TSI EVO

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Performance

Top Speed: 126

0 to 62 mph (secs): 9

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 110

Engine Power - RPM: 5000

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 184

Engine Torque - NM: 250

Engine Torque - RPM: 1500

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Power - BHP: 150

Engine Torque - MKG: 25.5

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 215/50 R18

Space Saver?: 0

Tyre Size Rear: 215/50 R18

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Wheel Style: BRILLIANT

Alloys?: No

Vehicle Dimensions

Height: 1601

Height (including roof rails): 1615

Width: 1841

Wheelbase: 2638

Length: 4381

Weight and Capacities

Gross Vehicle Weight: 1930

Minimum Kerbweight: 1338

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 50

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1850

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 700

Max. Loading Weight: 592

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 510

No. of Seats: 5

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 10.8

Exterior Body Features

Solid paint

Panoramic sunroof includes advanced multicolour ambient light with LED interior light and illuminated glovebox

Interior Features

Boot divider net

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Graphite grey

Metallic - Black magic

Metallic - Velvet red

Metallic - Nevada white

Paint - Solid

Solid - Energy blue

Towing

Tow bar pre-installation with hook

Tow bar pre-installation

Trim - Cloth

Dinamica cloth - Black with front comfort seats - FR

Wheels - Spare

Space saver spare wheel