Seat has given its Ateca SUV a mid-life refresh, bolstering its appeal with an updated look and more technology than before.
Released in 2016, the Ateca was one of the firm’s first SUV models and has now been joined by Tarraco and Arona models. Now, it’s been updated for 2020.
Redesigned front and rear bumpers mean that the new Ateca is actually 18mm longer than the car it replaces, but remains just as wide. A new front grille has been added, while the full-LED headlamps have been restyled.
A new trim level has been added. Xperience replaces the previously top-spec Xcellence specification and brings black front and rear bumpers along with body-coloured wheel arch surrounds and aluminium effect side mouldings.
Inside, the infotainment system – available in either 8.25-inch or 9.2-inch – has been upgraded and repositioned for easier use. The steering wheel has also been given a new look. A new voice recognition system has been fitted, which can be woken by the driver saying ‘hola hola’ – try not to feel ridiculous shouting that in front of passengers.
A new cold-weather windscreen heating system has been incorporated, with the screen coated in an invisible layer that allows it to be defrosted almost immediately.
The Ateca’s safety levels have been bolstered thanks to the inclusion of a range of new driver assistance systems such as predictive adaptive cruise control, pre-crash assist and an updated emergency assist which can bring the car to a complete stop if it deems the driver unresponsive.
Five petrol engines will be available with the Ateca, starting off with a turbocharged 1.0-litre unit, through a 1.5-litre powerplant and ending with a 2.0-litre engine with all-wheel-drive.
There’s just one diesel available – a 2.0-litre unit – though it’s available in two states of tune, and can be linked to either a six-speed manual or DSG dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
jmckeown@thecourier.co.uk