SEAT has at last added an SUV to its range with the unveiling of the new Ateca in Barcelona. UK customers can already register their interest via SEAT UK’s website and the first cars will make it into British showrooms in September.

“The SEAT Ateca is perfect for an urban lifestyle. It possesses stunning design and dynamics, and boasts compelling quality and utility. But above all, the Ateca exudes unmistakable character,” said Luca de Meo, President of SEAT, S.A. “Our first SUV marks the start of a new era for SEAT. The Ateca is a clear development of the Leon DNA and will drive forward the success of the range. SEAT is a brand on the move.”

At UK launch this September, Ateca will be available in a wide range of variants. The choice of turbocharged TSI petrol and TDI diesel engines spans from 113bhp to 187bhp, with either front-wheel or all-wheel-drive, mated to manual or dual-clutch DSG transmissions. The array of technology options extends from full-LED headlights through a broad portfolio of assistance systems, including some of the very latest Volkswagen group technology, such as Traffic Jam Assist and Emergency Assist, through to a package of high-end infotainment systems with eight-inch touchscreens and Full Link connectivity.

“We have put together an amazing package of technologies and innovations for the Ateca – delivering more safety and utility but, above all, the most dynamic driving experience possible. We will set a whole new standard within the segment with its light-footed, precise handling,” says Dr. Matthias Rabe, Vice President of SEAT, S.A. responsible for Research and Development. “It is incredibly fun to drive. And we have combined this driving experience with compelling utility, making the Ateca a hugely versatile companion for an active urban life.”

In keeping with SEAT tradition, the Ateca derives its name from Spanish geography, this time taking its name from a village that lies in the west of Zaragoza.

According to SEAT, at 4.36 metres in length, the Ateca offers some of the best use of space in the segment, with a boot that holds 510 litres in its standard configuration, or, 485 litres in versions with all-wheel-drive.

The SEAT Ateca offers the latest generation of Easy Connect infotainment systems, SEAT Full Link and the exclusive SEAT ConnectApp: Media System Plus, with its eight-inch screen, is the highlight, the Connectivity Box in the centre console of the Ateca enabling wireless smartphone charging for the first time in a SEAT. SEAT Full Link is the connectivity world for users of virtually all smartphones. Alongside MirrorLink, Full Link also incorporates the functions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The array of diesel engines starts with the 1.6 TDI 113 bhp. The 2.0 TDI is available with 148 and 187 bhp. Fuel consumption figures range from 56 to 66 mpg, its CO2 figures from 112 to 131 g/km.

In 2015, SEAT achieved worldwide sales of 400,000 units, the highest figure since 2007.