Trim Levels Announced for SEAT Ateca Baby SUV

With the SUV/crossover market booming, it's no surprise that SEAT has jumped on the bandwagon with the brand new Ateca. It sits on the MQB platform meaning it shared most of its underpinnings from smaller cars such as the Leon, as well and sister company VW's Tiguan. The Ateca sees itself in the same market, then, as cars like the Ford Kuga and Nissan Qashqai.

Entry-level S features air conditioning, 16-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights and a generous 5-inch touchscreen with USB connectivity.

SEAT expects mid-spec SE to be the Ateca's best-seller. Standard equipment for SE is great, with dual-zone climate control, cruise control, rear parking sensors and 17-inch alloys coming as standard. SE models are even blessed with some luxuries like LED tail lights and an upgraded 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth as well as CarPlay and Android Auto.

If it's real off-road luxury you want, XCELLENCE is where you should be putting your money. Satellite navigation, automatic lights and wipers, leather upholstery, LED headlights and 18-inch alloys all help tempt potential buyers. Also included is keyless entry and go, a rear-view camera, a drive mode selector which changes the car's performance characteristics, and even wireless phone charging.

It's difficult to see how SEAT could improve upon this, but that's exactly what it plans to do in May when the First Edition is confirmed. It's expected to be produced in limited numbers and feature even more tech.

SEAT has used its best range of engines for the Ateca. Entry-level S is available with a 1.0-litre petrol engine or a 1.6-litre diesel, both of which produce 113 bhp. It's the petrol that starts the price list rolling, at £17,990. SE gets these engines, plus a 1.4-litre 'EcoTSI' petrol with 148 bhp, and a 148 bhp 2.0-litre diesel unit which is optionally available with the class-leading dual-clutch 'DSG' automatic transmission.

XCELLENCE features the 1.4 EcoTSI and 2.0-litre 148 bhp unit (manual or DSG) too. You can also specify '4Drive' four-wheel-drive on the 148 bhp 2.0-litre diesel in manual form, however if you opt for DSG automatic you'll have to put up with a power upgrade to 187 bhp. This is the most expensive model, coming in at £29,990.