SEAT's first SUV had to be a good one, and thankfully the Ateca has scored a direct hit. More than that, it's combination of style, space, quality, driving enjoyment and value earned it the title of Crossover of the Year 2016 at our New Car Awards. The Spanish brand's sharp design language ensures that the SEAT Ateca is one of the best looking SUVs of its kind. There's substance underneath, too, with a wide range of punchy and efficient engines and a well-tuned chassis making the Ateca the best in its class on the road. A lack of kit for the cheapest models and slightly dull interior may deter some, but the impressive space on offer, general air of solidity and availability of four-wheel drive gives the Ateca all it needs to beat the Nissan Qashqai.
The Seat Ateca breaks new ground for Seat, because the Spanish brand has previously built as many SUVs as it has spaceships. But while Seat is undoubtedly very late to the party, it’s drawing on the experience of others and offering keen pricing. Underneath the sharp bodywork is essentially the same mechanicals that sits beneath the much more expensive Volkswagen Tiguan. True, the Ateca misses out on some of that car’s practical features, such as reclining and sliding rear seats, but it still has a large boot and masses of rear seat space. We think many people will happily give up the VW’s extra flexibility when they consider that a very well equipped four-wheel-drive Ateca will cost the same as a mid-range two-wheel-drive Tiguan.
The SEAT Ateca is an affordable, practical and desirable SUV that gives buyers a great alternative to the Renault Kadjar and Nissan Qashqai. SEAT has never had an SUV in its line-up before, but the SEAT Ateca has quickly become one of our favourites, giving potential Renault Kadjar and Nissan Qashqai owners a great alternative. The Spanish manufacturer hasn’t exactly started from a standstill, as most of you will know the Ateca shares a considerable amount with the Volkswagen Tiguan. But, the SEAT did get a small head start in the UK, going on sale first, costing less and looking rather stylish, too.
Pros Very well priced Looks fantastic Good to drive
Cons Slightly firm ride Not a completely flat loading area Tiny five-inch screen on cheaper models
In the highly competitive compact luxury SUV segment, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is definitely worth your consideration. It combines a practical size, strong performance and a luxurious cabin with a long list of optional amenities.The existing Mercedes-Benz GLC300 comes off its debut year with a minor shuffling of features. The big news is the addition of the high-performance AMG GLC 43, with a potent V6 engine.
Pros Balance of comfort and performance makes it an appealing daily driver Solid fuel efficiency from the standard four-cylinder engine Plenty of room for adult-sized passengers in back Elegant design inside and out gives it a true luxury appearance.
Cons Technology interface isn't always easy to use Only one four-cylinder engine offered unless you step up to the ultra-high-performance AMG model.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class makes a terrific combination of the features and practical needs most buyers want in an attractive package. Complementing the automaker's C-Class sedan, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is a well thought-out compact crossover that offers its own swoopy styling and attractive range of engines.
Pros Spacious, attractive interior Wide range of engine and body choices "Coupe" bodystyle is unique Comprehensive available safety features
Cons Safety features come at a price "Coupe" loses some practicality Base GLC300 can feel numb Diesel model delayed (again)
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class ranks 3 out of 14 Luxury Compact SUVs. If you're looking for refinement – both inside and out – you'll want to look at the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC. This polished luxury compact SUV comes with more standard features than many of its competitors and has a handsome interior that emphasizes simple elegance.
Pros Comfortable, elegant interior Abundance of standard and optional safety features Quiet, refined ride
Cons Below-average cargo capacity behind rear seats
