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
Pros Striking exterior design Lots of standard kit and space Very low PCP monthly payments Plenty of personalisation Good to drive
Cons Plain interior design Ride just okay on rough roads Boot smaller than some rivals Entry-level 95hp petrol a little underpowered No Cupra planned (yet)
The five-door All-New Arona, a front-wheel-drive only SUV, is well placed in this highly popular sector of the car market.It’s available with a choice of six engines, with both the diesel and petrol variants offered in either 95PS or 115 PS form, and the sporty FR 1.5 TSI EVO leaping up to 150 PS.
Pros Very smart looking inside and out Good choice of engines Well equipped and overall good value
Cons No SatNav on basic model
The Seat Arona is quite possibly the best compact SUV of the moment. Good practicality, economy and solid driving manners are all Arona staples.It lacks the visual creativity of a Hyundai Kona or the customisation of a Citroen C3 Aircross, but its real-world strengths far outweigh having orange door mirrors. It’s a level-headed car for level-headed people.
Pros Refined 1.0-litre petrol Ergonomic infotainment system Good ride
Cons Humdrum looks Narrow middle seat Trim levels that dictate engine choice
