The 2019 Subaru Forester is a well thought-out crossover SUV with exceptional space, a great ride, and standard AWD without a fuel-economy penalty.
Pros Fantastic utility Comfortable ride Great safety tech Thrifty for a crossover Good value
Cons Sun Belters might want FWD Manual and turbo gone Sport trim about looks only Dowdy styling
Completely redesigned for 2019 More powerful 2.5-liter flat four-cylinder engine Subaru's EyeSight system is standard on all models Increased passenger and cargo space 2.0-liter turbocharged engine has been discontinued
Pros Standard all-wheel drive A full complement of driver assists is standard equipment Off-road ability with better-than-average ground clearance Generous cargo capacity
Cons Handling isn't as composed as it is in some competitors CVT automatic feels less responsive than a conventional automatic Modest tow rating limits overall utility Only available engine is underpowered
It looks visually similar to the last model, so has enough changed to entice buyers into the all-new Subaru Forester?
Pros Loaded with safety and convenience features Ultra-wide passenger door opening aperture Full-time all-wheel drive system Fuel efficient four-cylinder petrol engine
Cons Archaic three-year warranty 12,500km service intervals Higher starting price
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
