SEAT Ateca In-Depth Review - The Best Crossover Xperience?

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SEAT's Ateca feels rejuvenated as a result of a significant package of updates. There are fresher looks, a more modern cabin, more frugal engines and stronger standards of safety. Plus this compact mid-sized SUV remains dynamically adept in a way few rivals can match.
Background
Not many brands enter an entirely new market segment and get it right first time, but that's exactly what Spanish maker SEAT managed with its first compact SUV, the Ateca. Launched in 2016, it's since become one of the Iberian manufacturer's biggest selling models, over 300,000 having been sold prior to the launch of this facelifted version.
Nothing too extreme's been done here. Nothing much needed to be. The Ateca was already the best car in its segment to drive and also one of the most affordable and one of the more efficient. But its looks were becoming over-familiar, so SEAT's tweaked those, at the same time as adding the latest screen tech to the cabin, plus there's been some mild tinkering in the engine range.
Driving Experience
Prior to the original launch of this Ateca, we'd come to accept that compact Crossover models of this kind were never going to be very good to drive. If that's still your perspective, then a pleasant surprise is in store once you hit a few twisty roads in this little SUV. Drive at seven or eight tenths and there's pretty much no difference between the dynamic responses you get from this SEAT and those of the Leon hatchback it's based upon. Only when you push right to the limit does this Ateca's taller stance and slight extra weight begin to tell - and even then, the car's pretty responsive, with well-controlled body roll and enthusiastic levels of grip and traction.
That much has remained the same with this revised version, but there are a few changes on the engine front. The turbocharged 1.0-litre three cylinder TSI petrol unit that most customers choose is now standardised with 110PS and gets a range of updates to improve its efficiency. It's only available linked to manual transmission. If you want the option of an auto with a petrol-powered Ateca, you'll probably want the 1.5 TSI unit, which puts out 150PS and is also now slightly more efficient, as before integrating Active Cylinder Management technology.
Design and Build
You'd recognise this as a slightly newer model thanks to its revised radiator grille, its smarter LED headlamps and its redesigned fog lamps. Further design changes have been made to the front air intakes, the skid plate and the bumper. The designers have also added the same creases into the bonnet as you'll find on the latest Leon hatch and the large Tarraco SUV, establishing a family connection between these key models. There are also new exhaust pipes and on the tailgate, the Ateca gets the handwriting-style logo badge we first saw on the latest Leon. Under skin, this SEAT continues to sit on the same MQB platform as its more conventional Leon stablemate and uses most of the same mechanicals found in similarly-sized Volkswagen Group SUVs.
Inside, there are fresh designs for the door cards and smarter trim materials, plus there's much nicer re-upholstered steering wheel. Plusher models now get the 10.25-inch SEAT Digital Cockpit instrument binnacle screen. Plus across the range, an upgraded infotainment system, which incorporates a new HMI interface, is available via repositioned 8.25-inch or 9.2-inch touchscreens, ensuring that the interior is fully digitalised.
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[@angeloszaimis184]

Got a 2021 1.5 petrol dark camouflage Ateca FR and I absolutely love it!

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Fantastic to hear, Angelos! Thanks for watching 👍 If you haven't already subscribed, it really helps us out: bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@mrchrispow]

Love how much information and detail you give. Really helps when making a decision on which car to buy

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Fantastic to hear, Chris. Thank you for watching 👍 If you'd like to explore your options further with a Vehicle Specialist who will find you the most affordable solution, fill-in this quick form and we'll get in touch: bit.ly/39YHCml

[@gvv7465]

The best review about Seat Ateca Xperience you can find. Well done!

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for the great feedback! Make sure to subscribe for more in-depth vehicle reviews - bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@natashabailey5974]

Great review! Very informative!🤗

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks Natasha, glad you found it helpful!

[@TheMisterB2u]

Great to have your reviews back , you're the best in UK !

[@mattpashley5493]

I've never seen such a informative review ever wow! You know your stuff another ateca

[@topscooby]

Totally agree 👍 One of the (very) few channels who’s reviews I watch start to finish. Excellent work...please keep it up 🥇

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Much appreciated, Mister B!

[@VStrom2019]

Best and most informative review on the internet. Very professionally done.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thank you, glad you are enjoying our channels reviews! If you haven't already, make sure to subscribe: bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@jdb6284]

I come from a 2016 Leon FR and have my Ateca FR delivered next week. The driving feel, sportiness is something i was not willing to sacrifice despite needing a little bit of a bigger car. I can't stand driving the spongy feelings some french or asian manufacturers give you. I also really love the reliability i've experienced with all my VAG cars so far. The MQB platform is probably one of the best platforms out there at the moment for this type of car. The Ateca's looks are great, tech is great and the driving is great, why look elsewhere? Oh it's also very affordable compared to others, no compromises for me, all out win!

[@josephman3228]

Hi did you get your on the due date mine has been delayed for 2 months am gutted i should be collecting today

[@jdb6284]

@@josephman3228 Hi mate, well mine was supposed to have a 3 months delivery term, turned out to be five. So 2 months extra seems on point. I've got it since 3 weeks now. Cheers!

[@josephman3228]

Thanks pal sounds about same 3 month then added another 5 weeks so its standard lol I cant wait to get in it I hope it's as good a fun as they say

[@oldgregg2057]

In the same boat. Currently driving my 16 plate fr leon and looking at the ateca now. Any buying advice now that you've had yours for 3 weeks?

[@jdb6284]

@@oldgregg2057 eh not really. From my experience it feels like an extremely similar car. It's maybe a tiny little less drag race happy. But it's still a nippy car, great cornering feel (no jumping around like some suv's do). And yeah.. you sit higher. Might sound strange, but i really don't like that too much. Guess i especially chose this one to still get a somewhat sporty feel and make my family happy too. All in all, i'm convinced if you're not a coupe lover like me, it's a perfect car for a lot of people, for sure.

[@nige1147]

What a brilliant, informative review.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Many thanks for watching! Subscribe for the latest in-depth reviews: bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@joe80ss]

Would luv to see how the FR trim has changed.

[@MrStevenastley]

Once again, fantastic and informative video! 👏🏻 Is there a cover for the boot space? If so, is it a clip in parcel shelf or one of the sliding covers?

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Hi Steven, our Vehicle Specialists will be more than happy to help with your enquiry and find the most affordable solution for the new Ateca. Get in touch here: bit.ly/39YHCml

[@PHADAVIES]

I've had a FR4 sport tdi for 3 years. The extra torque of the tdi and independent rear suspension of the 4 drive makes all the difference, better handling than most hatchbacks and the dsg makes the most of the torque! Actually got it to 61mpg one leisurely drive through the Cheshire countryside. Only downside is ,it does wear out all 4 tyres pretty equally ,the Haldex system anticipates the possibility of losing traction with acceleration or fast cornering so it's engaged more than you would think.

[@CLEnforcer]

Over 3 days i got mine Ateca FR 1.5 Automatic. dark camouflage, Cant wait for it.

[@steveo8533]

It beats all in its class, SQ2, Countryman, T-roc R, Kona, X2 to name a few. Not convinced? I am.

[@nikolaidiqnov6801]

Great review. Actually helped me decide to get the Ateca. The car offers a lot and for me, it looks better than the Skoda. In the review Lexus UX was mentioned as a rival but I think it is far from it. The Lexus has a boot smaller than Seat Ibiza- barely gets two large suitcases. Also, rear passenger space is scarce. Keep up the good work.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Hi Nikolai, thank you for the great feedback. If you live in the UK, we'd be more than happy to get you behind the wheel of the Ateca 👍 Get in touch here: bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@nikolaidiqnov6801]

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply Thank you but I live far from the UK. 😁

[@dr6124]

Good, comprehensive review. I was looking between the FR Sport and Xperience Lux. I like the look of the FR Sport better but it lacks some features of the Lux. Not sure why they thought a electric front seat isn't Luxury - for some reason it's on the FR Sport but not the Lux. My ideal car would be the Lux features with FR Sport looks and electric front seats. The 360 cam which is only on the Lux i could dispense with but i would want the ACC. I guess this is why SEAT is becoming Cupra.... The Lux is more like a Volkswagen and the FR Sport isn't, so they are just making everything Cupra, where all the cars are sporty but will have different engines and features. Don't want sport?.... buy a Volkswagen or Skoda.

[@juliewillard1367]

Just bought the lux experience Ateca. Very happy.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Great to hear! 👍 If you enjoyed the review, make sure to subscribe: bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@BabyDaks]

Would you recommend? I need a bigger car and haven’t driven a seat before.

[@ScotsGal]

We're due to change cars in the next few months and for me its a toss up between the skoda karoq or the seat ateca but right now the ateca's at the top of the list plus the fr sport looks better than the karoq ....Great video very informative..

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Great to hear! Thanks for watching 👍 If you enjoyed the review, make sure to subscribe: bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@islam_monem]

Will it get the new dashboard like leaon in the 2022 model, or this this unplanned ?

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Hi there, if you're interested in getting a SEAT Ateca, one of our vehicle experts can look into this for you 👍 Fill-in this quick form and we'll get in touch: bit.ly/39YHCm

[@gezley100]

Some of the best auto reviews I've come across, together with speedkar99's engine breakdowns.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

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[@michaelporter4050]

Confused about the DSG gearshift. In most shots it’s like a conventional gear lever, but in one it’s the new VAG button-like affair. Which is it please? If it differs between specs, I’m thinking about the Xperience trim (or was it Xcellence?)

[@mattyfay899]

The DSG shifter is the normal conventional one. The button one your talking about is just on the very latest VAG brand cars ie the new mk4 leon or the new mk8 golf.

[@michaelporter4050]

@@mattyfay899 thanks for the explanation. Odd then that one shot showed the new VAG shift button

[@tomoneal5627]

Pls test the new Skoda Octavia Scout 4*4! 🙏

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for the suggestion, Michael!

[@norahreed3238]

4:48 I can‘t understand the name of the blue car?

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Hi Norah, that's the Renault Kadjar 👍

[@cipiripper]

Hey I got the 2021 Ateca 2.0 TDI 150 HP DSG-7 4Drive, and I have the DCC.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

That's great to hear! What made you choose this model?

[@cipiripper]

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply Well I didn't like KIA sportage (didnt like enterior, gearbox, and I always had the feeling that the rear end moves/leans too much in the corners), Nisan Qashqai (too pricy for the trim I wanted, engines offered were too weak), Toyota RAV-4 (too ugly, didn't like the ride), VW Tiguan (too pricy, I hated the new facelift). Then I was gonna test Karoq and Ateca. When I test drove the Ateca, compared to other cars, I liked the torque of the TDI, you just fly off at the traffic lights, it had the best handling, the largest boot, trim that I wanted was reasonably priced and I liked the SEAT Connect feature. I'm regreting that I didn't get the 220V socket and the automatic tailgate. I love that I got the virtual cockpit, 4Drive, KESSY, Seat CONNECT... Only thing I got that I seldom use is the Parking Assist. I drove it for 11000 km, and I loved it.

[@DannySeventySeven]

Detailed review. The Excellence Lux and FR Sport get the virtual digital cockpit display btw.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thank you for the feedback, Danny 👍

[@mattyfay899]

Only the FR Sport and the top of the range lux model comes with the virtual digital cockpit.

[@DannySeventySeven]

@@mattyfay899 you're absolutely right and I've no idea why I typed it like that. Now get back to your Facebook group, you! :D

[@thomascord1464]

Been looking at the Ateca since i passed my test, gonna make the jump from an ibiza 😂

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

We can certainly help you source an Ateca if you are based in the UK! Send us your details bit.ly/39YHCml and one of our Vehicle Specialists will be in touch

[@modmod392]

I hope VW Group have sorted the terrible issues with the 1.5 Tsi engine.

[@jezstokes8592]

It’s all gone quiet about that..I have driven a couple of Octavias with that engine and they’ve been fine

[@jazzip2989]

Software update fixes all those previous issues... great car from seat with the blessings from VW 🔥🔥🔥

[@joe80ss]

A TECA not attica.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Sorry about that, Joe! Hope you enjoyed the review nonetheless 👍

[@joe80ss]

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply as always very well done plenty of useful content.

[@dsldude1152]

Silver trim thats a bit late 90's

[@MRT.1977]

Great review. However, how can you do a review of car and pronounce "Ateca" completely wrong.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for your feedback 👍 Pronunciation can vary, but we appreciate the correction. Nonetheless, we hope you found the review informative and valuable.

[@yes8032]

I’ve family car

[@dazzacossie]

Seat Attica 🤔

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Yep, sorry about that!

[@thechuggs8997]

ATTICA ATTICA ATTICA ATTICA!!!

[@thepeller210]

atteca... lol

[@pablos.4163]

Sorry Seat, but you still don’t have heated rear seats in 2021 ?? For me is it big fail !! Skoda Karoq have this for 176€ and USB for security camera for 76€ 👎🏻

[@andersnielsen6044]

Only 2 seats in the back makes it completely irrelevant as a family car..

[@johnmorris6344]

Not true. I have a 2020 ateca at the moment and have 3 children, 2 boys aged 4 and 6 in car seats and our teenage daughter gets in the middle no problem. It works so well we pick up a new 2021 1.5tsi FR sport on Wednesday. The seats are flat in the back compared to others cars we have had as well. Much easier.

[@andersnielsen6044]

@@johnmorris6344 lol there is no more than 2 seats and a big "thing" in between for no use at all. Letting people sit there just shows the world that you hate that person, your own daughter.. !

[@tdc_2021]

@@andersnielsen6044 John’s response doesn’t show the world he hates his daughter. The Ateca is an excellent car and suitable for a lot of families. Stop being abrasive and learn a little kindness. Cheers!

[@j.shussain7528]

​@@andersnielsen6044your kids leave you?

[@stevo091]

Very plain dashboard. Peugeot 3008 much better 👍

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Appreciate your honesty 👍

[@mattyfay899]

Think you need to work on how you say Ateca🤬🤬! Had to turn the video off less then ten minutes in. If your going to review a car make sure you get the name right first 😉

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Sorry about that, Matty 🤷‍♂️

[@AdioParkejrowiec]

Wtf