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SEAT Ateca SE 1.6 TDi Ecomotive 115PS: Impressive new crossover targets Qashqai and Kadjar

SEAT Ateca dynamic
The new SEAT Ateca makes an impressive debut

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22 September 2016

SEAT Ateca SE 1.6 TDi Ecomotive 115PS

What is it?

SEAT’s first SUV, the Ateca, which has been designed to compete in one of the biggest growth areas of the market, the crossover. It’s finally hit UK roads and we’ve had a drive in what’s expected to be the most popular engine, the 1.6-litre TDI in business-friendly SE trim – SEAT Ateca SE 1.6 TDi Ecomotive 115PS.

What’s hot

  •  The 114bhp version of the 1.6 litre TDi diesel, which despite the perky performance, is still capable of 65.7 mpg on the Combined Cycle and has CO2 emissions of 113g/km. This equals a 22% tax band.
  • Current SEAT models feel sporty and despite the Ateca’s taller dimensions, the new SUV follows the same formula. Highlights include the responsive, well-weighted steering and slick six-speed manual transmission. The Ateca feels pleasingly sharp in corners too, with body roll kept well under control and plenty of grip from the optional 17-inch wheels.
  • The Ateca has to be one of the most attractive looking SUV’s in its class, with its Leon-influenced looks. Outside, highlights include the angularly-styled front and rear light designs, the latest meshed version of the SEAT family grille, plus the sharp belt line and lower cut out at the side. The optional metallic Samoa Orange paint, in which our test car was finished, complemented its attractive angular styling.
SEAT Ateca SE 1.6 TDi
Pleasing cabin
  • Inside, if it wasn’t for the Ateca’s taller stance, you could be fooled into thinking you were in a Leon hatch. The angular, horizontal dashboard design and the steering wheel are the same. This SEAT’s switchgear is also logically laid out and the driving position comfortable and multi-adjustable. Quality-wise, this new SEAT SUV is more than a match for Volkswagen Group rivals.
  • There’s no compromise in practicality if you’re attracted by this SEAT’s sharp looks and sporty drive. As there’s plenty of head and legroom front and rear. If that’s not enough to convince you, it also has a deep and practical 510-litre boot – this is more than four-wheel drive versions.
  • This Ateca’s as safe as you’d expect with technology such as Front Assist, City Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Protection fitted as standard.

What’s not 

  • The Ateca feels well-made and built to last, but some of the plastics inside are shiny and not up to the rest of the car.
  • The 114bhp version of the 1.6 TDI diesel might offer swift performance, but it’s a noisy engine from start-up and on the move.
  • The optional 17-inch alloys of our test car look the part, but with the Ateca’s sportier handling settings – they seem to find all the breaks in the tarmac, making for a slightly unsettled ride.
  • Our Ateca was fitted with SEAT’s three-mode drive select system – but we found it difficult to tell the difference between the driving modes.

Verdict

The new Ateca has a lot going for it in the crossover class. It looks great, is well-made, practical, well-equipped and above all is great fun to drive.

However, how does it compare to key rival – the Renault Kadjar? Closest model is the 1.5 dCi 110 Dynamique Nav. The SEAT gets off to a good start as it’s cheaper, even if it’s just by £195. The Ateca is also more powerful.

However, for an SME the emissions and tax band are going to be key and this is where the Renault takes the lead, with 99g/km and a 19% charge versus this SEAT’s higher 22% charge and 113g/km emissions.

The lowdown on: SEAT Ateca SE 1.6 TDi Ecomotive 115PS

Doors and body style 5-door SUV
Engine/gearbox: 1.6-litre 4cyl turbo-diesel/6-speed manual transmission
CO2 Emissions: 113g/km
Economy: 65.7mpg
Power/torque: 114bhp/250Nm
0-62mph/top speed: 11.5secs/114mph
Insurance group: 11

…..and what it costs

P11D Value £21,845
Monthly business rental (ex VAT) £267.75
Road tax (VED) £30 first year
Company Car Tax Bands 2016/17 to 2018/19 22%, 24%, 26%
Benefit in kind 2016/17 to 2018/19  £4,806, £5,243, £5,680
Annual/Monthly fuel benefit (20%) £977/£81
Annual/Monthly fuel benefit (40%) £1,954/£163
Annual/monthly company car tax (20%) £961/£80
Annual/monthly company car tax (40%) £1,922/£160
Figures correct at time of posting September 2016
For latest figures Use our company car tax calculator
SEAT Ateca SE 1.6 TDi
Serious contender – SEAT’s entry into the SUV market

 

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