Test drive Seat Ateca 2.0 TDI DSG 4DRIVE: strong player
Test of maximum performance in the new Seat Ateca lineup
The first first SUV model in the history of the Spanish brand was created on the basis of the second generation VW Tiguan, which gives a fairly clear preliminary idea of the qualities of this car and inevitably raises high expectations. Expectations were fully justified. While significantly more Skoda Kodiaq, using identical technology, relies more on huge interior volume and functionality, Seat Ateca is more geared towards people looking for dynamics, aesthetics and personality.
Although the Ateca is 12 cm shorter than the Tiguan, it is pleasantly spacious inside - space in both the first and second rows of seats does not give cause for complaint, and the trunk holds from 510 liters to 1604 liters with front-wheel drive. and between 485 and 1579 liters with all-wheel drive. The interior has brand-typical design, high-quality workmanship and intuitive ergonomics – the only major drawback of the options compared to the Wolfsburg cousin is the inability to order a digital instrument panel.
The body silhouette is six centimeters lower than that of the Tiguan and is noticeably athletic, and the sharp lines emphasize the dynamic character. More importantly, in addition to its sporty appearance, the model is also the lightest of the three formed with the Volkswagen Tiguan and Seat Ateca, and this definitely has a beneficial effect on its driving behavior. The handling is light and agile, and the stability and traction are truly remarkable. The ability to ride on asphalt with poor grip is also impressive in all respects. The dynamic nature of the road is not at the expense of comfort, which is sufficiently developed even in combination with large wheels with low-profile tires.
The top model in the Seat Ateca range is powered by our well-known 2.0 horsepower 190 TDI engine, which in combination with the seven-speed gearbox performs perfectly as expected - with a strong grip, good manners and moderate fuel consumption.
CONCLUSION
The Seat Ateca impressively combines elegant looks, dynamic handling, impressive road behavior regardless of the road surface, a wide range of modern technologies and very good value for money.
+ Flexible control
+ Excellent grip
+ Very good ergonomics
+ Wide range of support systems
+ Powerful thrust engine
+ High comfort during long hikes
– Limited visibility from the driver's seat
– DSG transmission responses are not always optimal
Text: Bozhan Boshnakov
Photo: Melania Yosifova, ams.
