SEAT At its best

HAVING the right car at the right time is what all auto makers aim to deliver and for SEAT it’s the Ateca, writes ROBIN ROBERTS.

Named after a village in Spain, the Ateca is going to be big on the European car market, having immediately won awards after its launch last summer.

In Britain the new-generation SUV sits in a range alongside the older Leon and much older Alhambra and it runs to 16 models evenly split between petrol or diesel, with four power outputs and all-wheel-drive (AWD) transmission available on the top ones.

The Ateca’s powertrain begins with the busy four-cylinder 1.0-litre developing 115ps we drove and it’s a really impressive unit which combines easily achieved economy with reasonably lively performance.

The pulling power of the engine is possibly the most impressive element thanks to some very well-judged gear ratios. It’s very impressive when one-up but put a couple of passengers inside and it continues to return good performance and economy.

At low and medium revs, the engine is very smooth and quiet and it continues to be smooth but noisier when it’s under load, but the fuel consumption remains remarkably modest even when pressed.

I liked the light clutch and slick six-speed gearchange as well as the positive touch to the steering, which turned the Ateca effectively in tight spaces without being twitchy on open roads.

Secondary controls are generally well laid d out and conv e n i e n t . The heating and ventilation system was very simple and effective and backed up with powered windows.

Oddments room was good for a family car throughout and the options included a bootspace double floor arrange- ment. Luggage space is ea easy to use and of good size.

Access for driver and passengers is also effortless and once inside the flatter back seats are roomy though not as comforta- ble as the shaped and adjustable front pair. Headroom is good.

Visibility is clear in all directions with a low waistline and slim roof pillars.

The ride was surprisingly good for a car of this size and type. It was comfortable and compliant at all times.

Handling was safe and surefooted despite being just frontwheel drive and the body roll was well controlled.

Overall I think my lasting impression of the SEAT Ateca 1.0 is of its refinement. You might not realise it had such a small engine from its performance and economy.