Trust us when we say this is the Ateca facelift. SEAT has given its compact crossover the mildest of mid-cycle updates as it takes a trained eye to figure out we’re dealing with the revised model. We’re actually looking at the newest addition to the range, a rugged-looking Xperience trim previewed back in September 2016 by a namesake concept at the Paris Motor Show.
Joining Reference, Style, and FR versions, the new Xperience has an aluminum look for the front and rear mouldings combined with black accents for the lower sections of the bumpers as well as for side and wheel arches. SEAT is giving 2021 Ateca buyers 14 different alloy wheel designs to choose from, ranging in size from 16 to 19 inches. There are also 10 paint colors, including this Dark Camouflage hue featured on the Xperience model. It’s nice to hear you won’t have to pick a certain version of the car to get the alloy wheel X or the paint color Y as all are available across the range.
Its German Sibling Is About To Get A Nip And Tuck As Well:
As standard, the 2021 SEAT Ateca gets full-LED headlights and taillights with dynamic turn signals, with the rear end also gaining the model’s name spelled out prominently underneath the license plate. Each and every trim level gets styling revisions, but the changes are on a subtle level.
Stepping inside the cabin, the C-segment crossover uses the latest 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster complemented by SEAT’s upgraded infotainment system measuring either 8.25 or 9.2 inches. An optional heated steering wheel is available, as is a heated windscreen with an invisible coating dubbed “Climacoat” to defrost the windscreen in as little as 2-3 minutes.
Gallery: 2021 SEAT Ateca facelift
In regards to the oily bits, the engine lineup kicks off with a turbocharged 1.0-liter three-pot producing 110 horsepower (81 kilowatts) channeled to the front wheels exclusively through a manual gearbox. Step up to the 1.5-liter four-cylinder and you get 150 hp (110 kW) along with the option of a dual-clutch automatic transmission. The top dog in the gasoline family remains the 2.0-liter unit with 190 hp (140 kW) offered only with the DSG and all-wheel drive.
If you’d rather get a diesel, the 1.6 TDI is dead. It’s being replaced by the VW Group’s latest 2.0 TDI promising reduced emissions and fuel consumption. It can be had with 115 hp (85 kW) and a manual gearbox or with 150 hp (110 kW) working with a manual or a DSG, with the latter also offered with AWD.
Built by Skoda at its Kvasiny plant in the Czech Republic, the Ateca has been a tremendous success for SEAT. More than 300,000 units have been sold since the crossover’s launch in 2016. Following the unveiling of the regular Ateca, the hot Cupra derivative should arrive shortly in its facelifted guise.
REFRESHING EVOLUTION
The new SEAT Ateca 2020 brings a design evolution to the compact SUV: its more emotional exterior design language and updated interior gives it stronger character, helped by its more determined face, typical of the new SEAT design language.
The new SEAT Ateca integrates a range of lighting technologies including front FULL LED and rear LED as standard, as well as dynamic blinkers.
FULLY CONNECTED TO KEEP YOU LINKED TO YOUR DIGITAL LIFE
The renewed SEAT Ateca is fully connected integrating in-car connectivity (online-based functions and services; Full Link including wireless access to both Android Auto and CarPlay) and out-car connectivity with SEAT CONNECT. In addition, voice recognition (through the wake-up phrase “Hola Hola”) allows users to interact with the new 9.2’’ infotainment system using natural language.
SAFETY AND CONVENIENCE AT ITS HEART
With Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Crash Assist, Emergency Assist, Travel Assist and Side and Exit Assist, the new SEAT Ateca combines the most advanced driver assistance systems to offer optimum protection in any driving scenario, making it one of the safest and most convenient vehicles in the segment.
In addition, the SEAT Ateca features new comfort equipment such as a heated steering wheel, Climacoat (all-weather windscreen with an invisible coating) or the Trailer Assist.
TRIMS THAT MATCH YOUR LIFESTYLE
The new SEAT Ateca 2020 brings fresh choices with the introduction of the XPERIENCE trim joining the Reference, Style and FR options.
The new XPERIENCE trim brings increased robustness and more off-road character to the new SEAT Ateca.
OPTIMIZED POWERTRAINS TO MEET LIFE’S DEMANDS
The renewed SEAT Ateca is equipped with a range of new and optimized powertrains, both petrol (TSI), diesel (TDI), that reduce its impact on the environment with lower emissions compared to its predecessor.
THE AWARD-WINNING SUCCESS STORY
The SEAT Ateca continues to succeed in a highly competitive market: nearly 100,000 units were sold in 2019, the best year ever for the compact SUV. Since its introduction in 2016, more than 300,000 units have been sold.
CREATED IN BARCELONA
The new SEAT Ateca is designed and developed in Barcelona (Martorell) and will be produced in Kvasiny (Czech Republic).