Put yourself in the driver’s SEAT

I need to ‘fess up to one or two things, before we start. My name is Brendan Waterman and I am a petrolhead. I’m also about to become a dad for the first time and me and ‘the mum to be’ have actually been looking at new cars that would meet our changing needs. It’s no coincidence that the new SEAT Ateca is on that list: a nice high driving position (a priority for the wife); a great list of standard features & options (the DSG gearbox, electric boot operation and full-link connectivity would be top of my list) and a lot of space inside, including a 510 litre boot. On paper, this new SEAT definitely ticks all the boxes.

But in my capacity as a motoring journalist (well, for a couple of days), I felt obliged to take reviewing the Ateca seriously, and not just because I am a genuine potential customer. I’d heard all about the great locations and splendid lunches that car launches are famous for (all true, by the way) but this was a bona fide opportunity to find out what SEAT’s first ever SUV was all about before ‘real’ journalists got the chance.

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And the Ateca was everything I had hoped it would be. The first thing I noticed was a real feeling of quality throughout. The doors shut with that reassuring ‘thunk’ I’ve often read about; once inside, the controls and dashboard surfaces were all very satisfying to the touch. It gave me a real sense of travelling in style, especially once we got out on the road. I was in an XCELLENCE model, admittedly, but it felt quick! Great acceleration and sporty handling combined with an almost eerily quiet, smooth ride on the motorway. I can’t see the baby having any problems sleeping on one of our trips from Kent to the Lake District, that’s for sure.

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Be the first to pre-order the new SEAT Ateca

As enjoyable as my first car launch was, I’m not sure I’d make it as a full time journalist. But with my other hat on – as a new car buyer – I’ve researched things enough to know that prices start from just £17,990. It’s just possible I could turn out to become one of the UK’s first customers for SEAT’s first ever SUV.

Explore the SEAT Ateca

Be the first to pre-order the new SEAT Ateca

The last word: it is, of course, true to say that I am in the market for a family car. Economy, comfort, safety and all those other practical considerations are naturally top of the list in terms of our next car purchase. But as a confirmed petrolhead, I was naturally going to want to know how the new Ateca felt to actually drive, too. And that was the greatest pleasure of my time with the car in Spain. Yes, the 4x4 capability got my attention but that wasn’t the highlight. The way the Ateca felt in all driving conditions was what struck me the most: from quiet and smooth on the motorway, to genuinely enjoyable on some of the twisting mountain roads we drove out of Barcelona. 

When you’re not even 30 yet, the idea of compromise feels a bit unappealing. But when your first little one is on its way, it’s not just about you any more, is it? I’d say the new Ateca is one way you can maybe have your cake and eat it...

Explore the SEAT Ateca

Be the first to pre-order the new SEAT Ateca