New Seat Ateca SUV revealed ahead of the Geneva Motor Show 2016

Seat’s new Ateca is based on the same MQB platform that’s currently used by the Seat Leon. It’s clearly obvious that the front grille and head lamps have also been pulled off the Leon. The roofline tapers down at the rear where the window moves up sharply at the C-pillar. Design chief Alejandro Mesonero told reporters, "We adapted our design language for the Seat SUV. This car had to be like a big brother to the Leon, but we will introduce stronger evolutions over the next 18 months.”

A petrol 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged unit that produces 114bhp will be offered along with a 1.4-litre petrol motor that makes 148bhp, seen doing duty on the Leon. Diesel power will come from a 1.6-litre unit that produces 114bhp, and a 2.0-litre version that will be made with two states of tune, one with 148bhp and another that makes 187bhp. Four-wheel drive is likely to be used only with a DSG dual-clutch gearbox on the higher variants. 

A substantial amount of safety kit will find its way into this car like the ability to drive itself in stop-start traffic situations (Traffic Jam Assist) and Emergency Assist. Also available is traffic sign recognition, parking sensors, a 360-degree view for parking and blind spot detection.

Seat’s new SUV is important in its line up as the company wishes to intensify its foothold in the segment for the European market. It is designed to rival cars like the Nissan Qashqai, the Kia Sportage and the Hyundai Tucson.