Price: £17,497
Top speed: 114mph
0-62mph: 11 seconds
MPG: 54.3
CO2: 119g/km
It says much about Volkswagen’s cold-blooded, unflinching march towards global dominance that Seat is now so keen to big up the differences rather than the similarities it shares with its parent company. Seat is proud to be Spanish. Forget Munich and Wolfsburg, the adverts tell us, Seat is “Created in Barcelona”. And the new Ateca isn’t about grey suits, dieselgate and drizzle, it’s about sunshine, Gaudí and tiki-taka football… And it’s all true. The Ateca was designed in Barcelona and the chief designer is Alejandro Mesonero, a suave and cultured native of the city.
But no matter how much Catalan chic Alejandro channels, there is no escaping the reach of Seat’s omnipotent parents: the Ateca is a VW. In fact, it’s a VW Tiguan. That’s no bad thing. The relaunched Tiguan is on sparkling form and any aspiring SUV debutante would do well to follow in its tracks. The only real difference is price, so while the Tiguan floats up into the premium SUV sector, the Ateca is making a bid for glory in the not-quite-so-premium SUV category. That sounds mean-spirited, but there is no other class of car that has enjoyed such spectacular success over the past decade. The undisputed world champion is Nissan’s Qashqai, along with the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, and any sales that Seat can pinch with its Ateca will be hard won.
Seat has never previously built an SUV, which is remarkable as these days everyone has an SUV on their books – from Audi to Volvo, and Bentley to Porsche. But being late to the party gives you the chance to size up the oppo, draw on their experience, iron out a few flaws and then make an entrance. And what an entrance it is. Only last month the Ateca won SUV of the year at What Car?
Compact crossovers all too often look like jumped-up saloons, or small estates with anger management issues, but the Ateca looks neat, composed and purposeful. Inside it’s roomy and well designed. But there’s no escaping the VW in its DNA: you’ll recognise common parts it shares with Skodas and VWs. But why not, they’re the most carefully considered and intuitive driver interfaces on the road. You sit high, all SUVs offer what’s called a “command position”. This can cross the line into “van vantage” in the larger SUVs, but here it’s just the boost you need to peer over the car in front.
There are five engine options, ranging from a turbocharged 1-litre petrol with 114bhp to a 2-litre diesel with 187bhp. By default car reviewers recommend the 2.0 TDi and, yes, you’ll get better ooomph and mileage with that. But these petrol engines are smoother, cleaner and cheaper to buy, so if you are not running up huge mileages, why not consider a 1.4-litre petrol? It’s still economical and its quiet proficiency makes it a very pleasant drive, particularly around town. The list of extras is daunting. But choose wisely and you’ll get a clever, connected vehicle brimming with safety and driver aids, from cruise control and puddle lights to a colour touchscreen with smartphone integration and parking sensors.
In Fawlty Towers, Basil’s excuse for everything Manuel does is: “He’s from Barcelona!” Well, the Ateca is also from Barcelona, but you’ll find nothing to complain about.
Half-term breakdowns: don’t panic
It’s the start of the first half-term of the year and many of us will be taking to the roads to visit relatives we haven’t seen for six week since Christmas – or just to have a decent breather. The problem is that thousands of us are also going to have a breakdown – not an emotional one, but a mechanical one. Green Flag predicts that during this week there will be 174,706 breakdowns, which works out at about 13 every minute.
Based on average figures and data collected from last year, Green Flag estimates there will be: flat/faulty batteries (21,458); punctures (15,652); engine failures (6,588); clutch problems (4,052); starter motor problems (2,635); locking keys inside car (1,870); using the wrong fuel (1,405); fuel pump mechanical/electrical failures (1,358); and power steering faults (823). It’s a miracle any of us get anywhere.
But there is some good news. Neil Wilson, head of rescue at Green Flag, says many of these breakdowns are avoidable if people take the time to check their cars and ensure everything is in working order before setting out. Here are his hints and tips for a trouble-free trip:
1. Walk around the car and look for any signs of potential trouble, especially tyres and lights.
2. Check tyre pressures, spare included.
3. Check all fluid levels and top up if necessary.
4. Make sure you have breakdown cover. If you’re travelling abroad make sure your cover extends to your trip away. If it doesn’t, you may need to arrange separate cover.
5. Keep a road map in the car so you’ll be able to explain where you are when you call for help. Don’t rely on the map on your phone – you won’t always have signal.
6. Keep some coins or a phonecard in the car in case you need to call for help and there’s no mobile phone signal.
7. Make sure your phone battery is topped up. Think about buying an in-car charger just in case you need it.
8. Have the number for your emergency breakdown provider handy – you’ll usually find it on your policy certificate so you could keep this in the glove box.
9. Carry a red warning triangle at all times.
10. Always keep some warm clothes, a rug and some chocolate in the car in case you get stuck in cold conditions for a long time.
For more information about how to make sure your car is road-ready and what to do in a breakdown, visit Green Flag
Email Martin at martin.love@observer.co.uk or follow him on Twitter @MartinLove166
