When Seat finally decided to launch the new Ateca in 2016, its first SUV, there were those who said that the Spanish brand was arriving late to the fledgling segment, since there were already numerous models with these characteristics on the market. Seat then argued that it was the right time and that nothing was wrong with joining the SUV universe a little later if you had a car like the Ateca.
No sooner said than done. The Ateca has been a success story from the beginning and has not stopped giving joy to those in charge of Martorell in all this time. It accumulates more than 100,000 units sold in our country and 500,000 in total in Europe. Very respectable figures.
It continues to be one of the best SUVs in the category in dynamic behavior, if not the best, thanks to its excellent chassis and tuning. And it stands out for its good value for money. And, as a novelty this year, there is an Ateca available from 180 euros per month with Seat Flex, the new financing service that includes warranty and maintenance and allows you to keep it, exchange it or return it.
The Ateca is available in our market from 28,570 euros for the 1.0 TSI 110 CV gasoline version in Reference finish. The most expensive and equipped Ateca is the 2.0 TDI 150 CV with a seven-speed DSG, 4Drive traction and X-Perience finish.
The exterior design language of the Ateca, after being updated in 2020, adds personality thanks to its more forceful front end and the "off road" aesthetic that it receives with the X-Perience finish. It integrates a series of lighting technologies that include standard Full LED front headlights on all trims and standard rear LED lights, as well as dynamic turn signals, also standard on the X-Perience trim.
It is available with a range of engines comprising TSI (petrol) and TDI (diesel) technologies, with a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch manual or automatic transmission.
Its reputation in the dynamic field is based on the adaptive chassis control (DCC) system, which allows the firmness of the dampers to be varied, the progressive steering system and the 4Drive all-wheel drive technology, which stands out for being one of the most efficient on the market.
For years now, Seat has shown interest and concern for the technology that allows modern smartphones to be linked to the car to create pleasant, useful and, above all, safe environments for traveling.
In this sense, the Ateca is completely connected to the user, since it integrates connectivity solutions from inside the vehicle (with online functions and services and Full Link, which includes wireless connection with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), and connectivity from the exterior with Seat Connect.
Another particularity is the voice recognition through the activation phrase "Hello, Hello" or from the steering wheel. This form of communication with the car allows users to interact with the 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
The Ateca has also been updated in safety and comfort systems. Good examples are the adaptive cruise control (ACC), pre-collision assistant, emergency assistant, travel assistant, rear traffic alert system when leaving the parking lot or the assistant in the presence of vehicles in the blind spot of the mirror up to 70 meters.
It also incorporates elements of comfort equipment such as the heated steering wheel, electric tailgate with hands-free function (virtual pedal) or the trailer assistant.
To celebrate this success, Seat has developed six very special units of the Ateca. But to explain the initiative, we have to go back to the late 80s, when Seat launched a project to compete in the Dakar. After several prototypes and a lot of effort, the car that was developed at Seat Sport, in Martorell, was called the Toledo Marathon.
And it was called Toledo, quite logically, since it was the star model at the time, the last Seat car produced in the Free Zone and which was presented in 1991.
The Toledo Marathon debuted in 1993 in Baja Portugal. With notable successes to his credit, such as the double achieved in the Raid of Greece, Seat abandoned the project in 1995 to focus on the World Rally Championship.
And to close this victorious circle and pay tribute to the brand's passage through the raids, Historic Seats will participate from September 16 to 21 in the RallyClassics Africa with the Toledo Marathon.
The adventure will also feature six Seat Ateca Marathon specially prepared for the occasion. Three of them will participate in the competition and the other three will carry out assistance tasks.
The Ateca Marathon, of which we must insist that only six units have been made, is basically a production car. This is the Ateca 2.0 TDI 150 hp with seven-speed DSG and the brand's 4Drive all-wheel drive.
It is based on the top-of-the-range model of the Ateca and has been chosen for being the only version in the range with all-wheel drive (4x4), in addition to the 360 Nm of maximum torque available from 1,600 to 2,750 rpm. That is to say, a remarkable thrust at all times that goes very well for difficult terrain.
The modifications applied affect the free height of the car, with higher springs (40 mm) and Braid Fullrace T Dakar 7x16 wheels with BF Goodrich All Terrain tires in size 225/70-R16. It also has a front protection plate that covers the crankcase and, incidentally, protects the front radiator.
Seat has also thought of some accessories for vehicles with a true spirit of adventure. Like the Front Runner roof rack, the 120 cm T-Max jack, a 54 cm LED light bar and, of course, the plates (and shovel) to unclog the car when there is excess sand.
This adventurous Ateca cannot be bought, but we are sure that if Seat produced it in series it would have its audience. We have not the slightest doubt.
And we are because Seat let us drive it in the La Codina raid circuit, next to Sant Bartomeu del Grau in the Llusanés region.
When an SUV has such a good foundation, it is easy for it to perform well on all kinds of tracks, even if they have deep ruts, stones, a lot of dust or steep slopes. The suspension, the special tires and, above all, the magnificent 4Drive all-wheel drive make driving on difficult terrain a rewarding experience.
The Ateca behaves in a very noble way and, for this type of terrain, as the best SUV on the market. That is where a large part of Seat's success resides. It pulls wonderfully, absorbs uneven terrain effectively and, with Descent Control, descends safely without touching the pedals: neither the brake nor the accelerator. Admirable.
