2020 Seat Ateca facelift comes with new Xperience trim and optimized powertrains

KUALA LUMPUR: The Volkswagen-owned Spanish automaker, Seat, has given a mid-cycle update to its first-ever SUV, Ateca. Initially launched in 2016, the model continues to succeed in a highly competitive market with around 100,000 units sold in the last year. The 2020 iteration of the C-Segment SUV features mildly updated looks inside and out, improved technology, and efficient engines. Let’s have a closer look at the 2020 Seat Ateca.

On the outside, it gets a deeper front grille, chunkier front and rear bumpers, and full LED headlamps and taillamps with dynamic turn signals. A new handwritten style ‘Ateca’ badge is also positioned on the tailgate. The length of 2020 Ateca has increased by 18 mm due to the new bumpers, while the width and height of the SUV remain the same. 

In addition to Reference, Style, and FR variants, a new Xperience trim level is added to the lineup. The new variant is meant for those who prefer more rugged looks; thus, it features the black bumpers and aluminum-colored lower valences and side moldings.

Other trims also get Cosmo Grey Matt exterior bits. The Ateca buyers can now choose from 14 different alloy wheel designs, ranging in size from 16 to 19 inches. Moreover, there are ten paint color options available, including the new Dark Camouflage green.

Inside the cabin, the SUV features the latest 8.25-inch infotainment system as standard while the higher trims get a 9.2-inch unit. It is allied to a voice control system with natural speech recognition. Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Seat Connect compatibility with an embedded SIM are also available. 

Other modifications include a chunkier steering wheel, new seat materials, and matte finishings for the dashboard, centre console, and air vents. The higher-spec models get a 10.25-inch customisable digital instrument display. The eight-way powered driver's seat adjustment and a memory function are now standard across the range.

For the mechanical setup, new Ateca comes with the VW Group’s latest TSI petrol and TDI diesel engine options. Starting with petrol, first is a 1.0-litre three-pot mill producing 110 PS of power through a manual gearbox. Next is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder generating 150 PS with the option of a dual-clutch automatic transmission. And last is the most powerful 2.0-litre unit with 190 PS offered with the DSG and all-wheel drive.

In diesel engine choices, 1.6 TDI is replaced by the new 2.0 TDI. It comes with 115 PS and a manual gearbox or with 150 PS and a choice of manual or a DSG transmission. According to Seat, the new powertrains have lower emissions as compared to the previous units.

In terms of safety, 2020 Seat Ateca is equipped with the latest VW Group safety kit comprising an advanced safety assistance system. It includes pre-crash assist, travel assist, predictive adaptive cruise control, emergency assist, and side and exit assist.

The new Seat Ateca will go on sale in the UK next month with probably a slight increase in price. 

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