SEAT Ateca has been improved for 2021MY in Europe with a subtle
styling refresh inside and out, an updated powertrain lineup, as well as new
safety and connectivity tech. With more than 300,000 units sold since its
launch in 2016 (including 100,000 in 2019 alone), the Ateca is paramount to
SEAT’s well-being, which is why the Spanish automaker did not mess with a
successful formula. Evolution is the key word here, and that’s most obvious
when looking at the styling.
The new LED headlights inspired by the
latest SEAT Leon are the most obvious update, with other changes at the front
including a new grille and bumper. Out back, the full LED taillights with
dynamic indicators (for FR and Xperience trims) and bumper with fresh exhaust
pipe covers are also new. The new design of the bumpers make the 2021 Ateca 18
mm longer at 4,381 mm, while the width and height remain
unchanged. More subtle changes include the updated ‘Ateca’ lettering on the
tailgate, new alloy wheel designs (from 17 to 19 inches), and an updated color
palette.
The 2021 Ateca also introduces a new
rugged-looking Xperience trim level which replaces the Xcellence and features
black front and rear bumpers with Aluminum-finish lower valance, body-colored
wheel arch surrounds, and side moldings in an Aluminum finish. Inside, the
facelifted SEAT Ateca brings a newly-available 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit and
an upgraded infotainment system featuring a new HMI interface with
re-positioned 8.25-inch or 9.2-inch touchscreens. The leather-wrapped steering
wheel is new, as are the door panels with new materials and stitching across.
The compact SUV now also benefits from new
upholstery choices (cloth, Microsuede or Leather), matte finish surrounds for
the air vents, gear lever and infotainment system, and multi-color ambient
lighting. The driver’s seat now features eight-way power adjustment and memory
function, while a heated windscreen is introduced as an option.
In terms of connectivity, the 2021 Ateca
gains a new voice recognition system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
via the Full Link system, online navigation (via Apple Maps), and Online
Connectivity via the embedded SIM (eSIM). In addition, the new SEAT Connect app
offers remote control for a range of functions including the parking position,
locking and unlocking the doors, remote access to driving data and remaining
range, among other things. Four illuminated Type C USB connectors and wireless
phone charging are now standard across the range.
The refreshed powertrain lineup includes
three TSI turbocharged petrol units and two TDI turbo diesels. A 110 PS 1.0-liter TSI three-cylinder with Miller-cycle combustion process and
variable geometry turbocharger kicks off the range in combination with a manual
transmission. Next up is a 150 PS 1.5-liter TSI four-cylinder with
Active Cylinder Management, available with either a six-speed manual or a
seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic. The range-topping petrol unit is a 190
PS 2.0-liter TSI fitted exclusively with a DSG transmission and 4Drive
AWD system.
As for the diesels, the
previously-available 1.6-liter TDI is gone, leaving customers the option to
choose between a 115 PS 2.0-liter TDI hooked to a six-speed manual or a
150 PS 2.0-liter TDI offered with either a manual or a DSG. In
combination with the dual-clutch gearbox, the more powerful engine can also be
had with 4Drive AWD. Interestingly, there’s no 48V mild-hybrid powertrain on
offer.
From a safety standpoint, the 2021 SEAT
Ateca gains new advanced driver assistance systems, including Predictive
Adaptive Cruise Control, Side and Exit Assist, and Front Assist with Pre-Crash
braking. Designed and developed in Barcelona, Spain, the facelifted Ateca will
be built at Skoda’s plant in Kvasiny, Czech Republic. SEAT did not say when the
refreshed SUV will reach dealerships.
