All windows are glued with opaque foil, do not allow visual contact with the outside. It's an unusually queasy feeling behind the wheel, so nothing to notice the world around the car. The task; With the Seat Ateca to drive a few hundred meters, while circumnavigating some Gummihütchen and finally direct the new SUV backwards into a narrow parking space. All this with the help of the 8 color monitor in the center of the dashboard, on which camera images run like in a video game. For example, Captain Kirk must have felt when he remotely docked a space shuttle to the Enterprise.
A nice idea from Seat to demonstrate the capabilities of the new Ateca, which is available from 19.990 Euro. Unfortunately, however, the 360-grade view, which is composed of the images of four cameras, only in the most expensive trim level to have, then at least 27.600 euros are due. Nevertheless, the German Seat Governor speaks of the "democratization of technology" when he describes the package of deliverable subtleties. Bernhard Bauer: "The Ateca is the most advanced SUV in the compact class". Because in addition to the virtual bird's-eye view of the car, there are also traffic jam assistants, semi-automatic parking, distance radar, lane keeping and blind spot warning systems and much more in the price list. Many of the electronic helpers were previously reserved for more expensive models of premium manufacturers.
So now the Spanish VW subsidiary Seat is also involved in the SUV class that is so coveted around the world. The pleasing shape, already extensively praised at the premiere in Geneva in spring, dispenses with the usual aggressive design that is usually expressed in the martial front sections. The Ateca mixes elegance with smooth bravery without becoming a bore. More big station wagon than terrain monster, more family friend than outdoorsman for the rough. Even if it allows future users to sometimes leave the safety of hard roads behind. He's not lost in the field as long as he doesn't have to crawl over obstacles or wade through water that is too deep. “We expect a third of customers to opt for all-wheel drive,” predicts Bauer. Using the rear axle costs around 1.900 euros extra, depending on the version.
Although in the test Ateca attracted the 140 kW / 190 PS strong two-liter diesel, which is reserved for the top model. Most customers, however, will be modest with the same size engine, which is content with 110 kW / 150 PS. The engine is well known from other models of the Wolfsburg corporation. He is content according to highly controversial norm with 4,3 liters on 100 kilometers. If you want to, you can crack the 200er brand on the highway or cruise through the countryside thanks to the typical diesel traction. Driving pleasure brings both.
Even more important is the feel-good atmosphere thanks to the pleasant furnishings of the interior, the good space on all five seats and the generous cargo space for the modest length of 4,36 meters. Added to this are amenities such as the coupling of a car and smartphone, in which the familiar surface of, for example, the iPhone can be mirrored on the screen. The full LED technology of the headlights ensures good visibility - of course with the windows not glued. Practically the extendable trailer hitch, the opening and closing of the electrically operated tailgate by means of foot wobbles under the bumper or the traffic sign recognition.
All in all, a successful entry for the Spaniard into a vehicle class that is currently breaking all sales records. In addition, the Ateca fits perfectly into the VW Group's SUV offensive. It is the shortest, followed by the VW Tiguan and the upcoming Skoda Kodiac. Success seems programmed. 11.000 Ateca were ordered in just two months. "We are practically sold out for this year," admits managing director Bauer. In the next year around 20.000 Ateca are to be sold in Germany alone. And then the newcomer has a little brother. As the first brand of the group, Seat can then romp around in the mini class among SUVs and attack an Opel Mokka, for example.
(Peter Maahn / SP-X)