[Auto|Moto] Launch First contact with the SEAT Ateca 2021

[WilkerCSBD]

Preserves good manners, but is renewed and adds a version that at least in appearance, looks more robust
Ateca SEAT Suv
First contact with the SEAT Ateca 2021

After making its global debut in the middle of this year, the Spanish firm did not delay long and introduced the updated SEAT Ateca 2021, whose details, such as prices and versions, as well as some relevant improvements, we already detailed in its respective launch note.

What's going on?
After the theory, comes the practice and in this case, we follow this maxim to the letter, where we got behind the wheel of the new SEAT Ateca 2021 and thus, know first-hand everything that was ahead of us.

On this occasion, SEAT México organized a somewhat different route, since each participant would depart from their home to Cholula, Puebla. In our case, we start from the northern part of Mexico City, with the Arco Norte being our main road.

In total, we traveled 300 km round trip aboard a SEAT Ateca X-PERIENCE, which, as you know, is a new version with a more adventurous profile that was born with the sole purpose of satisfying those customers who required a little more. of robustness for the Spanish SUV.

Let's be honest, this aspect only focuses on the aesthetic aspect, since there is no change with respect to other versions. In fact, it can be said that X-CELLENCE and FR share a lot, and differ only by the adventurous aesthetics of the first and the sporty aesthetics of the second. Both keep at the same height and even the 215/50 R18 92W tires are identical.

The Ateca X-CELLENCE stands out for its aesthetic package. Outside we find moldings in aluminum finish, fenders and plastic protectors in black. Highlight the “Dark Camouflage” green body tone. In general, it fools the sense of sight very well and seems more robust.

Doors inside, is where we find really interesting changes. We are always told about improvements in finishes and materials, but in this case, the feeling of quality increased by half a step and it shows. In addition to the specific black upholstery, we find a new steering wheel, as well as a new lever knob. There are also higher quality moldings and ambient lighting with a greater variety of colors.

However, the biggest novelty is the incorporation of a 9.2 ”inch screen. The infotainment system is compatible with Android Auto and CarPlay. The voice command is activated just by mentioning Hello, Hello. Very useful and easy to use, but at the same time it made me think that I have to change my habits when answering the phone, inadvertently, I activated it more than three times.

At the wheel, the good qualities that we already knew from Ateca are maintained. The suspension feels a bit stiff on rough stretches. But on the road, where we spend most of it, it behaves wonderfully.

We can roll at 130 km / h with the engine completely unburdened and in full control. You even have to constantly watch the speedometer and modulate your speed so as not to exceed the imposed limits. Reaching 150 km / h is an easy task, and it will be from here when the engine begins to strain to gain speed.

Honorable mention for the brakes, steering, suspensions and electronic assists that I present masterfully. We braked when a trailer crossed our path without warning, and the whole thing conveys enormous confidence.

At 4,381mm long, 1,841mm wide and 1,615mm high it is a very easy to measure model. You will not have any problem in this regard. As a good vehicle of European origin, the driving position is easy to find.

With a price range between $ 489,900 to $ 595,900 pesos, the new Ateca has a quite interesting place in the organization chart of the VAG Group in Mexico, since it is organized and positioned one notch above the Volkswagen Taos with similar characteristics, but which has the advantage of being manufactured in the Puebla plant. By the way, the new SEAT Ateca was designed and developed in Barcelona (Martorell) and is produced in Kvasiny (Czech Republic).