What's the news?
Competition in the mid-sized SUV market is set to hot up with the arrival of the SEAT Ateca in Ireland. It is SEAT's first SUV and shares much of its design with the Volkswagen Tiguan. Crucially, for SEAT, the Ateca is more keenly priced, with it starting at €24,750.
Buyers will have a choice of engines ranging from a 1.0- and 1.4-litre TSI petrol to 1.6- and 2.0-litre TDI diesels. Naturally, both manual and automatic transmissions will be offered as well as a choice of front- and all-wheel drive models. There will be three distinct specification grades: S, SE and Xcellence.
All models will come with alloy wheels, Bluetooth, leather multifunction steering wheel, LED daytime running lights, Hill Hold Control and Front Assist (emergency city braking with pedestrian protection) among the standard equipment. The mid-level SE grade adds larger 17-inch alloy wheels, LED rear lights, cruise control, 2-Zone climatronic air-conditioning and chrome interior trim.
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The range-topping Xcellence model gains 18-inch alloy wheels, full LED headlights, rear view camera, keyless entry and start, eight-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system, Connectivity Box, which features wireless phone charging and signal boosting, full leather upholstery, heated front seats, B and C pillars in black, chrome window trim and aluminium roof rails.
Niall Phillips, Brand Director at SEAT Ireland, commented: "We are thrilled with the reaction to the Ateca here in Ireland and really believe it will be a game changer for SEAT. The high level of growth in the SUV segment is there for everyone to see and there's little doubt the Ateca will make a significant impact in this segment. We have worked very hard to get our pricing right for the Irish market and that coupled with appealing finance rates, high-quality design, innovative technology and excellent performance make the Ateca an extremely attractive proposition."
Anything else?
SEAT Ireland is also offering various PCP finance packages for the new Ateca with monthly rates starting from €279 per month on the Ateca S. Both the Ateca SE and Ateca Xcellence are available with a lower 3.9 per cent PCP finance rate.
Click here to read our full review of the SEAT Ateca.