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SEAT gets ready to unveil new Ateca

Changes ahead for SEAT Ateca SUV.

SEAT is going to fully show off its new (OK; updated) Ateca SUV on the 15th of June, but to keep our appetites well and truly whetted, has issued this shadowy photo of the rear end of the car. The photo doesn't show much in the way of details, but we can see neat new LED rear lights, a more swoopy, handwriting-style Ateca badge (symbolic of a slightly more flamboyant approach to the car this time around?) and a '4' badge.

New styling inside and out

Actual serious proper detail is notable by its absence, so let's speculate. Given that SEAT has said that: "The design evolution will result in a new aesthetic both inside the cabin and the exterior design, as well as number of new connectivity and safety technologies" we can infer a number of things.

Upgraded infotainment

First off, the cabin will likely get a bit of a touchy-feely quality boost, which would be welcome. Secondly, arguably more importantly, it will get a new free-standing 'floating' touchscreen which will come with a new infotainment system which will include such things as the ability to control some of the car's systems via smartphone. Internet connectivity will be a given, as will the ability to customise the system by downloading apps. Digital instruments are also a pretty safe bet.

New engines?

SEAT hasn't said anything about powertrains, but it's likely that the Ateca will benefit from updated mild-hybrid eTSI versions of its 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre petrol engines, while - as we have seen in the rest of the VW empire - the diesel offering will probably be rationalised into a single 2.0-litre TDI unit in either 115hp or 150hp forms. What about a plug-in hybrid? Well, that's certainly possible - indeed SEAT has spoke before about a plug-in version of the Ateca, and the new Leon gets just such a powertrain. It's possibly more likely that the sporty Cupra version will be the debut Ateca model for such tech, though.

We'll find out more next week.

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Published on June 8, 2020