A Look Back At SEAT’s Experimental Crossover And SUV Concepts Over The Past 30 Years

Seat really got into the booming crossover and SUV segments four years ago, when they launched the compact Ateca.

Since then, the brand’s lineup has expanded the include the subcompact Arona and mid-size Tarraco, and these models currently account for 45 percent of the brand’s sales in the United Kingdom.

Read: SEAT Alhambra MPV Bites The Dust, VW Sharan To Follow

However, the Spanish brand’s experimental foray into the high-riding vehicle game dates back to 1991, when they presented the Marbella Playa Concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The pickup featured an updated styling compared to the regular Marbella and came with a 40 PS (39 HP / 29 kW) engine.

Nine years later, in 2000, the automaker celebrated the 25th anniversary of its Technical Center with the Salsa Emocion. The three-door coupe previewed the company’s new design language, came with a 250 PS (246 HP / 184 kW) 2.8-liter V6 engine, had 310 mm (12.2 in) of ground clearance and three driving modes incorporated into the ‘Multi Driving Concept’, named the Off-Road, Sport and Street.

Another interesting creation signed by Seat was the Tribu. The show car premiered at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show, had a 3-door body style, generous ground clearance and SUV-inspired looks. Designed by Luc Donckerwolke, whose portfolio includes many cars, from the first-gen Skoda Fabia and Octavia to the Lamborghini Diablo and Bentley EXP 10 Speed 6 Concept, it was based on the same platform as the VW Golf Mk5 and was supposed to hit production, but the financial crisis sealed its fate.

The 2011 IBX was the car that previewed the Ateca, five years before production of the compact SUV commenced. It was also penned by Luc Donckerwolke, was smaller than the Volkswagen Tiguan and came with a hybrid powertrain.

At the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, the 20V20 Concept was unveiled, with more restrained looks further signaling the arrival of the Ateca. Underpinning the study was the VW Group’s MQB platform. At 4,660 mm (183.5 in) long, it was 300 mm (11.8 in) longer than the Ateca.