2021 SEAT Ateca Breaks Cover With Subtle Styling Tweaks, Major Tech Overhaul

It’s mid-cycle makeover time for SEAT’s first-ever SUV, the Ateca compact model.

The brand’s most successful sports utility vehicle to date has been improved for 2021MY in Europe with a subtle styling refresh inside and out, an updated powertrain lineup, as well as new safety and connectivity tech.

With more than 300,000 units sold since its launch in 2016 (including 100,000 in 2019 alone), the Ateca is paramount to SEAT’s well-being, which is why the Spanish automaker did not mess with a successful formula. Evolution is the key word here, and that’s most obvious when looking at the styling.

The new LED headlights inspired by the latest SEAT Leon are the most obvious update, with other changes at the front including a new grille and bumper. Out back, the full LED taillights with dynamic indicators (for FR and Xperience trims) and bumper with fresh exhaust pipe covers are also new.

The new design of the bumpers make the 2021 Ateca 18 mm (0.7 in) longer at 4,381 mm (172.5 in), while the width and height remain unchanged. More subtle changes include the updated ‘Ateca’ lettering on the tailgate, new alloy wheel designs (from 17 to 19 inches), and an updated color palette.

The 2021 Ateca also introduces a new rugged-looking Xperience trim level which replaces the Xcellence and features black front and rear bumpers with Aluminum-finish lower valance, body-colored wheel arch surrounds, and side moldings in an Aluminum finish.

10.25-inch Digital Cockpit and upgraded infotainment system with 9.2-inch touchscreen

Inside, the facelifted SEAT Ateca brings a newly-available 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit and an upgraded infotainment system featuring a new HMI interface with re-positioned 8.25-inch or 9.2-inch touchscreens. The leather-wrapped steering wheel is new, as are the door panels with new materials and stitching across.

The compact SUV now also benefits from new upholstery choices (cloth, Microsuede or Leather), matte finish surrounds for the air vents, gear lever and infotainment system, and multi-color ambient lighting. The driver’s seat now features eight-way power adjustment and memory function, while a heated windscreen is introduced as an option.

In terms of connectivity, the 2021 Ateca gains a new voice recognition system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via the Full Link system, online navigation (via Apple Maps), and Online Connectivity via the embedded SIM (eSIM). In addition, the new SEAT Connect app offers remote control for a range of functions including the parking position, locking and unlocking the doors, remote access to driving data and remaining range, among other things. Four illuminated Type C USB connectors and wireless phone charging are now standard across the range.

Revised petrol and diesel powertrains but no electrification whatsoever

The refreshed powertrain lineup includes three TSI turbocharged petrol units and two TDI turbo diesels. A 110 PS (109 HP) 1.0-liter TSI three-cylinder with Miller-cycle combustion process and variable geometry turbocharger kicks off the range in combination with a manual transmission. Next up is a 150 PS (148 HP) 1.5-liter TSI four-cylinder with Active Cylinder Management, available with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic. The range-topping petrol unit is a 190 PS (187 HP) 2.0-liter TSI fitted exclusively with a DSG transmission and 4Drive AWD system.

As for the diesels, the previously-available 1.6-liter TDI is gone, leaving customers the option to choose between a 115 PS (13 HP) 2.0-liter TDI hooked to a six-speed manual or a 150 PS (148 HP) 2.0-liter TDI offered with either a manual or a DSG. In combination with the dual-clutch gearbox, the more powerful engine can also be had with 4Drive AWD. Interestingly, there’s no 48V mild-hybrid powertrain on offer.

From a safety standpoint, the 2021 SEAT Ateca gains new advanced driver assistance systems, including Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control, Side and Exit Assist, and Front Assist with Pre-Crash braking. Designed and developed in Barcelona, Spain, the facelifted Ateca will be built at Skoda’s plant in Kvasiny, Czech Republic. SEAT did not say when the refreshed SUV will reach dealerships.