SEAT Ateca: we test the new 150 CV TDI and TSI versions

The SEAT Ateca range is completed with two of the most balanced versions, the new 150 CV TDI and TSI. We have tested them and we tell you which one we like best.

SEAT completes its range of the SEAT Ateca with two new engines, the 2.0 TDI turbodiesel and the 1.5 EcoTSI petrol, both with 150 CV. The compact SUV now offers a range that gains in interest and choice. You can choose between engines from 115 to 190 CV, with 4×2 or 4Drive traction and manual or DSG dual-clutch gearbox.

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These two new engines are particularly interesting as they sit in the middle of the range in terms of power. They provide an extra dose of performance over the entry-level versions (the 1.0 TSI and the 1.6 TDI of 115 CV) without having to resort to the more powerful engines, at a very competitive price, especially with offers. Now we will go into more detail.

SEAT in 2018: a year of records

First, a brief review of what 2018 has been for SEAT. The Spanish brand has been one of those that has experienced the greatest growth in Europe, with 517,600 units sold. In Spain, SEAT closed 2018 as the leader both in the total market and in private sales, with 107,328 units, which represents growth of 13.6%.

The SEAT León and the Ibiza have led the sales ranking. And the Arona has risen to second place among the segment B SUVs, in its first year on the market. Returning to the Ateca and its new engines, let us recall SEAT’s product offensive in the SUV segment, with three models in three years: the Ateca, the aforementioned Arona and the new SEAT Tarraco.

The new SEAT Ateca 1.5 Eco TSI of 150 CV

We are looking at one of the best petrol engines at this power level. The 1.5 EcoTSI is the 4-cylinder engine from the Group Volkswagen that has taken over from the previous 1.4, with better performance and greater efficiency. It features direct injection, supercharging, particulate filter –it meets the Euro 6 standard–, variable geometry turbo and a selective cylinder deactivation system to save fuel.

With 150 CV between 5,000 and 6,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 250 Nm between 1,500 rpm and 3,500 rpm, it allows the Ateca to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds and reach 201 km/h in the 4×2 versions. It is also combined with the 7-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox, and can be specified with 4Drive traction, in this case only with the DSG gearbox.

This engine operates very smoothly and refined, with a pleasant and even sporty sound. And in terms of driving feel, it is much closer to the 190 CV 2.0 TSI (which is only offered with DSG gearbox and 4×4 traction) than to the 115 CV 1.0 TSI with three cylinders. The latter is a good entry-level engine for those looking for an Ateca at the lowest purchase price.

But the 150 CV 1.5 TSI seems to me the most balanced engine in the range, and preferable to the new TDI of identical power for anyone who won’t cover more than 15,000 km per year. Furthermore, its list price is 2,750 euros less than the diesel, which leaves room to invest in the nearly 2,200 euros the always recommended DSG gearbox costs, and there is still money left over. But beware, this refers to list prices; don’t miss the last section where we discuss prices with discounts.

If you drive calmly, the petrol engine actually consumes very little. Not as little as the 5.7 l/100 km it homologates in the 4×2 DSG version. But cruising at an average of 7.5 is a piece of cake, with hardly any effort. In addition, you forget about the possible problems of diesel particulate filters which rarely come up. And of the “AdBlue“, which is one of the novelties of the 150 CV 2.0 TDI.

2.0 TDI engine: SUV and diesel remain the perfect combination

After the initial problems SEAT had with this engine in the Ateca, and with the switch to the WLTP standard in mid-last year, its launch was finally delayed. But it is now available, both in 4×2 versions with manual or DSG gearbox, and 4×4 DSG.

It delivers a maximum power of 150 CV between 3,500 and 4,000 rpm, with a maximum torque of 340 Nm between 1,750 and 3,000 rpm. To comply with the Euro 6 standard, it has not only been optimized in terms of internal friction. It also incorporates an SCR system with AdBlue in the exhaust.

Being able to switch between the TSI and the TDI on the same day and on the same route makes you appreciate even more the difference in refinement and pleasure of use that the petrol achieves, even though the TDI is an engine that scores well in both respects. But this is probably not what ends up tipping the balance in favor of petrol or diesel in most cases, but rather the difference when it comes to the pump.

The homologated average consumption of the TDI is only one litre lower than that of the 1.5 EcoTSI. But in real-world use, and without demanding too much of the engine, the difference is more than double. And it can be even greater if you travel “light”, or if you regularly drive on roads where it is not possible to maintain a constant pace, as we verified during the first contact.

Where there is no difference between the TDI and TSI versions is in dynamic behaviour. The chassis of the SEAT Ateca is, quite simply, one of the best in its class, with cornering agility and steering precision more typical of cars in which you sit lower.

Be mindful in this respect of how you plan to use the car. The “standard” suspensions offer a good balance between effectiveness and comfort. But if you opt for the eye-catching and attractive FR sport trim, bear in mind that the specific suspension settings, especially in combination with the 18-inch wheels and low-profile tyres, do compromise comfort on broken asphalt or when crossing the typical “sleeping policemen”.

Considerations on the price and offers of the SEAT Ateca

Normally, SEAT offers a very favourable price/equipment ratio in its cars, and the Ateca is no exception. From the Reference trim onwards the standard equipment is very complete, with emergency brake assist, hill start assist, electric parking brake, 16″ alloy wheels and a leather multifunction steering wheel, among other items.

In the case of the new 150 CV engines, however, you cannot opt for the entry-level Reference trims; you go directly to the Style. This means that if you are going for an Ateca based on price, you should not fail to consider the 115 CV options, since on top of the price difference by engine you have to add the difference between Reference and Style trims, which then exceeds 4,000 euros.

As a curiosity, it is worth noting that with the same Style trim, the 1.5 EcoTSI, an engine with more technology and one more cylinder than the 1.0 TSI, costs about 1,600 euros more, while between the 1.6 TDI and the 2.0 TDI, both 4-cylinder, the difference is almost 2,000 euros.

Finally, a recommendation: keep a close eye on the discounts. If you are in the process of buying, a visit to the dealership is a must. You will understand this with this example.

In these two versions, we recommend choosing the Style Edition pack. The price of the latter is 1,455 euros, but it includes equipment of much greater value than the elements it adds: LED headlights, Digital Cockpit instrumentation, navigation system, black style pack and storage pack. And now comes the good part: SEAT’s offer on the Ateca Style with this pack is higher than the one the car has without the pack, so in reality that equipment comes almost “for free”.

Thus, the SEAT Ateca 1.5 EcoTSI Style Edition has a list price of 28,536 euros, and the 2.0 TDI of 31,286 euros. But with all possible discounts applied (promotion, financing and trade-in of a used car), the TSI comes down to 23,109 euros, and the TDI to 23,472 euros. A “knockout” price, which brings the diesel to less than 400 euros from the petrol.

Ah! And this price includes the “Confianza SEAT” plan, with 5 years of warranty, 5 years of roadside assistance and 5 years of free maintenance.

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverSEAT Ateca3 versions · from 33,442 €