While SEAT has offered practical models like the Alhambra MPV and plenty of estate cars with big boots, it has never sold an SUV, until now. If anything, it's a bit late to the party, with sales in smaller SUVs booming, as evidenced by the smash hit Qashqai.

But, the market is showing no signs of shrinking, and late arrivals like the Mazda CX-5 have proved a great SUV will still reap great rewards.

At first glance, the Ateca certainly looks promising, and it's hardly starting from a standstill. It's engines and much of its technology are found in the rest of the VW Group stable, and the Ateca shares a lot with the new Tiguan. But, the Ateca is slightly smaller, a bit sportier and importantly it's cheaper, which could win it lots of fans.

Performance

Engines will range from a 1.0-litre petrol (not available yet) to a 2.0-litre diesel with 188bhp. We tested a 2.0-litre diesel with 148bhp, the engine expected to be the biggest seller in the UK, with a manual six-speed gearbox. Acceleration from zero to 62mph takes 9.0 seconds, which is good for the class, although this does drop to 8.5 seconds for the front-wheel drive model.

The manual 'box is pleasant to use, with a smooth and light throw, but the seven-speed DSG is an even better drive, with smooth shifts and a coasting feature, which lets the car freewheel if you lift off the throttle.

Acceleration is brisk enough, giving plenty of confidence for overtaking. Not only that, but SUV duties including taking the family on holiday and towing a caravan should be dispatched with ease. There's a Dynamic driving mode in the XCELLENCE trim too, although in the manual this has a subtle effect on the throttle response. Choose the auto and there's a more noticeable change in its snappiness, and gears are held until higher in the rev range.

Ride and Handling

Its electric steering is light and precise, but selecting Dynamic mode does see it get noticeably heavier.

The Ateca is based on the same MQB platform underpinning the Leon, and it's raised ride height hasn't ruined its composure. The Ateca is certainly neat and tidy, with little body roll and plenty of grip. We'll have to wait to drive on UK roads, but the ride quality feels taut, without being uncomfortable, giving the Ateca a slightly shaper edge than the Hyundai Tucson and Tiguan. Its electric steering is light and precise, but selecting Dynamic mode does see it get noticeably heavier. With 4Drive fitted, power is sent to the front wheels in normal driving, with torque sent to the rear if slip is detected. You'll rarely feel it working, but the result is a car which feels confidence inspiring and unflappable. Quite a few driving assistance systems have reached the Ateca too, with Traffic Jam Assist a particular highlight. A development of adaptive cruise control, it can accelerate and brake the car in stop and start traffic, making it less stressful. Blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert and traffic sign recognition also takes some of the pain out of city driving.

Interior and Equipment

The Ateca  is the first SEAT to be built at a Skoda facility in Kvasiny, Czech Republic.

Just like the Ibiza and Leon, the cabin isn't showy, but it does feel just high quality enough to impress. Nothing feels 'gimmicky' here, the main controls are logically laid out and the 8-inch infotainment screen is angled towards the driver for easy access. There are plenty of connectivity options too, with a mat in front of the gearlever for wireless charging and boosting the reception of compatible phones. The Ateca is shorter than a Leon Estate, but a taller roof and more upright cabin means it feels more spacious, with excellent head room and visibility. Space for rear passengers is perfectly good too, if not quite on a par with the Tiguan. An electric tailgate is available, along with keyless entry, revealing a 485 litre boot. This isn't class-leading, but does grow to 510 litres in the front-wheel drive Ateca. Trim levels are S, SE and XCELLENCE, along with a First Edition at launch. Alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, air-con and a five-inch screen are all standard, while the SE ups the ante with parking sensors, cruise control, roof rails, access to Android Auto and Apple Car Play and an eight-inch screen with Bluetooth. XCELLENCE adds a reversing camera and highlights like separate driving modes and leather upholstery.

Cost

Fuel economy for the mid-range diesel is strong, with 57.6mpg, although this increases to 64.2mpg in the two-wheel drive.

The Ateca does undercut many of its rivals, starting from under £18k. The model we tested comes in at £27,425, but the front-wheel drive auto might be a better option for £27,165, if you can do without four-wheel drive. Fuel economy for the mid-range diesel is strong, with 57.6mpg, although this increases to 64.2mpg in the two-wheel drive.

Our Verdict

SEAT customers have been waiting a long time for an SUV, and the Ateca should fit the bill perfectly. The Leon is an attractive car, and it's design treatment works well here too, even in bold colours. The Ateca is good to drive too and offers all the safety and connectivity kit families demand nowadays, so we fully expect it to fly up the small SUV sales charts.