SEAT’s Ateca looks a strong proposition in the family Crossover segment. It’s well priced, sharply-styled and offers the sporty feel the sector seems to want. In fact, you wonder why it took the Spanish brand so long to bring us a car like this.

Under skin, the Ateca sits on the same MQB platform as its more conventional Leon stablemate and uses most of the same mechanicals found in Volkswagen’s very similar Tiguan model. Inside, it’s also very similar to the Leon - which is no bad thing. The fit and finish is of high quality, though the plastics get scratchier the farther down you go.

In the front, there’s decent room for two adults on supportive seats. It’s the same in the back, though it’s disappointing to find that the rear seats don’t slide or recline like they do in the latest Tiguan. The boot’s accessed via a tailgate offering the option of power operation: it’s one of those you can activate by waving your foot beneath the bumper.

The extensive array of technology options extends from full-LED headlights to a broad portfolio of assistance systems, like an innovative Traffic Jam Assist set-up and an Emergency Assist feature, to a package of latest-generation infotainment systems with eight-inch touchscreens and Full Link connectivity.

The infotainment screen functions with MirrorLink and Apple CarPlay connectivity and the system will also read out new text, Twitter and Facebook messages and let you dictate a reply. It’s even got the capability to let you set up your own screen gestures to shortcut to your most popular commands.

SEAT promises a line-up of petrol and diesel engines ranging in power from 115 to 190PS - expect a couple of petrol units and three diesels. There’s the choice of six-speed manual or optional dual-clutch automatic transmission, plus four-wheel drive will be available on the diesels.

In summary, SEAT’s first effort in this segment looks to have been worth waiting for. The Ateca isn’t quite the size of a Tiguan - but then it’s much more affordable. And there’s a dash of spirit and character here that we think potential customers will like.

CAR: SEAT Ateca
PRICE: £17,990-£29,990 – on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 13E-19E
CO2 EMISSIONS: 113-135 g/km
PERFORMANCE: [2.0 TDI 150PS] 0-60mph 9.8s / top speed 126mph [est]
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [2.0 TDI 150PS] (combined) 64.2 mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side and curtain airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners, ABS, ESC
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/height 4363/1841/1611