Seat Ateca 1.4 TSI 150 FR – verdict
The Seat Ateca FR is a slightly sportier version of the Spanish brand’s uber-trendy SUV. We try it for the first time...
Sporty trims don’t always make much sense, but FR is well worth considering, especially with this 1.4 TSI 150 engine.
True, SE Technology trim might appear better value because it costs just over £1000 less and comes with most of the same luxuries. But the numerous styling tweaks, more supportive seats and Lava Blue metallic paint you get as standard on FR trim go a long way to justifying the extra.
And when you factor in the standard rear-view camera (£220 extra on SE Technology) and the FR’s slightly slower predicted depreciation, we’d actually say it’s now the pick of the Ateca range.
Read our full Seat Ateca review
What Car? says...
Rated 5 out of 5
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Seat Ateca 1.4 TSI 150 FR
Price £24,960
Engine 4cyl, 1395cc, turbo petrol
Power 148bhp at 5000-6000rpm
Torque 184lb ft at 1500-3500rpm
Gearbox 6-spd manual
0-60mph 8.4sec
Top speed 125mph
Official economy 52.3mpg
CO2, tax band 123g/km, 23%
Release date On sale now
Top 10 small SUVs
If you fancy a small SUV like the Seat Ateca, you're spoilt for choice, with most car manufacturers offering at least one. Below we count down the top 10 – and reveal the models that are best avoided.
10. Kia Soul
The Soul is more of a jacked-up hatchback than a fully fledged SUV. However, it still offers many of the benefits buyers in this market are looking for – it's competitively priced and its interior is roomy and well equippped. All of the Soul's engines could be more efficient and quiet, though, and there's plenty of wind noise at motorway speeds. There's a fully electric version to consider if you'll mainly be driving in town.
Our pick: 1.6 GDi 2
Read our full Kia Soul review
Find a great Kia Soul deal
9. Audi Q3
While high-end versions are pricey, the Q3 is a desirable choice in this market, with a high quality interior. It's also good to drive and relatively inexpensive to run, with engines that are mostly smooth and strong.
Our pick: 2.0 TDI 150 SE
Read our full Audi Q3 review
Find a great Audi Q3 deal
8. Suzuki Vitara
Compact on the outside but spacious inside, the Vitara is an easy car to live with. There's lots of standard kit on offer and it's relatively practical. It's just a pity that its petrol engines' CO2 emissions are unusually high for this class.