SEAT ATECA SETS OFF ON EXTENSIVE UK ROAD TRIP

◾Ahead of launch on 9 September 2016, five SEAT Atecas have set off on a tour of every SEAT UK showroom for exclusive preview events

◾Ateca has already generated huge customer interest (more than 13,000 customer enquiries) and collected its first award (Auto Express magazine 2016 'Best Crossover'), even before launch

◾Extensive model range includes four trim levels, 4Drive all-wheel-drive versions, five diesel and petrol engines from 115 to 190 PS, plus extensive comfort, style and tech options and accessories

UK consumer interest in its new Ateca is already higher than for any other car in its history, so to boost it even further, SEAT is dispatching a fleet of its new SUV on a far-reaching tour.

Ahead of its showroom launch on 9 September, several SEAT Atecas, one of this year's most eagerly-awaited new cars, will be travelling the length and breadth of the UK. Between now and 15 August, five range-topping XCELLENCE versions will be pit-stopping at every dealership. From Aberdeen and Carlisle in the north, to Llandudno in the West, right down to Poole in the South.

Giving potential buyers their first chance to get up close and personal with SEAT's first SUV, and on the back of its first award, 'Best Crossover' in Auto Express magazine's 2016 New Car Awards, the Barcelona-based marque will be looking to translate its sizeable customer enquiry bank (over 13,000) into firm orders.

Speaking about the ambitious tour, Steve Catlin, Head of Sales Operations, SEAT UK, said: 'There has been a tremendous buzz about the Ateca, even before the British public have been able to see or drive it, so we are sure that having it on display in every showroom will generate huge interest. There is a lot to be excited about, as our first SUV delivers on every front – cool styling, great performance, excellent equipment, quality, practicality and technology. And, crucially, superb value-for-money.'

The new SEAT Ateca comes comprehensively equipped, so the display cars will reflect the hi-tech and upmarket approach with full LED headlamps, KESSY (keyless entry and stop/start), leather upholstery, plus, chrome-finished roof rails and ambient LED interior lighting with a choice of colours. They will also be showcasing some of the myriad attractive and useful options available. Among them are eye-catching bi-colour alloy wheels, Top View Camera, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert to help with safe manoeuvring and an electric tailgate with 'virtual pedal' operation to help with those laden down with bags.

True to SEAT's 'Technology to Enjoy' ethos, the Ateca offers a comprehensive array of tech features for information, entertainment and connectivity on the move, all operated with ease using touchscreen controls. There is also SEAT Drive Profile, which lets the driver choose from different modes to adapt vehicle performance and settings to suit the conditions or personal preference, including snow and off-road modes on 4Drive models.

Rounding off the appeal of the new SEAT Ateca is its top five-star rating, announced recently by Euro NCAP. Testament to its all-round safety excellence, every model in the range comes with a high-tech safety package as standard, including sophisticated driver assistance systems designed to help prevent accidents, as well as minimising the consequences if an impact does occur.

The model-line-up for the UK includes both two-wheel and 4Drive all-wheel drive versions. There is a choice of two petrol turbo and three turbodiesel engines across a power range from 115 to 190 PS, with combined fuel economy of up to 65.7 mpg and CO2 emissions from 113 g/km. According to engine, customers can also choose between six-speed manual and SEAT's smooth DSG automatic transmission.

Four trim levels and a wide selection of optional extras and accessories add to the breadth of choice on offer. On-the-road prices for SEAT Ateca start at just £17,990, with order books open now.

SEAT is the only company that designs, develops, manufactures and markets cars in Spain. A member of the Volkswagen Group, the multinational has its headquarters in Martorell (Barcelona), exporting more than 80% of its vehicles, and is present in over 75 countries. In 2015, SEAT's turnover amounted to over 8.3 billion euros, the highest in its history, and the company achieved worldwide sales of more than 400,000 units for the first time since 2007.

SEAT Group employs more than 14,000 professionals at its three production centres – Barcelona, El Prat de Llobregat and Martorell, where it manufactures the highly successful Ibiza and Leon. Additionally, the company produces the Ateca and the Toledo in the Czech Republic, the Alhambra in Portugal and the Mii in Slovakia.

The multinational has a Technical Centre, which operates as a knowledge hub that brings together 1,000 engineers who are focussed on developing innovation for Spain's largest industrial investor in R&D. SEAT already features the latest connectivity technology in its vehicle range and is currently engaged in the company's global digitisation process to promote the mobility of the future.

Photo credit: Seat
posted on conceptcarz.com