The Ateca Seat is revolutionizing the category of compact SUVs and faces the best-selling rivals Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson and VW Tiguan.

Almost 10 years of commercial life has the Nissan Qashqai which remains sales leader between midsize SUV. When he arrived, nobody, absolutely nobody, the earthquake would generate in the tastes of customers, and the proof is imagined is that almost no manufacturer had prepared a similar model -only Toyota or Subaru had in its range with models acercaban- him. Compact size, but with a higher body and versatility of use previously only associated with minivans, he led to a revolution. Suddenly it became the perfect car for many people.

compact SUV: the surprises of the year

All other brand has been reacting slowly to such a “social phenomenon” and there is now a Army rivals that seeks to seize the throne of Nissan Qashqai. Among them is arousing much expectation the Seat Ateca, the first SUV Seat and one of the latest models, with the Peugeot 3008, to land in this category.

The Spanish brand has made a very compact car, because the only Ateca Seat measuring 4.36 m long, some almost traced to the Nissan Qashqai, and at a distance from the size exhibiting other competitors such as the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson dimensions, which are 12 cm longer Y about 5 cm higher, something that ends up perceiving its scale, especially seeing all these SUV together, for example when we do the photo shoot.

Compact SUV: many ‘cousins’ nearby

Both SUV South Korean brands have shared development (Platform, engines, transmissions, technology, etc.), as Hyundai and Kia are part of the same industrial group, although each manufacturer brings its brand image and tuning ends each vehicle. And precisely the Ateca Seat also share most of their DNA with the latest generation of Volkswagen Tiguan SUV -a landed on the market shortly before the summer- past, although it is 13 cm long, 4 cm taller and even has 4 cm more wheelbase, thanks to the possibilities give the new modular platforms. The German SUV also achieves a greater presence with that “extra” in size and some aesthetic details. Incidentally, Nissan Qashqai has its genetic links Renault Kadjar with another SUV that is gaining wide acceptance among the public and that could easily have been part of this comparison.

compact SUV: we analyze the livability

It is obvious that the compact SUV in many cases have taken over from minivans and "breaks" family use as automobiles, hence its interior, offering space for passengers and luggage play an important role. The distance between axis usually give us some clue as to the habitability that we will find and these SUV moving between 2,64 m Ateca Seat and Volkswagen Tiguan 2,68 m of. But when once inside each car, take the subway to see the actual space available, draws attention to the minor battle is broader.

The front seats are very desahogadas all, so it is at the rear where we will notice a difference especially to accommodate three adults. All offer a good level door to door, but between the best and worst -the Tiguan- there -the Sportage- four centimeters apart. When see how closely are the heads of the rear passengers ceiling, the longest distance offered by the Ateca and reduced the Qashqai. In the Nissan, any passenger of normal height will be fine, but the Seat takes a few centimeters at this level all his rivals, providing a sense of spaciousness, especially when the SUV is also presenting a greater hollow leg at the rear. We have recently mentioned the SUV Kia and Hyundai, but meet all references with a good average.

Compact SUV: different degree of versatility

In either a family traveling with a good level of comfort, but it shows that the Spanish brand “would have pimped” to take every centimeter to the maximum. Yes, her “cousin” the Tiguan has an ace up his sleeve, introducing a rear bench seat that You can slide up to 16 centimeters. This allows the SUV VW play with the space for passengers or luggage, and vary the volume of the trunk between 555 and 690 liters (As measured by our Technical Center) but seating will complete. It is the leader in this regard, followed by Sportage (540 liters), Tucson (470), Qashqai (455) and Ateca (450), all with enough capacity to carry the normal luggage of a family on a trip.

Compact SUV: good intermediate Diesel

Now to the aspects related to the dynamism. The Nissan Qashqai is riding the smaller displacement engine and power a 1.6 liters 130 hp, while the rest are 2.0 liters. Tucson and share Sportage CRDi 136 hp, and Ateca and the Tiguan TDI 150 hp. Unlike horses there, but no closer equivalences in their ranges. All units have been AWD except the Sportage was delantera- drive and six-speed manual gearbox, except the Tiguan, which had the automatic dual clutch DSG of seven relations.

Is the mechanics of Kia and Hyundai which delivers a higher maximum torque -38.1 mkg- and makes it less -a 1,500 rpm- regime, which is evident in the nice initial response. As for sound, the Qashqai dCi engine seems the quieter at idle, but in phases of strong acceleration which is noted more. The diesel versions of these nature does not stop when traveling to cruise sustained all stay in a very comfortable level. It can be said that, at the level of smoothness of operation only minor nuances separate them, but not be decisive in choosing one or the other.

Compact SUV: performance and actual consumption

Before analyzing performance records, you must stop at the weight as Another key factor when observing the agility of these five SUV, then, for example, Ateca Seat which has been has been more light to pass through our scale, marking 33 kg less than the Qashqai, the Sportage 115 let us not forget that this is the only 4×2-, the Tiguan 195 and 215 kilos less! the Tucson, a burden that obviously has consequences. Thus, acceleration is imposed with absolute clarity the Seat, which, for example, invests only nine seconds to go from 0 to 100 km / h, compared to 10 and peak Sportage, Tucson and Tiguan, and 11.2 seconds Qashqai. And if we look at the simulation of overtaking maneuvers, to move from 80 to 120 km / h with the 4th inserted, the Ateca is very fast because it only needs 7.1 seconds in that transition, by 7.7 of Kia, Hyundai 8.3, 8.5 Tiguan with its DSG7 change in D- and 8.8 seconds Nissan position. Despite the differences, all these turbodiesel SUV good records move in, giving great security when passing other vehicles.

5th and 6th in the Sportage becomes the best recovers we recall that it was a 4×2-, fairly evenly among the rest, though the long final development presented by the Ateca penalizes him clearly and it is the only one that exceeds 13 seconds in that situation. Seat’s strategy is to vent mechanical rolling cruises supported by expressways to curb consumption, and the truth is that achieving the best Ateca just real average spending, only 5.8 l / 100 km, by 5.9 Qashqai, very bright also in this paragraph, the Tiguan 6.3, 6.5 and 6.7 Sportage l / 100 km of Tucson, terminating charging their difference in size / weight and absence a system Stop&Start also in the Kia-that would help you save on urban routes.

compact SUV: the nuances of behavior

And if we come to appreciate the behavior of these SUV, also arise a few details that make a difference. The Hyundai Tucson love how you feel his tread, it conveys solidity and convinces poise, precision and agility. It is not the most effective of its kind in a road curve, because in his approach clearly premium comfort, but it is the best cushioning and isolated by their lack of impulse noise, even in rough supports. The touch of your electric steering has improved, but as in the Sportage- is still somewhat soft, although progress in precision and reactivity shows. It has two levels of regulation: Normal and Sport, which is preferable even for everyday use. Work is done in managing the manual gearbox, as if we seek a sporty driving is not as fine and fast as would be desirable.

The Kia Sportage shows a very healthy dynamic response, which makes him an easy car to carry. It is true that if we are to seek maximum flexibility, we can notice more body roll than in the models of Spanish-German origin, but their reactions always convey strong security, with a good job of stability if necessary to correct the trajectory. As the only test model itself is front-wheel drive which has shown more easily correctable understeer effect when dosing pressure on the accelerator. In addition, the brakes stop this SUV in a correct distances.

In its second generation, Nissan Qashqai Progress has been made in its good dynamic capability, but its suspension settings also tend to preserve comfort. In fact the Japanese SUV It has shone since its inception in ride quality. Easy to drive, and the limit is progressive, with predictable reactions and a good degree of efficiency thanks to its “Chassis Control” which mitigates the pitching of the body, without forgetting that the version tested, all-wheel drive incorporates a suspension multilink rear, which helps draw more accurately traced the torsional axis mounted front-wheel drive models. Especially in the twisty paths, there are rivals that demonstrate greater agility.

compact SUV: the sporting spirit of Ateca

The Ateca Seat immediately transmits a sensational touch chassis. With 18-inch wheels and tires 225/50 feels precise and guiding tread, taking the curves with normal transmitting a body that sways very little, as if it were a slightly higher León. Their reactions are very balanced and feel of your braking is also very consistent, achieving the shortest distance when to stop from 120 km / h. The 4Drive traction helps curved paths are very neutral under heavy acceleration and Haldex system well suited torque split to each situation. In addition, the Ateca has several driving programs (Eco, Normal, Sport, Off Road, Snow and individual), with different responses from engine and chassis.

The same configuration possibilities offered by the new Volkswagen Tiguan whose poise whole curve has risen compared to its predecessor. Your behavior a high rate of march is exceptional. Even when we seek its limit and stability control kicks in, the electronics works so effectively that any intervention to correct the trajectory wears an impressive smoothness. But it feels a little less “sporty” than Ateca, as the Seat leverages its lighter and its compact size. Despite having wider tires of the five models tested, the ride comfort does not disappear in the German SUV, which, interestingly, He has marked braking distances longer.

Compact SUV: versatility of use

4×4 versions that have come together in this comparative offer a good response to leave the road, yes, provided that circulemos simple tracks and roads, for They do not respond to a demanding off-road philosophy and series incorporate tires with a priority focus to the asphalt. For example, in the Tiguan Sport tires are finished with 235/55 R18 self-sealing technology to not carry spare wheel or tire repair kit, which may involve a greater risk in the field. Nevertheless, all-wheel drive system is probably the best in its class, it kicks in very gradually and it just feels mostly road friction. It also incorporates a control decreases, such as Kia and Hyundai, and nature lovers can ride a protection for the crankcase.

Qashqai and Tucson -and Sportage, if 4×4- also incorporate a control center differential lock, to distribute in difficult situations 50 percent torque to each axle; a way that only works at low speed.

compact SUV: completion and evaluation

It is clear that Volkswagen It has reserved some technology (configurable digital instrumentation, Head Up Display, Adaptive Suspension …) for the Tiguan I dialed distances with the Ateca Seat, but the SUV of the Spanish brand also surprises with full details of refinement, as the projection on the floor, from the exterior mirrors, a logo car (the Range Rover Evoque was the first to do so), an image that is particularly striking at night or when parked in a garage. In short, there are many brushstrokes in the SUV Seat we have been slowly catching in this tough battle with four interesting rivals who will then summarize the main points for and against.

Hyundai Tucson

– In favor: Ride quality, mechanical elasticity and image gasketed

– Against: high weight, steering feel without Stop&Start

Kia Sportage

– In favor: general equilibrium, price elasticity and mechanical Guarantee

– Against: Intermittent rear position, steering feel without Stop&Start

Nissan Qashqai

– In favor: general equilibrium content consumption and price / endowment

– Against: Response at low engine speeds, details and more worn boot image

Ateca Seat

– In favor: Plenty of space inside, great handling and performance and consumption

– Against: Engine character, only 150 TDI 4×4 and development in 6th

Volkswagen Tiguan

– In favor: Technology and quality, second sliding row and response AWD

– AgainstCharacter engine, high price and braking distances

Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Nissan Qashqai, Ateca Seat and VW Tiguan, technical data (measurements Technical Center Highway)

Measurement	Hyundai Tucson CRDi 136 4×4	Kia Sportage CRDi 136 4×2	Nissan Qashqai dCi 130 4×4	Ateca Seat TDI 150 4×4	VW TDI Tiguan 4×4 DSG 150
Power	136 hp at 4,000 rpm	136 hp at 4,000 rpm	130 hp at 4,000 rpm	150 hp at 3,500 rpm	150 hp at 3,500 rpm
maximum torque	38.1 mkg at 1500 rpm	38.1 mkg at 1500 rpm	32.7 mkg at 1,750 rpm	34.7 mkg at 1,750 rpm	34.7 mkg at 1,750 rpm
0-100 km / h	10,4 s	10,2 s	11,2 s	9.0 s (D)	10.5 s
0-1000 m	32.3 s	32,1 s	33.0 s	31.0 s	32,1 s
Real urban consumption	7.6 l / 100 km	7.4 l / 100 km	6.5 l / 100 km	6.0 l / 100 km	6,8 l / 100 km
actual road use	6.2 l / 100 km	6,1 l / 100 km	5,5 l / 100 km	5.7 l / 100 km	5,9 l / 100 km
Real average consumption	6.9 l / 100 km	6.7 l / 100 km	6.0 l / 100 km	5,8 l / 100 km	6,3 l / 100 km
Frenada 100-0 km / h	35.9 m	37.2 m	37.3 m	37.2 m	39.0 m
Weight	1,780 kg	1,680 kg	1,598 kg	1,565 kg	1,760 kg
Width / After	145/139 cm	145/137 cm	144/138 cm	144/139 cm	145/141 cm
Space legs back	76 cm	76 cm	77 cm	80 cm	60-77 cm
Trunk	470 liters	540 liters	455 liters	450 liters	555/690 liters
Prices	32,315 euros	30,550 euros	33,575 euros	32,520 euros	41,360 euros