By Stewart Smith on 2017-04-05 - Stewart was the former motoring editor of the Coventry Telegraph and is now a freelance contributor to Eurekar. He is based in Scotland and specialises in First Drive reviews.
SEAT Ateca gets racy
SEAT'S Ateca SUV has proved a big hit since its launch and the Spanish car maker is adding a sporty FR version to the line-up later this summer.
It will make its debut at the Barcelona International Motor Show later this month and will join the new Leon and Ibiza and, later this year, the new Arona crossover.
Since its launch last summer SEAT has sold more than 40,000 Atecas worldwide and the model contributed to SEAT achieving an operating profit of 143 million euros in 2016, the highest in the company's history, and finishing the year with its fourth consecutive annual sales increase.
The FR trim level Ateca will come with a range of EU6 petrol and diesel engines, ranging in power from 150bhp to 190bhp, including a new 2.0 TSI 190bhp unit with a range of manual and DSG-auto transmission gearboxes.
Four-wheel-drive will be available on both 2.0 TDI engines and the line up will also feature the new 2.0 TSI model with dynamic chassis control with progressive steering to enhance handling.
Outwardly the Ateca FR has 18-inch alloy wheels combined with body coloured wheel arches and side skirts that include an aluminium moulding running along the lower section of the doors.
The rear window is framed by black spoilers, with the rear spoiler matching the car's bodywork colour. FR logos also appear front and rear while the car has roof rails and window frames in black and the grille in gloss black.
Inside, the FR logo can also be found on the multi-function sports steering wheel and the FR comes with Alcantara seating and aluminium pedals.
UK pricing and specification have still to be announced.
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