I drove the new Seat Ateca Xperience – in a sea of family SUVs it stands out with sharp looks & impressive practicality

WHEN this Seat Ateca turned up with the personalised plate A77ECA, I wasn’t sure how to feel about it.

Firstly, I’ve got to be one of the only people with what is probably a quite expensive personal plate on a £26k family SUV.

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Second, I’ve always thought personal plates only work when you’re driving something flash.

But maybe not.

Maybe this is exactly the sort of car that is crying out for a bit of bespoke bling.

Today the midsize SUV class offers more choice than the Argos catalogue, so a personalised plate could be just the ticket to stand out against the Nissan Qashqai, VW Tiguan, Skoda Karoq, Peugeot 3008, Kia Sportage, Ford Kuga, Mazda CX-5 . . . you get the idea.

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Not that the Ateca doesn’t stand on its own two feet in the class.

Even though its enemies are strong in numbers, few are as strong all-rounders as the Seat.

The most negative thing you could say about it is the interior is a bit bland.

Not cheap or poorly stitched together, just boring.

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You probably wouldn’t even notice it if it wasn’t for cars like the Qashqai, 3008 or Sportage, which have all injected a dose of artistry into their cabins.

The important thing is everything works as it’s meant to, including the infotainment system which features massive touch buttons your fingers can’t miss.

Because it’s a Seat it drives a little sharper than its VW Group sisters, the Tiguan and Karoq.

A dollop more response in the steering, a smidge less body roll in corners. This usually comes at the expense of a harsher ride, but if the Ateca is absorbing potholes and speed bumps less sympathetically than other midsize SUVs, it’s hardly noticeable.

The version I’m driving is powered by VW Group’s 150hp 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine, which works well in any car it finds its way into.

There is a 2-litre option which offers 190hp, but who are you trying to impress in your suburban crossover? If you want performance, up your PCP payments and go for the Cupra Ateca.

Other things I like: Deceptively large boot, no-nonsense and easy-to-use digital driver display, handsome-ish looks. It’s worth noting that Seat doesn’t offer a hybrid version, which will probably matter to some.

As well as the petrol engines I mentioned, there are diesel options, but nothing with electrical assistance, which seems the wrong way around considering the way things are going.

Still, if you want to convince people you’re doing your bit to help the planet, you could always get the number plate L3ECCY1.

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