Available to order now, the new model – named after a village in Spain – is the first SUV to be launched by the brand and focuses on distinctive design with practical features plus high-tech assistance systems and attractive value for money. It will also offer two-wheel and four-wheel drive versions.

Based on the same platform as the VW Tiguan, the Ateca is 4.36m in length and brings boot space of 485-litres for all-wheel drive versions and 510-litres in standard configuration.

Exterior design blends styling from sister models such as the Leon including its triangular headlights and the trapezoidal grille with SUV styling. The interior is based on a cockpit design cockpit with a clear driver focus.

Three trim levels will be offered, with the top-of-the-range being the Ateca XCELLENCE.

Engine line-up will offer a range of turbocharged TSI petrol and TDI diesel engines spanning from 113bhp to 187bhp, with either front-wheel or all-wheel-drive, mated to manual or dual-clutch DSG transmissions.

From launch, the entry-level petrol engine is the 113bhp 1.0 TSI and there’s a 147bhp 1.4 TSI.

Diesel engines include a 113bhp 1.6 TDI and 148bhp and 187bhp versions of the 2.0 TDI. Fuel consumption figures for the diesels range from 56 to 66mpg, with CO2 figures from 112 to 131g/km.

Technology options run from full-LED headlights through a broad portfolio of assistance systems, such as Traffic Jam Assist and Emergency Assist, right through to a package of high-end infotainment systems with eight-inch touchscreens and Full Link connectivity.