Available to order from 3 May 2016, ahead of its UK showroom launch on 9 September, the new model will be priced from £17,990 to £29,990 OTR, with the brand saying that it expects high take-up from fleets helped by the model’s keen pricing as well as style, quality and practicality.

Unveiled a few weeks ago at the Geneva Motor Show, the model has already received a large number of orders from both business and private buyers in several of SEAT’s key European markets, including France and Germany.

Three trim levels will be offered in the UK: S, SE – expected to be the best-selling trim – and XCELLENCE. In addition, a ‘First Edition’ version will be offered, with more details to be announced later this spring.

The entry-level S includes 16-inch alloys, air conditioning, Media System Touch five-inch touchscreen with USB and SD connectivity, leather steering wheel and gearknob, plus split-folding rear seats with reclining function.

Fleet-only options on the entry-level Ateca S include driver’s seat lumber adjustment for just £50 and standard navigation system priced £780.

Features on the SE Trim include dual-zone climate control, cruise control, electrically adjustable, heated and folding door mirrors and rear parking sensors. Technology kit includes SEAT’s Full Link three-in-one connectivity solution for smartphones and tablets, together with an upgraded infotainment in the form of Media System Plus with eight-inch colour touchscreen, USB/Aux-in port, SD card slot, eight speakers, voice control and Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free system. Exterior details include 17-inch alloy wheels, LED taillights and black roof rails.

The flagship XCELLENCE trim brings four new innovations for SEAT. The first is a Connectivity Hub with Wireless Phone Charger which also boosts in-car phone signal, as well as multi-colour interior ambient lighting with LED interior illumination and a choice of eight colours. Also featured is an ‘Ateca’ welcome light silhouette which is projected onto the ground from the bottom of the door mirrors, Finally, the SEAT Drive Profile with Driving Experience selector allows the driver to adjust Ateca’s set-up (steering, throttle response and gear change speeds – the latter on DSG-equipped versions) according to road and weather conditions or personal preferences, including Off-road and Snow modes on four-wheel-drive versions.

Other XCELLENCE kit includes the Convenience Pack (auto lights and wipers, auto-dimming rear view mirror and automatic coming and leaving home lights function), KESSY (Keyless Enter & Go) and Navigation system (3D map display, high resolution display, two SD card slots, DAB digital radio). Also among its features are black leather upholstery, rear view camera and Winter Pack (incorporating heated front seats and headlight washer system).

Exterior XCELLENCE features cover 18-inch alloy wheels, chrome roof rails and window surrounds, as well as chrome double exhaust pipes, aluminium roof rails, full LED headlights and dark tinted rear windows.

Standard safety kit across the range includes new Front Assist with City Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Protection, plus Tiredness Recognition. Also featuring across the range are ASR traction control, ESC, electronic differential lock (XDS), seven airbags and Hill Hold Control.

Engine line-up covers five units, two petrol and three diesel, spanning from 113bhp to 187bhp. The 113bhp three-cylinder 1.0 TSI and 1.6 TDI are available on the S and SE. The 148bhp 1.4 EcoTSI and 2.0 TDI are available across SE and XCELLENCE trims. Finally the 187bhp 2.0 TDI is exclusively available on the range-topping XCELLENCE, and comes with DSG and 4Drive, SEAT’s four-wheel-drive system. 4Drive is also an option with the 2.0 TDI 150.