We’re big fans of the stylish SEAT Ateca, the Spanish firm’s mid-sized SUV that sits between the Arona and Tarraco. It’s one of the company’s biggest-selling models, and has just received a new trim level to boost its appeal.
The Ateca has been on sale since 2016, so it’s a huge surprise that SEAT is lavishing some attention on this family crossover, especially as a more comprehensive facelift is due to arrive later this year.
It’s also not entirely surprising that the updates come in the form of the FR Black Edition. SEAT did it with the Leon hatchback (that’s being replaced by an all-new model this year), and these kind of models have become popular among several manufacturers, not just SEAT.
What does the FR Black Edition add?
Using the FR Sport as a base, already a high-spec model with a sportier look, the Black Edition adds some cosmetic changes in the form of gloss black details. You’ll get gloss black door mirrors, window and grille surrounds (in place of chrome on other models), roof rails and alloy wheels.
Little has changed on the inside – like the FR Sport it comes with black leather upholstery with heated front seats (part of a Winter Pack that this car gets that also brings headlight washers). That’s no bad thing – the Ateca’s interior feels suitably upmarket on higher-spec models with a simple layout and comfortable feel.
The infotainment system is starting to look dated as it hasn’t been updated to the VW Group’s latest systems, but a set of crisp digital dials brings things up to date a little more.
Makes use of a good range of engines
The FR Black Edition does without the entry-level 1.0-litre TSI petrol and 1.6-litre TDI diesel, but is available with the rest of the Ateca’s engine range.
This means a choice of 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre TSI petrols with 150hp and 190hp respectively, the former coming with the option of manual or automatic transmissions. The higher-output petrol is an all-wheel drive and auto-only affair.
If you’d prefer a diesel, 150hp and 190hp versions of the 2.0-litre TDI are available. The 150hp model comes with manual, auto and all-wheel drive options (SEAT calls it 4Drive), while the most powerful diesel is auto- and 4Drive-only, like the petrol equivalent.
Based on the rest of the Ateca range, we’d recommend one of the 150hp units with a DSG transmission. They’re smooth and powerful enough to haul the car along while remaining economical.
What this means for you
This all comes down to personal taste. The FR Black Edition won’t add anything into the mix that makes the car drive any differently to the rest of the range – it’s purely there to appeal to those who like the idea of a model with all the black details.
But with a list price of just £100 more than the regular FR Sport (Ateca FR pictured above), there’s little financial issue with it – especially when that’s absorbed into monthly payments if you’re leasing or purchasing on PCP finance.
>> Like the sound of that? Why not read our full SEAT Ateca review?
>> Or there’s the Skoda Karoq, available in similarly-stylish Sportline trim.
>> Alternatively, go French with the stylish and practical Peugeot 3008.
