SEAT Ateca X-Perience concept gives SEAT's SUV a tougher look ~ station of gear

A more rugged X-Perience version of the SEAT Ateca crossover has been revealed ahead of its Paris Motor Show debut

2016-09-22 11:15

The SEAT Ateca X-Perience has been revealed just days before it makes its public debut at the Paris Motor Show. The rough and ready crossover is just a concept for now, but bosses will use the event to gauge reaction before deciding whether to put it into production.

Changes over the standard car are more radical than you might imagine, with scuff plates front and rear as well as tough body cladding on the bumpers and side sills. There are some chunky off-road tyres and unique alloy wheels, too.

SEAT says the Ateca X-Perience is a car that can “surpass any limit”, while lending itself to “the most adventurous off-road situations”. Despite showcasing as a concept for the time being, the X-Perience gets six drive modes – including snow and off-road – as well as a complex Haldex four-wheel drive system and Hill Descent Control.

In addition to the black body cladding and 18-inch alloy wheels, the Ateca X-Perience gets special non-scratch paint and side steps, as well as mud flaps and chrome roof rails.

Inside, SEAT has installed ‘earthy’ colours, complemented by orange stitching for the steering wheel, seats and gear lever. The suede and leather sports seats feature X-Perience logos, while XP badging features throughout. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and an eight-inch media screen finish the upmarket look.

Under the bonnet, SEAT has fitted the Ateca’s most powerful 187bhp 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine, as well as the proven seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox. The 4Drive all-wheel drive system is standard, as is the brand’s XDS traction control system.

We won’t know the Ateca X-Perience’s fate until after the Paris Motor Show, but a production model is very likely given the current trend for crossovers and SUVs. Models like the Jeep Renegade continue to sell well, meaning the market for SEAT’s beefier Ateca is all but assured.

Richard Ingram

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