Once the driver has stepped inside, a ring of light around the illuminated start button pulsates like a heartbeat – indicating the ATECA is all set for its next road-going adventure. The SEAT Drive Profile is on-hand for adapting the ATECA to the current driving situation, road conditions and personal preference – with the Driving Experience Button on the centre console offering the profiles Normal, Sport, Eco and Individual. The ATECA models with 4WD have the added benefit of Snow and Offroad profiles as well as the Hill Descent Control function. A further convenient feature is the electric tailgate, which can be opened with a foot gesture and – for the first time – closed again the same way. Another convenience option is a stationary heating system with remote control and pre-select.
The range of innovative driver assistance systems is extensive:
- Traffic Jam Assist: This assistance function makes progress in heavy stop-and-go traffic far more bearable. At full-blown “traffic jam speeds”, the ATECA steers, accelerates and brakes automatically within the system boundaries. At higher speeds of up to around 60 km/h, the system provides support with speed control and lane keeping. However, the driver’s hands have to stay on the wheel.
- ACC with Front Assist: The traffic jam assistant is based on the radar-controlled ACC adaptive cruise control system. Within a certain speed range, the integrated Front Assist can provide autonomous braking in dangerous situations.
- Traffic Sign Recognition: Never miss another speed limit or traffic restriction thanks to the on-board camera and display.
- Blind Spot Detection: Changing lane is made safer with the practical blind spot assistant. Two radar sensors monitor traffic behind the ATECA on both sides. A visual signal in the exterior mirror warns against vehicles approaching in the blind spot.
- Rear Traffic Alert: Backing out of a parking space is a critical manoeuvre, as approaching vehicles are often difficult to spot. Radar sensors monitor cross traffic and warn against potential collisions.
- Top View: Four cameras cover the entire area around the ATECA, with the image displayed on the monitor as a bird’s eye view, making tight parking spaces far easier to negotiate. There is also additional protection for the valuable alloy wheels – one of the four image modes shows one front or all four wheels with lines indicating their proximity to the kerb.
- Park Assist 3.0: The latest version of the parking assistant ensures stress-free parking in every situation – now supporting both parallel and perpendicular parking. The system also uses small parking spaces, calculates the best path, steers itself and warns against obstacles.
- Lane Assist and Emergency Assist: The lane-keeping assistant recognises lane markings and issues warnings when the vehicle leaves the correct lane. Emergency Assist is a new function: If the driver remains inactive beyond a certain period, the vehicle issues first a visual then an acoustic warning, followed finally by a brief pulse of the brakes. If there is still no reaction, the ATECA slows down to a standstill, while staying in lane and activating the hazard lights and the electronic parking brake.