While preparing for deliveries of its first ever SUV, Seat is already taking it to the streets.

We don’t have any background details on the scooped example, but its numerous drives might suggest that it is either filming a video or a lucky team of automotive journalists are allowed a test drive.

Whatever the case may be, the compact SUV that was launched in Geneva will shortly be battling the Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai ix35, Mazda CX-5 and Renault Kadjar, to name but a few of its competitors.

Underpinned by the MQB platform and with a similar footprint as the Leon, the Ateca starts from €20,000 in Germany and £17,990 in the UK. The entry level model ispowered by a three-cylinder 1.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine rated at 115 PS (113 HP) and comes with a six-speed manual gearbox.

The engine lineup includes a 150 PS (148 HP) 1.4-liter petrol unit and three diesels, ranging between 115 HP (113 HP) and 190 PS (187 HP). If the reports turn out to be true, Seat may at a later date add a hot Cupra version with the 2.0-liter TFSI from the Leon.

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