The Ateca is an important vehicle for SEAT as it represents a step into uncharted territory for the company.

Indeed, it’s the first time the Spanish manufacturer has produced a compact SUV to compete with the likes of the Renault Kadjar, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson and Nissan Qashqai.

As the company’s chief executive Luca de Meo rightly acknowledges, it’s a “steadily growing sub-segment” that cannot be ignored.

Until now, SEAT’s line-up of vehicles covered just over half the car market in the UK. With the arrival of the Ateca and its baby brother early next year, the company will soon cover almost three-quarters. So the Ateca signals the beginning of a product offensive that will see SEAT compete in two new sectors, but is the new offering up to scratch?

In terms of its appearance, the Ateca certainly looks the part, retaining the typical SEAT design language and sharing a few traits with the Leon. The distinctive grille, the side blisters with their sharp creases and triangular light signatures all help to make the Ateca easy on the eye. The vehicle also has a broad and muscular stance on the road, exuding a certain solidity.

Behind the wheel, it’s one of the better SUVs to drive, handling rather nicely through the corners on the 18-inch ‘performance’ alloy wheels. Corner turn-in is sharp, while the precise steering helps you to place the Ateca where you want.

For a vehicle of such dimensions, there’s very little body roll, although there is noticeable understeer when you push a little harder into sharper bends.

Ride quality is also very composed as the car eases over bumpier surfaces.

As this vehicle has only just been introduced in the UK, I may be able to lay claim to being one of the first UK motoring reporters to test it in snowy conditions, although no doubt someone in the far north of Scotland beat me to it!

When the snow does arrive, the Ateca lets you change your drive mode at the twist of the Driving Experience button, choosing between Normal, Eco, Sport, Individual, Off Road and Snow functions. The heavy snow that hit West Yorkshire just over a week ago was a great chance to switch to the latter mode and it’s fair to say the Ateca felt sure-footed, even in some fairly challenging driving conditions.

Buyers have a choice of five EU6 compliant engines from launch - comprising 1.0-litre and 1.4-litre petrol units along with three diesel versions. The diesel line-up is made up of a 1.6 TDI 115PS, followed by the 2.0 TDI in a choice of two states of tune, 150 and 190 PS. The 150 PS version, tested here, is smooth and economical with a pleasing turn of pace.

The driving position is comfortable and offered enough adjustment to allow most motorists to find a suitable position.

The whole interior had a spacious feel, adding to its appeal as a potential family car.

Seat says the other target markets for the vehicle include ‘wealthy homesteads’, namely couples aged over 50.

The car’s dashboard is unspectacular but functional, with a user-friendly touchscreen infotainment system being among the high points of the interior. The car also comes with the Seat Connect App, which has been developed with Samsung. The cockpit feels as though it has been designed entirely around the driver, with the controls grouped closely together.

In terms of cost, the Ateca is launching from a reasonable £17,990, undercutting a number of key rivals. However, it’s worth noting that you’ll need to be looking at a figure closer to the £30,000 mark for a top power, top spec verion with options.

It’s a vehicle that’s well capable of making its mark and could well be up there with the class leaders.