At one level, you think you know what this is going to be like. This is Seat’s first entry into the lucrative and expanding SUV sector, so they’ve had plenty of time to see what others have done. Equally, the platform the new Ateca is build on is the VW Group’s MQB platform, the one that goes under the new VW Tiguan. So is it more than a simple variation on that?

Seat are pretty adamant that they’ve been working towards a more sporty SUV since day one of this programme. As yet, it’s all still in pre-production stage, so we have to cut this test vehicle a bit of slack. But the signs are good.

Particularly encouraging was the handling and ride. There is plenty of grip and little roll. The damping seems very well judged, so there’s not a lot of slopping about here, while the ride remains firm but compliant. The odd thud does get through, but again this isn’t finalised yet.

The model we drove had one of the three diesels that will be on offer. Alongside them will be a choice of two petrol units. The one we had was powered by a 148bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel. It wasn’t as smooth or as quiet as the more powerful 187bhp version we also drove, but again this may change for production. Certainly it pulled well enough, capable of lugging along with less than 2000rpm on the clock and four people on board.

The diesels also get the option of four-wheel drive, which will work with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch auto box. The transmission on the car we had, with the manual box, worked well, being slick and light in operation.

The steering too is well weighted (although Sport does make it too heavy). Brakes are responsive and, generally, this feels a very sorted SUV, even though it’s not fine-tuned for production yet.

Inside it’s also a positive place to be, being well put together, like the latest Leon. There’s a fair amount of room for people and cargo, although perhaps not quite as much as in Volkswagen’s Tiguan.

There is plenty of tech for entertainment and safety, including Emergency Assist if you doze off, but to keep you awake there is MirrorLink and Apple CarPlay connection to keep you entertained.

Some of this will depend on trim. There will be S, SE and Xcellence trims available, with prices starting from £17,990. The order book opens this May with deliveries starting in August. It could be worth waiting for.

Seat Ateca 2.0 TDI 150 4Drive

Price From: £17,990

Engine: 4 cyls, 1968cc, diesel

Power: 148bhp at 3500-4000rpm

Torque: 251lb ft at 1750-3000rpm

0-62mph: 8.6sec

Top speed: 122mph

Gearbox: 6-spd manual

Kerb weight: 1548kg

Economy: 57.6mpg (combined)

CO2: 1280g/km, 25% (est)