New SEAT Crossover Vehicle Gets Autonomous Vehicle Features

SEAT’s all-new Ateca crossover vehicle—the brand’s first model in the segment—will feature a variety of advanced safety systems, including several autonomous vehicle technologies.

The vehicle’s Traffic Jam Assist system will take over steering, throttle and braking functions under certain stop-and-go traffic conditions, according to the carmaker. At speeds as high as 37 mph, the system also provides lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control.

An Emergency Assist system alerts inattentive drivers and can bring a vehicle to a stop if a driver is deemed to be incapacitated. If sensors determine a driver is “inactive” for several seconds, the system triggers visual and audio alerts, followed by a brief brake pulse and, if there still is no response from the driver, the vehicle is slowed to a stop.

Other available safety features include blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alerts, traffic sign recognition and a surround-view camera system.

The sporty Ateca will ride on parent Volkswagen AG’s modular MQB platform that also carries a variety of VW and Audi models. It features an aggressive front fascia with a trapezoidal grille and LED headlights borrowed from SEAT’s Ibiza and Leon hatchbacks. Other styling cues include roof rails, faux skid plates and a tailgate-mounted spoiler.

SEAT will introduce the Ateca next month at the Geneva auto show. Sales across Europe will begin later this year.