SEAT has offered us a glimpse of its first SUV model just weeks before it makes its public debut at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. Based on the Leon hatchback, the Ateca is four inches longer measuring 14ft 4ins from bumper to bumper.

It will be available in two or four-wheel-drive specifications, with a boot capacity that ranges from 510 to 485 litres – this is very generous compared to other mid-market SUVs such as the Nissan Qashqai.

All versions of the Ateca will be turbocharged with a choice of petrol and diesel engines developing from 115 to 190ps.On the performance front, official fuel figures range from 56 to 66mpg for the diesels and 46 to 53mpg for the petrol models. Carbon emissions are from 112g/km rising to 131g/km.

SEAT is still to release prices and full specifications for the Ateca in the UK but it is expected to cost from about £17,000 when it arrives in September.

The car will also come with some high-tech features including the ability to drive itself in heavy traffic and the option of LED headlights.

Speaking at the reveal of the new model in Barcelona, SEAT president Luca de Meo said: “Our first SUV marks the start of a new era for SEAT. The Ateca is a clear development of the Leon DNA and will drive forward the success of the range.”

In keeping with SEAT’s tradition of naming its cars after Spanish places, Ateca is a village to the west of Zaragoza – not far from the company’s factory and headquarters in Barcelona.