Cupra Ateca
Hot SUV kicks off new era for Cupra
The first model in this new Cupra era is a 296bhp version of Seat’s Ateca SUV. It cherry-picks hardware from the enormous Volkswagen Group toolkit, which means its 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine, seven-speed DSG gearbox, Haldex four-wheel-drive system, MQB platform and much more besides are all shared with numerous other Seat, VW, Skoda and Audi models. However, this is the first time all of those components have been brought together in a performance SUV.
The new-look Cupra’s very first model, which we previously drove in pre-production form (October 3), is a tall, high-riding car simply because that’s where the sales volumes are. As is stands, there isn’t another sub-premium performance SUV in this price bracket, so the Cupra Ateca has a niche all to itself.
Compared with the Seat version, the Cupra Ateca sits 10mm closer to the road on retuned springs and adaptive dampers, as well as diamond-cut 19in wheels. It comes loaded with kit as standard, such as a digital instrument binnacle, full mobile phone connectivity, keyless entry, wireless charging and a 360deg overhead-view camera setup. The optional performance pack, which includes uprated Brembo brakes and supportive bucket seats, lifts the £35,900 list price to a whisker under £40,000.
The cabin is spacious and well built, but it doesn’t feel any more special than a Seat Ateca. With a full suite of drive modes, the Cupra Ateca has a wide breadth of ability, being refined and comfortable one moment, fast and responsive the next. In the Cupra drive mode, the car is agile for an SUV, with good body control, strong grip and traction and precise steering. What it can never be is really exciting to drive in the way that Cupra hot hatches have been for many years. The high centre of gravity sees to that.
The Cupra Ateca might well be a competent all-rounder, but if the newly independent Cupra is aiming at diehard driving enthusiasts, this is not the car to impress them.