GEARBOX AND TRANSMISSION

The Cupra Ateca uses the most recent DQ381 version of Volkswagen’s dual-clutch automatic gearbox, the same seven-speed unit that is fitted to the Volkswagen Golf R and Audi S3. Rabe didn’t think a manual gearbox would work for a car of this type.

“On an SUV the gear ratios are shorter, which means that you have to change gears too often,” he says. “Also there is little market demand for a manual option.”

Similar logic led to the adoption of the Haldex all-wheel-drive system, although Rabe says very brief consideration was given to offering a two-wheel-drive version. “If you are going above 40-50mph then, unless it is wet, you are faster with a frontdriven car because traction is not an issue,” he says. “But in an SUV nobody wants to feel wheelspin in a tighter corner.”

The Cupra Ateca does without a limited-slip front differential, instead using the Haldex system with the ability to divert torque rearwards to alter its handling attitude. “I hate understeering cars,” Rabe admits. The system works more aggressively than it does in the 4Drive-equipped Seat Ateca.

“Depending on the slip situation the car can transfer more than 50% [of its torque] to the rear,” Rabe says. “You can get a little oversteer on a dry road but it is limited. On slippery ground it is great, and on snow it is fantastic — you don’t even need to turn the ESP off, you can be driving forwards and looking out of the side window!” ◊