CUPRA Ateca SUV (2020 – ) Review
Written by AutoInsight AI
The CUPRA Ateca, a dynamic and powerful rendition of the Seat Ateca mid-size SUV, represents the inauguration of the Cupra brand, detached from its Seat origins. Crafted to deliver a more premium experience, the CUPRA Ateca aims to merge practicality with exhilarating driving dynamics.
Expert Verdict: 4.2 out of 5 Stars
Available New from £36,045
Seat’s performance lineage now shines under the dedicated Cupra brand, introducing the CUPRA Ateca as a distinctive and comfortable family SUV that doesn’t compromise on excitement or speed. Competing admirably with pricier alternatives like the Porsche Macan, the CUPRA Ateca presents a compelling option for those seeking an SUV with hot hatch characteristics.
Reasons to Buy:
- Retains practicality of the standard Seat Ateca
- Enhanced comfort with sophisticated suspension
- Fast and enjoyable driving experience
At a Glance Ratings:
- How good does it look? 4/5
- What’s the interior like? 4/5
- How practical is it? 4/5
- What’s it like to drive? 4/5
- How powerful is it? 5/5
- How much will it cost me? 4/5
- How reliable is it? 4/5
- How safe is it? 5/5
- How much equipment do I get? 4/5
- Why buy? 4/5
Exterior: The Cupra Ateca’s appearance may be subjective, but the Cupra-specific elements, including a gloss black honeycomb grille, prominent rear vents, four exhaust pipes, and distinctive copper-colored badges, demand attention. Opting for the Design Pack adds 20-inch copper-colored wheels and upgraded Brembo brakes. With six paint colors available at no extra cost, the Ateca presents a visually striking package.
Expert rating: 4/5
Interior: The interior maintains the quality and solidity of the standard Seat-badged Ateca while incorporating Cupra-specific touches. A copper-colored Cupra logo dominates the steering wheel, surrounded by faux-carbon fiber material present throughout the cabin. Alcantara-clad seats, featuring embossed logos and copper-colored stitching, offer comfort and adjustability. Infotainment is managed through an 8.0-inch touchscreen, complemented by physical buttons and dials. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is included, alongside a customizable digital dashboard.
Expert rating: 4/5
Practicality: Aligning with the Seat Ateca, the Cupra version excels in practicality with ample storage, wide-opening rear doors, and a spacious boot. Despite a slightly reduced capacity due to the standard four-wheel drive, the rear seats fold down flat, facilitating the loading of larger items. Minor quirks, such as differing cupholder sizes, are overshadowed by the overall family-friendly design.
Expert rating: 4/5
Driving Experience: Contrary to expectations, the Cupra Ateca features adaptive suspension, allowing adjustments for a more comfortable ride. Impressively sure-footed through corners with excellent grip, the Ateca’s four-wheel-drive system contributes to its engaging driving dynamics. While it strikes a balance between family SUV and performance car, some enthusiasts may desire more weight and feel in the steering.
Expert rating: 4/5
Power and Performance: Powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, the Cupra Ateca boasts 300 horsepower, delivering consistent power throughout the rev range. Accelerating from 0 to 62mph in just 5.2 seconds, it achieves hot hatch levels of performance. Equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, the Ateca offers quick and smooth shifts. Various on-road modes, including Comfort, Sport, and Cupra, cater to different driving preferences.
Expert rating: 5/5
Cost and Ownership: Positioned in the “sub-premium” market, the Cupra Ateca is competitively priced, standing approximately £10,000 less than comparable performance SUVs. With an estimated fuel efficiency of 33.2mpg under WLTP standards, the Ateca provides a cost-effective option. While the brand’s resale value is yet to be firmly established, the inclusion of a two-year unlimited mileage warranty and care package adds to the overall ownership value.
Expert rating: 4/5
Reliability and Safety: Leveraging proven Volkswagen Group technology, the Cupra Ateca inherits Seat’s strong reliability reputation. With a two-year unlimited mileage warranty and additional care and maintenance features, owners can expect a dependable ownership experience. Safety features include seven airbags, Isofix child seat mounting points, automatic emergency braking, and optional extras like blind spot detection.
Expert rating: 4/5
Equipment and Features: As an almost-premium SUV, the Cupra Ateca comes well-equipped with features such as a digital dashboard, keyless entry, wireless phone charger, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, and an eight-speaker sound system. Optional upgrades, including a panoramic sunroof, tow bar, and BeatsAudio sound system, allow customization to individual preferences.
Expert rating: 4/5
Why Buy? For those seeking the perfect blend of SUV practicality and hot hatch performance, the Cupra Ateca stands out as a compelling choice. Balancing comfort, power, and affordability, it offers a unique proposition in the market, undercutting premium alternatives while delivering an exhilarating driving experience.
Expert rating: 4/5
Still interested in buying a CUPRA Ateca? Explore new and used options on SoldOnMyDrive.com
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