Cupra Ateca Review 2026
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Cupra Ateca Verdict
The fastest crossover SUV on sale for (vaguely) sensible money. Just as practical as the standard Ateca.
Not as fun as a hot hatch. Thirsty.
Find out more about the Cupra Ateca
SEAT launched Cupra as a standalone sub-brand and for its first model it chose the Ateca. It's a strong strategy. Take an extremely popular (and deservedly so) SUV, stick in a 300PS 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine from the Volkswagen Golf R and cover it in racing spoilers, diffusers and quad exhaust pipes. That's how to get noticed.
Putting aside its sporting aspirations for a moment, the Cupra Ateca is just as easy to live with as the standard Ateca. The interior is typical Volkswagen Group quality, with a few sporting upgrades - including Cupra badges spread around the interior, Alcantara sports seats and aluminium pedals.
It's a very practical car, with plenty of space in the rear for growing teenagers and a generous 485-litre boot.
And like the standard Ateca, the Cupra offers good value for money. Sure, spending nearly £40,000 on an Ateca and calling it good value may raise eyebrows, but it's surprisingly easy to spend that kind of money on a crossover without the powerful engine and performance enhancements.
There's alse nothing else quite like it on the market. Just be careful you don't add too many options and take it over the £40,000 barrier - you'll pay for it in tax if you do.
Officially, the Cupra Ateca will complete the 0-62mph sprint in just 5.2 seconds. That's quicker than hot hatches like the Honda Civic Type R (although not the aforementioned Volkswagen Golf R), and even quicker than the much more expensive Porsche Macan S.
There's a myriad of driving modes on hand to tweak the Ateca's characteristics depending on your mood. It's in Cupra mode hat it's at its most sporty, with the steering weighted up and exhausts at their noisiest. It's fun in this mode, but it still doesn't feel as laugh-out-loud rewarding as an equivalent hot hatch.
It's still, fundamentally, a family crossover. And that means it will lean in the bends, soon run out of grip if you're clumsy with the accelerator and the standard DSG automatic gearbox can be a little hesitant at times. And no, you can't have a manual version.
As you'd expect from an SUV with this kind of performance, it will also have higher running costs than a standard Ateca. Officially it returns 36.4mpg.
The Cupra Ateca certainly represents a compromise. Hot hatches are more fun, while the standard Ateca is cheaper to run. But there's little else on the market like it.
Reviews for Cupra Ateca's top 3 rivals
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Cupra Ateca handling and engines
There's no denying the Cupra Ateca is fast. Its standard four-wheel-drive system ensures there's a huge amount of traction available, meaning it will surge forward eagerly if you mash the throttle off the line.
There is a 'but' though. The standard DSG automatic gearbox means there's a frustrating lull between you hitting the accelerator and the engine responding. Once it's got the message that you're seeking quick acceleration, it's fine, but that split-second pause can be really annoying if you're trying to judge a gap in traffic.
Selecting Sport or Cupra mode on the drive profile dial does counter this to an extent, although it still isn't seamless. Doing so firms things up unnecessarily if you're only after a gentle drive to the office and causes the gearbox to cling onto lower gears, hampering fuel economy.
But one of the biggest compliments we can pay the Cupra Ateca is that it's easy to forget it's a Cupra when left in normal mode. The ride's on the firm side (not helped by the standard-fit 19-inch alloy wheels) but it's not uncomfortable and there's not much in the way of noise from the road, engine or wind when you're travelling at a steady 70mph.
Switching to Cupra mode does make things firmer, to the point that your passengers might complain if you're travelling along a bumpy road. But the harsh ride translates to an eager-handling SUV. It's not as willing to turn in as a Honda Civic Type R and it's noticeably more top heavy than a Volkswagen Golf R, but it's still impressive for an SUV.
It stops short of being exciting, though. While there's a huge amount of grip, the four-wheel-drive system is front-biased, meaning it will soon understeer if you're overly optimistic with your cornering entry speed.
And while it sounds throatier in Cupra mode, it still feels a little too civilised. It won't pop and bang, and we'd like it to be just a little noisier under hard acceleration. The Akrapoviç exhaust fitted on the Special Edition might fix that, but that's only going to be sold in limited numbers.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 TSI 300 DSG | - | - | 168–202 g/km |
Cupra Ateca interior
- Boot space is 485 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4376 mm |
| Width | 2078 mm |
| Height | 1601 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2631–2638 mm |
If it wasn't for the odd-shaped steering wheel with copper stitching and the weird tribal Cupra logo, you'd struggle to differentiate the Cupra's interior from a standard Ateca.
There are a few highlights, such as carpet mats with Cupra logos and aluminium pedals, but it doesn't feel particularly sporty. While the standard Alcantara sports seats are comfortable, we'd recommend upgrading to the optional bucket seats if budget allows - they do a good job of making the cabin feel a bit more special.
The standard virtual cockpit in place of conventional dials also helps lift the slightly drab cabin. An eight-inch infotainment screen, also used in other high-spec Ateca models, is fitted as standard to the Cupra. This is ultra easy to use and fast to respond, plus works well with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
While there's nothing fundamentally wrong with the interior, it's based on the Ateca (which in turn was based on the third-generation Leon which has been on sale since 2012), so it already feels a little dated.
Not offensively so, but there are buttons which could easily have been incorporated into the media system and some of the plastic chrome effect trim looks a little tacky (choosing the Design pack with its black interior styling helps to an extent).
It's spacious enough, though, with electric seat adjustment making it really easy to find a comfortable driving position. Things are good in the back, too. There's a reasonable amount of headroom and legroom, although an annoying lump in the floor created by the transmission tunnel means the middle seat really is for occasional use only. Isofix points fitted to the outer rear seats makes for easy fitting of child seats.
The aforementioned bucket seats probably aren't worth speccing if you regularly carry children, as they do make the back feel a little more claustrophobic than it does with the standard seats. That said, the optional panoramic sunroof counters this to an extent.
The boot's a good size and access is easy, with an electric tailgate available as part of the Comfort and Sound pack. Dropping the rear seats is also a simple process, although they don't leave an entirely flat floor. There's also a ski hatch allowing you to feed longer items between the rear seats, if required.
Specifications (June 2019):
The Cupra Ateca features 19-inch alloy wheels, metallic paint, door mirrors with Cupra light silhouette, dual exhaust pipes, electrically adjustable folding heated door mirrors, full LED headlights with LED daytime running lights and taillights, dark tinted rear windows, black brake calipers with Cupra logo, Navigation Plus (with 3D maps, 10GB hard disk drive, FB radio, DAB radio, eight speakers and Bluetooth), smartphone integration (including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), digital cockpit, ambient spot lighting, park assist, Cupra sport suspension, electric parking brake with auto hold function, wireless phone charger, keyless enter and go, cruise control, convenience pack (with auto-dimming rear-view mirror, auto headlights and rain-sensing wipers), dual zone climate control, steering wheel mounted gearshift paddles, top view camera, rear view camera, Cupra drive profiles, dynamic chassis control, progressive steering, front assist with city emergency braking and pedestrian protection, hill hold control, tiredness recognition, front and rear seatbelt reminders and an alarm.
Design pack adds 19-inch copper alloy wheels, Cupra Brembo brakes and black interior styling.
Comfort and Sound features traffic sign recognition, lane assist, adaptive cruise control, high beam assist, Beats sound system, heated front seats, space-saving spare wheel and an electric tailgate.
Cupra Ateca models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4376 mm |
| Width | 2078 mm |
| Height | 1601 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2631–2638 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1626 kg |
| Boot Space | 485 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60000 miles |
| Servicing | 10000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | - |
| Insurance Groups | - |
| Road Tax Bands | H–K |
| Official MPG | - |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 5 |
Currently on sale
| SUV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| VZ1 TSi 300 DSG 4Drive Auto Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | - |
| VZ2 TSi 300 DSG 4Drive Auto Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | - |
| VZ3 TSi 300 DSG 4Drive Auto Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | - |
On sale until April 2021
| SUV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.0 TSI 300 Design NR DSG 5dr | - | - | - |
| 2.0 TSI 300 NR DSG 5dr | - | - | - |
| 2.0 TSI 300 NR Limited Edition DSG 5dr | - | - | - |
| 2.0 TSI Comfort+Sound Pack NR DSG 5dr | - | - | - |
| 2.0TSI 300 Limited Edition Akrpvc DSG 5dr | - | - | - |
| 2.0TSI Design Comfort+Sound Pack NR DSG 5dr | - | - | - |
Model History
- October 2018: Cupra Ateca goes on sale
- December 2018: SEAT Cupra Ateca details confirmed
- March 2019: Cupra Ateca Special Edition announced
- February 2020: Cupra Ateca Limited Edition priced from £42,120
- June 2020: Facelifted Cupra Ateca revealed
- September 2020: Price hike for Cupra Ateca
October 2018
Cupra Ateca goes on sale
Tthe first model to be launched under the new brand, the Cupra Ateca is priced at just £35,900.
The Cupra Ateca’s 2.0 TSI engine delivers 300PS and 400NM of torque. This engine comes with a powerful sound, and is equipped with a newly developed DQ381 7-speed DSG gearbox that has been developed to offer sportier gearbox feel with faster, smoother and more precise changes.
The CUPRA Ateca comes with the 4Drive traction system which analyses road conditions in real time, including the speed of the car, speed of each wheel, the steering wheel position, and the driving style or mode to quickly and progressively deliver power at each moment to the necessary wheels.
On the outside it has black brake callipers, a sporty rear bumper, a copper CUPRA logo on the boot, four exhaust pipes on the edge of the rear diffuser and 19-inch diamond cut alloy wheels.
There are six exterior body colours available: Energy Blue, Velvet Red, Brilliant Silver, Rodium Grey, Magic Black and Nevada White.
Inside, the black Alcantara seats also feature copper stitching and an embossed logo, and are complemented by Alcantara door panels. The pedals are finished in aluminium and the climate control air vent frames and the central console are finished in gloss black.
The standard equipment in the CUPRA Ateca is oriented towards three basic principles: technology, design and safety. That is why systems such as the keyless entry and start system, wireless charger, 8-inch touchscreen navigation system plus, dynamic chassis control and park assist all come as standard.
December 2018
SEAT Cupra Ateca details confirmed
The CUPRA Ateca is priced at £35,900 OTR in the UK with standard specification highlights including:
- 19-inch exclusive diamond-cut alloy wheels
- Metallic paint in a choice of six colours
- CUPRA welcome puddle lights
- Electrically adjustable, folding and heated door mirrors
- Full LED headlights
- Dark tinted rear windows
- Illuminated front door sills with CUPRA lettering
- Black brake callipers wih CUPRA logo
- Nav System Plus: 8-inch colour diaply with 3D mapping, 2x USB and Aux ports to the front, 2x USB ports to rear, Bluetooth connectivity and wireless charging
- Full Link smartphone integration for CarPlay and Android Auto
- Rear armrest with air outlet
- Easy backseat release mechanism from boot
- Alcantara sports seats in black
- Park Assist with front and rear sensors, rearview camera and 360° top view camera
- Electric handbrake with Autohold function
- Keyless entry and go (KESSY)
- Cruise control
- Convenience Pack: autodimming rear mirror, auto headlights with leaving and coming home function, rain sensing wipers
- Dual-zone climate control
- CUPRA drive profile with four modes: Normal, Sport, CUPRA and Individual; altering the steering and throttle responses, gear shifts, sound actuator and Dynamic Chassis Control
- CUPRA sports suspension
- Progressive steering
- Seven airbags protecting driver and front passenger
- Advanced Driving Safety Pack: high beam assist, lane assist, blind psot detection and rear-cross traffic alert
- Front Assist: City Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Protection
- Hill-hold control
- Tiredness recognition
For an extra £1,930 OTR (£37,830 OTR), CUPRA Ateca Comfort & Sound receives:
- Advanced comfort and driving pack (Traffic sign recognition, Lane assist, High beam assist)
- Spacesaver spare wheel*
- Electric tailgate
- Beats audio system
- Winter pack (heated front seats)
Alternatively, CUPRA Ateca Design is also available at a premium of £3,345 OTR (£39,245 OTR) with:
- 18-inch Brembo brakes
- 19-inch exclusive copper wheels
- Black interior styling
CUPRA Ateca can also be specified with all features from both Comfort & Sound and Design, at a price of £41,175.
Other options available are:
- Spacesaver spare wheel: £115 RRP
- Towbar pre-installation with hook: £690 RRP
- Towbar pre-installation: £125 RRP
- Panoramic sunroof with multi-colour interior ambient lighting with LED interior illumination and LED-illuminated glovebox: £1,040
- CUPRA bucket seats: £1,600
|
CO2 |
VED Yr 1 |
MPG |
BiK |
Ins. |
P11D |
RRP |
|
|
CUPRA Ateca |
168 |
£515 |
38.2 |
34% |
33E |
£35,330 |
£35,900 |
|
CUPRA Ateca |
168 |
£515 |
38.2 |
34% |
TBC |
£37,260 |
£37,830 |
|
CUPRA Ateca |
168 |
£515 |
38.2 |
34% |
TBC |
£38,675 |
£39,245 |
|
CUPRA Ateca |
168 |
£515 |
38.2 |
34% |
TBC |
£40,605 |
£41,175
|
March 2019
Cupra Ateca Special Edition announced
Due to go on sale in limited numbers later this year, the Cupra Ateca Special Edition is powered by the same 300PS 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine as the standard Cupra Ateca.
Newly designed and exclusive 20-inch copper alloy wheels house the standard Brembo brakes. Copper Carbon Fibre elements bring a new look to the door mirrors and rear spoiler – which provides an increased down force effect. Enhancements also extend to the introduction of the Akrapoviç exhaust system, which, in addition to lowering the weight of the vehicle by around 7kg, adds a more exclusive sound experience to the high-performance SUV.
Inside, the Cupra Ateca Special Edition gets exclusive Petrol Blue Alcantara covering the front bucket sports seats, rear seats and door panels.
February 2020
Cupra Ateca Limited Edition priced from £42,120
Limited to 100 units in the UK, the Cupra Ateca Limited Edition is available in Rhodium Grey – £42,120 (OTR) and exclusive Graphene Grey with Akrapovic Exhaust System – £45,160 (OTR).
Although no power upgrade is quoted, Cupra is claiming a 4.9 second 0-62mph time - shaving 0.3 seconds off the standard model.
Available on 20 of the UK models, the titanium Akrapovic exhaust system saves 7kg in overall weight to offer the ultimate in sophisticated performance, says Cupra, as well as a more visceral aural experience.
Further expanding the performance envelope, an ABT Sportsline power upgrade is available from UK retailers, pushing the power and torque to 350PS and 440Nm, respectively.
The Cupra Ateca Limited Edition exterior features a host of styling cues including the newly-designed 20-inch copper alloy wheels, a unique copper thread carbon fibre roof spoiler that enhances aerodynamic performance, as well as copper thread mirror covers and copper Cupra lettering.
The large wheels also allow for the fitment of standard 18-inch Brembo brakes which enhance the stopping power.
Inside, the vehicle’s exclusive new colour is complimented with the combination of black frames (around the dashboard and infotainment screen), copper carbon fibre interior mouldings and exclusive Petrol Blue Alcantara bucket heated sport seats.
June 2020
Facelifted Cupra Ateca revealed
The Cupra Ateca receives similar updates to the standard SEAT Ateca. Highlights include a new grille and sharper headlights, while the interior gets a revised steering wheel with new drive mode buttons. There's a new 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while a digital instrument cluster is standard.
While power from the 2.0-litre petrol engine remains at 300PS, it's been tweaked so will now cover 0-62mph faster than the pre-facelift model. It'll now reach 62mph in 4.9 seconds.
September 2020
Price hike for Cupra Ateca
Updated Cupra Ateca is on sale now with prices starting from £39,050. With a 300PS 2.0-litre petrol engine and four-wheel drive, the Cupra Ateca can cover 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds and comes with 19-inch black alloy wheels, 12-inch Digital Cockpit and the 9.2-inch Navigation System Plus.
