Regardless of sharing quite a few similarities with its Cupra stablemates, the Ateca has turn out to be the black sheep of the household for the Spanish marque.

It’s the slowest-selling mannequin in Cupra’s native line-up, and probably the most standard from a design standpoint.

Moreover, the Ateca is the final remaining Cupra constructed on the earlier era MQB platform, courting the mid-size SUV in comparison with the more energizing however equally sized Formentor, and the Leon and (electrical) Born hatchbacks.

With the brand new Terramar and Tavascan SUVs on their manner subsequent yr, it will be honest to imagine the Ateca’s days are numbered, however that’s not the case.

There’s life on this outdated canine but, and Cupra has launched a brand new base variant – the Ateca V.

With a detuned 140kW/320Nm powertrain and a pared again options checklist, the V doesn’t seem to vary the sport… till you get to its value. The Ateca V will probably be supplied for lower than $50,000 drive-away, making it the most cost effective SUV within the Cupra line-up.

Is it sufficient to spike gross sales and additional delay the Ateca’s lifespan? And is it the most effective worth SUV within the Cupra vary?

How a lot does the Cupra Ateca price?

The brand new Ateca V undercuts the flagship VZx by greater than $19,000, not less than initially.

Cupra is providing a nationwide drive-away value of $49,888 for the Ateca till the top of 2024, at which level pricing for the bottom mannequin will probably be reviewed.

To see how the Cupra Ateca traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability software.

What’s the Cupra Ateca like on the within?

The inside of the Ateca is a throwback to previous-generation Volkswagen Group merchandise in some ways, for each higher and worse.

On one hand, the tactility of bodily buttons and switches is a welcome blast from the previous, in distinction to the haptic controls and touchscreen integration that has turn out to be insidious in 2024.

It’s simple to function the controls within the Ateca – all are clearly seen and effectively labelled, which might’t be stated of many fashionable vehicles. Nonetheless, producers do have their causes for hiding key inside features, specifically design.

The array of buttons and dials that represent the dual-zone local weather controls are slightly unpleasant, and definitely much less interesting than among the swooping centre stack layouts you see elsewhere.

It’s a setup that dates the automobile visually, regardless of being useful and preferable to many consumers.

The Ateca can also be behind the sport from a screens perspective.

All variants are outfitted with a 9.2-inch infotainment touchscreen and 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, each of that are small for the section. Nonetheless, I’m happy to report {that a} display screen measuring contest doesn’t inform the complete story right here.

Each shows are seamlessly built-in into the sprint, scoring them fashion factors, and the graphics are sharp.

The centre infotainment display screen is aware of the contact, presenting with an app grid format that will probably be acquainted to anybody who owns a smartphone.

Haptic buttons for audio quantity, bluetooth settings and the native navigation system are situated to the left of the display screen, additionally contributing to user-friendliness.

Wi-fi smartphone mirroring comes as customary, though the connection wasn’t fully dependable in my expertise, susceptible to occasional dropouts and glitches. 

A number of cellular gadgets will be charged concurrently through a pair of USB-C retailers, a 12V socket, and a wi-fi charging pad situated underneath the centre stack. I discovered the latter to be ineffective, taking a number of hours to cost my iPhone.

I additionally take problem with the digicam tech within the Ateca – earlier than choices, the V lacks a surround-view digicam and solely presents a grainy reversing digicam with entrance and rear parking sensors.

It’s odd contemplating the inclusion of devoted off-road and efficiency shows, that are much less related to each day driving. In equity, a G-force meter is useful throughout a backroad blast.

The instrument cluster additionally has spirited driving in thoughts, with a really conventional tachometer and speedometer format by default.

4 sporty layouts can be found, marking a stage of customisation that retains issues contemporary with out crossing into overwhelming territory. How ever you select to setup the display screen, it stays simple to digest.

The Ateca V options an eight-speaker sound system, with the choice to spend up for a nine-speaker Beats association (customary on the VZx). I wouldn’t trouble forking out the distinction, because the Beats ‘improve’ left me disillusioned.

Whereas the know-how within the Ateca may do with a spruce up, the remainder of the cabin ain’t broke, so why trouble fixing it?

The closely bolstered, leather-clad sports activities seats have been extremely accommodating to my six-one body, however wider drivers might push the consolation boundary. In spite of everything, the seats are constructed to carry occupants in place whereas providing help for lengthy journeys.

No matter trim stage, each entrance pews have three-stage heating, and the driving force is afforded electrical adjustment with lumbar. Commonplace spec extends to a heated and perforated leather-trimmed steering wheel, which could be very helpful to have on chilly winter mornings (pardon the pun).

Snug and cosy are the most effective descriptions for the Ateca’s inside, which is trimmed fully in black with copper accents.

Darkish and brooding maybe, however the addition of black leather-based differentiates the V from the VZx, which options Cupra’s trademark petrol blue leather-based. If you wish to lighten issues up, a panoramic sunroof will be optioned on each Ateca variants for $1850.

High quality of supplies is combined throughout the board – I like the carbon-fibre weave-look flooring mats and steering wheel, however scratchy plastics on the centre tunnel and decrease part of the sprint damage perceived high quality.

Importantly, frequent contact factors such because the centre armrest and higher door trims are completed in gentle leather-based. Construct high quality is stable too.

Entrance-row storage consists of a deep armrest bin, roomy door cubbies, a big glovebox with built-in valuables tray, and a sun shades holder.

Whereas it’s robust to fault passenger consolation within the entrance seats of the Ateca, the again row is slightly restrictive on this regard.

Taller adults will wrestle for legroom, as I did, though most underneath six-foot ought to match simply high quality. The seat backs are completed in gentle supplies so it gained’t damage passengers to press their knees towards them, and toe room is plentiful.

Headroom shouldn’t be a difficulty for people underneath six-five, however the area feels a bit claustrophobic regardless.

Facilities for rear passengers embody a pair of USB-C retailers, a small storage compartment beneath, twin air vents with fan controls, map pockets, and customary door bins.

With the center seat free, the centre armrest will be folded right down to reveal built-in cupholders.

The second row may dropped fully, unlocking further cargo room on prime of Cupra’s 485L boot area declare.

It’s an even bigger boot than you get within the Formentor, however smaller than different rivals from the Volkswagen Group secure.

When it comes to options, the boot is supplied with an influence tailgate, facet pockets, a trio of top-tether factors for youngster seats, and a small door by way of to the cabin that’s excellent for a set of skis.

An area-saver spare wheel will be discovered underneath the boot flooring within the case of an emergency.

To see how the Cupra Ateca traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability software.

What’s underneath the bonnet?

All 2025 Cupra Ateca fashions are powered by the VW Group’s venerable EA888 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine.

It’s obtainable in two states of tune – the V has been detuned to supply 140kW and 320Nm, whereas the VZx outputs an unchanged 221kW and 400Nm.

Throughout the vary, drive is shipped to all 4 wheels through a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch computerized transmission. Cupra claims the Ateca V will sprint from 0-100km/h in 7.2 seconds, wanting the 4.9 seconds claimed for the VZx.

To see how the Cupra Ateca traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability software.

How does the Cupra Ateca drive?

The V and VZx are poles aside when it comes to efficiency, however they each share the identical candy driving dynamics that separate the Ateca from its rivals.

Whereas the VZx is a rounded efficiency SUV with shove and agility in equal measure, the brand new V focuses on the latter, providing a package deal to swimsuit SUV consumers who need one thing that’s sporty with out extra.

Don’t get me incorrect, the V nonetheless feels fast when pulling away from visitors lights or out of a low-speed nook, nevertheless it doesn’t provide the impression that you just’re lacking out on one thing by sticking to freeway velocity limits.

It by no means kicks you within the again on throttle, and doesn’t ship the intoxicating exhaust ‘farts’ of its gym-junkie sibling. That’s earlier than you add the elective titanium Akrapovic exhaust system, which wasn’t fitted to our take a look at automobile.

The place the 221kW VZx is a scorching SUV that feels able to launch at a second’s discover, the V is a heat one. No less than till you get to a good set of twisty roads.

That’s the place the Ateca V makes simply as a lot sense as a driver’s selection, because it retains virtually all of the dealing with qualities of the dearer VZx.

For an SUV, the V handles prefer it’s on rails, with countless all-wheel drive grip and minimal lean.

When authorized and protected, you possibly can comfortably carry triple-figure speeds by way of sweeping bends, which is an absolute hoot. By fashionable requirements, the Ateca is a comparatively mild factor at simply over 1600kg, and it feels actually nimble each on the town and outdoors metropolis limits.

As customary, the V misses out on the additional drive modes afforded by Adaptive Chassis Management (ACC), which limits the configurability of the driving expertise. It means no Cupra mode, with its dialled-in steering and sharp throttle management, nor the consolation that comes with the softest obtainable setup.

Fairly than counting on Cupra software program on a spirited drive, you possibly can take transmission issues into your personal fingers by driving the Ateca in guide mode utilizing plastic shift paddles behind the steering wheel. The paddles are tactile and responsive – a win for the V.

The passive suspension setup within the V finds a stable center floor between sporty firmness and each day liveability, however it will be good to faucet into the Jekyll and Hyde character inherent to the VZx. In Consolation mode the VZx turns into noticeably softer, absorbing street imperfections with a minimal of fuss.

However, the V bobbles over lumps and bumps, which wouldn’t be a deal-breaker for me personally. In spite of everything, you purchase the Ateca since you need a sporty household automobile, not a lounge on wheels.

Regardless, ACC is included within the Tech Pack, which is a $2950 possibility field value ticking in case you plan to show your Ateca to a variety of street surfaces and driving situations.

So, it’s settled. The Ateca is an excellent dealing with SUV whatever the badge on the again. However how does it fare when cruising on the freeway?

As beforehand talked about, the journey is firmer than related automobiles with much less of a efficiency focus. Street noise is one other level of weak point for the Ateca. No matter variant, tyre roar is pronounced on the 19-inch alloys, though wind noise is saved to a minimal.

Cupra’s suite of driver assists does job of holding you on the straight and slender with out ever drifting into overbearing territory.

Journey Help combines adaptive cruise management and lane-keep help to take care of a cushty cruise with restricted driver inputs, solely often straying too near driver-side lane markings.

Pointless beeps and bongs are few and much between – the driving force monitoring system is very intuitive.

Aspect- and rear-view mirror visibility is nice, and blind-spot monitoring is there to assist.

Shifting to city environments, the Ateca stays pleasurable to drive and straightforward to dwell with.

Even in Consolation mode, the throttle pedal within the VZx is slightly delicate at low speeds, however neither the VZx nor V undergo from the identical DSG transmission clunkiness as another Volkswagen Group merchandise. When you’re on the transfer, the gearbox bangs by way of ratios seamlessly.

Each variants are responsive between 0-60km/h, and the Ateca presents a cushty and barely elevated seating place.

Gas financial system is stable throughout the vary too, contemplating the efficiency on provide. After lengthy stints of combined driving, I averaged 7.7L/100km within the V, and eight.3L/100km within the VZx.

Relating to parking, the athletic Cupra advantages from its compact dimensions, plus a slew of cameras and sensors. With that stated, the surround-view digicam isn’t the most effective going round, transmitting low decision footage to the infotainment display screen.

However the place it counts, the Ateca is nearly class-leading as a driving machine.

What do you get?

With the introduction of the entry-level Ateca V, two variants at the moment are supplied.

Ateca V highlights:

• 19-inch alloy wheels in black and silver
• Progressive steering
• 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit digital instrument cluster
• Wi-fi telephone charging
• Digital DAB+ radio
• Semi-autonomous parking help
• Fingers-free energy tailgate
• Energy driver’s seat with reminiscence
• Heated entrance seats
• Black leather-based upholstery
• Keyless entry and begin
• Twin-zone local weather management
• Ambient lighting
• Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel and shifter
• Heated steering wheel
• Illuminated sill plates
• Aluminium pedals
• Heated, power-folding exterior mirrors with reminiscence
• 4 x USB-C retailers (two entrance, two rear)
• Computerized headlights
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Paddle shifters
• Rear privateness glass
• LED headlights
• Fog lights with cornering lights
• Computerized high-beam
• 18-inch non permanent spare
• Hidden exhaust
• 8-speaker sound system

Ateca VZx provides:

• 19-inch alloy wheels in black and copper
• Dynamic Chassis Management
• Supersport steering wheel with drive profile, engine-start satellite tv for pc buttons
• Quad exhaust retailers
• Petrol Blue leather-based upholstery
• 9-speaker Beats sound system

Choices

The next choices can be found on the Ateca:

• Akrapovic exhaust: $5950 (VZx)
• Brembo brake package deal (replaces spare with tyre restore package): $4050 (VZx)
• Tech pack: $2950 (V)
  • Encompass-view digicam
  • Beats 9-speaker sound system
  • Dynamic Chassis Management
• Electrical panoramic sunroof: $1850
• Premium metallic paint: $490

Is the Cupra Ateca protected?

The Cupra Ateca is presently unrated by each ANCAP and its European counterpart, Euro NCAP.

Commonplace security gear contains:

• AEB with pedestrian and bicycle owner detection
• Adaptive cruise management
• Journey Help
• Entrance help
• Park help
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Lane maintain help
• Driver fatigue detection
• Protected exit warning
• Reversing digicam
• Entrance and rear parking sensors
• 7 airbags
• 2 x ISOFIX
• 3 x prime tether factors

VZx provides:

How a lot does the Cupra Ateca price to run?

The Cupra Ateca is roofed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.

Upkeep is required each 12 months or 15,000km. Final yr Cupra eliminated its three years of free servicing for purchasers. Prospects can buy a service pack for $990 for 3 years or $1990 for 5 years of servicing.

To see how the Cupra Ateca traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability software.

CarExpert’s Tackle the Cupra Ateca

By lowering the price of entry by almost $20,000 with the Ateca V, Cupra has opened up its most mass market-friendly mannequin to, effectively… the plenty.

The brand new entry-level Ateca V presents the identical succesful chassis and suave styling because the longstanding VZx, with out the hefty price ticket.

For sub-$50k, you merely gained’t discover an SUV as partaking behind the wheel because the Ateca, interval.

Having stated that, SUV consumers drawn to the Ateca by its look alone greatest be cautious. If carving nation roads isn’t on the agenda, loads of rivals have the Ateca coated for inside tech and area.

And stepping as much as the VZx comes with its fair proportion of professionals and cons.

You achieve the fizz of the full-fat 221kW engine paired with a fruitier exhaust, which dials driving thrills as much as 11. Different fascinating upgrades embody adaptive dampers and Cupra’s trademark blue leather-based inside.

Nonetheless, at $70,000 the VZx has some critical competitors from kinfolk each shut and unfastened within the sporty SUV area.

The Cupra Formentor VZx is sleeker, extra purposeful, and boasts higher tech. Inside area might undergo considerably, however the second row within the Ateca is hardly palatial.

Elsewhere within the Volkswagen Group catalogue, the VW T-Roc R and Audi SQ2 pair the identical underpinnings with understated German luxurious.

Electrical options shouldn’t be neglected, both. The platform-sharing Good Brabus vary and Volvo EX30 are daring just like the VZx, with superior straight-line velocity.

As such, it’s far simpler to suggest the V to consumers chasing a household SUV that may reinvigorate their each day drive. Afforded an even bigger, VZx-sized price range, I’d most likely lean in the direction of a top-spec Formentor.

Keen on shopping for a Cupra Ateca? Get in contact with one in all CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here.

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