In accepting that SUVs are the ‘new’ family cars, it is inevitable that spikier sports variants will join the throngs. For the Spanish arm of the immense VW corporation, Cupra (which is an abbreviation of ‘Cup Racing’) is synonymous with Seat’s more sporting endeavours. To be frank, while saying Seat Ateca sounds eminently normal, renaming it Cupra Ateca, in this form, when it is hardly a DS, or Lexus, but is more of an AMG, or Schnitzer, seems a touch superfluous.
Truth is, the car is a ‘parts-bins-special’. Clad a Golf R platform in an Ateca SUV body and you will have a Cupra Ateca, complete with 4WD, 296bhp, Alcantara upholstery and focused suspension settings. Priced at £3,835 more than the most expensive regular Ateca (prior to discounts being applied) and £1,705 more than a 306bhp Golf R estate, its £37,830 price tag (including the Comfort & Sound Pack at £1,930) struggles on the Seat value front. The brand change is needed clearly.
However, indulge in its ‘launch control’ and the Cupra will crack the 0-60mph sprint in a seriously rapid 4.4s, on its way to a top speed nudging 160mph, driving all four wheels through a 7-speed automated-manual gearbox, complete with paddle shifts. Yet, it is a strangely refined sensation, as its four exhaust tailpipes are not accompanied by the ‘pops and bangs’ so typical of other sporting hatches. To give it its due, despite the inevitably raised centre-of-gravity, this version of Ateca rides most acceptably on its 19.0-inch diameter alloy wheels and its handling is as dialled-in accurate as any sports model ought to be. It also manages to ride firmly on its adaptive dampers, without making occupants feel an uncomfortable edge.
Crack open the electrically-operated hatchback and its boot space is enormous, augmented by the 60:40-split rear bench. The cabin is also a roomy place to reside, whether up front, or in the rear. Its dashboard instrumentation can be tailored to the current VW vogue for alternative digital displays and the centre console touch-screen also features a lap-timer, or off-road dynamic details, if you desire them. It is very well-equipped, as it ought to be at the price.
Yet, put into perspective, despite its 168g/km CO2 rating and a posted fuel economy figure of 31.7mpg (although I had no struggle exceeding 37.6mpg), the first dedicated member of the Cupra brand will outgun the truly grim Honda Civic Type-R in almost any respect. It is beautifully assembled, comfortable and moderate fun to live with, even though its chassis dynamics carry an inevitable compromise. It does represent the pinnacle of the sub-£40k sporting SUV arena, a factor that is much in its favour and it makes a Porsche Macan look sorely over-priced.
