Having stated in a recent test of the Seat Ateca FR that it could almost represent the best performance SUV presently on sale, Seat has determined that a further honing exercise will harbour additional benefits. Unique in the market, the latest Cupra Ateca offers the highest performance of any SUV available outside of the premium manufacturers. Launched with a standout and all-inclusive package at a recommended retail price of £35,900, including metallic paint finish and Cupra Care service and maintenance included, it is almost as focused as a VW Golf R.

Its design boasts sporty, yet elegant features including Cupra body detailing, diamond cut alloy wheels, glossy black trims and the striking new Cupra logo and lettering. Lest we forget, Cupra has been introduced as a stand-alone brand within Seat’s line-up. It offers the precision and sportiness expected of a Cupra, combined with SUV practicality. 

The Cupra Ateca’s 2.0TSI turbo-petrol engine delivers 297bhp and 295lbs ft of torque. Technologically advanced, using well-tried VW Group engineering, it works with a newly-designed Otto Particulate Filter System that meets the latest WTLP emissions legislation. It is mated to a newly developed 7-speed DSG, sequential-manual, automated gearbox that has been redeveloped to offer a sportier gearbox feel, with faster, smoother and even more precise gearchanges, but at no cost to fuel efficiency. 

The Cupra Ateca also features 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 selected, to deliver power quickly and progressively at each moment to the wheels needing it. It is optimised to work together with all the driving modes: Normal, Sport, Individual, Snow, Off-Road and, of course, Cupra. Having selected the latter mode in the ‘Drive Profile’, the engine reacts instantly with a more refined sound and the adaptive suspension (Dynamic Chassis Control) set-up is adjusted to give a sportier edge to the car’s dynamics. 

This version of Ateca offers a striking exterior look. At the front, its upper grille features a honeycomb effect, with the new Cupra logo in the centre. Black brake callipers, a sporty rear bumper, the copper-highlighted CUPRA logo on the boot, the four exhaust tail-pipes and 19.0-inch diamond cut alloy wheels (20.0-inch optional) all enhance the car’s appearance. There is even a welcome light that shines the Cupra name and logo onto the ground, when the doors open. Six exterior body colours are available: Energy Blue, Velvet Red, Brilliant Silver, Rodium Grey, Magic Black and Nevada White.

The interior features a leather sports steering wheel, with copper stitching and inevitable Cupra logo. Black Alcantara-clad seats also feature copper stitching and an embossed logo, complemented by Alcantara door panels. The pedals are finished in aluminium and gloss black detailing proliferates around the car’s interior.

Thanks to a low centre of gravity and a suspension system that combines progressive fluency, with fast reacting and precise power steering, the car delivers exceptional dynamic behaviour and a compliant ride quality. It boasts a top speed of 153mph and a 0-60mph benchmark time of just 5.2s.

The Cupra Care package mentioned earlier includes the first three manufacturer scheduled services, featuring a brake fluid change, plus the vehicle’s first MOT, within the stated list price, before FCD discounts are applied. European roadside assistance coverage and maintenance jobs including brake repairs, wiper blades, air-con service and key batteries, as well as repairs to essential areas including engine, transmission, suspension, electrics and cooling are included.