The Cupra Ateca is the sporty Spanish brand’s small SUV model, sharing its VW Group underpinnings with the Skoda Karoq and VW T-Roc.
Unlike the larger Formentor or Tavascan which are Cupra exclusives, the Ateca has a more basic Seat-badged version in its home market.
The line-up currently starts at $51,990 for the Ateca V and ranges through to $63,490 for the range-topping Ateca Vzx.
The Cupra Ateca has a 485-litre boot.
The Ateca's interior feels sporty and high-end with dark-coloured materials used throughout the cabin. The entry grade V scores black leather upholstery as standard while the top-of-the-range VZx has 'Petrol Blue' leather seats.
How quickly can the Cupra Ateca sprint from 0-100km/h? Well, the entry grade V can do it in 7.2 seconds while the VZx can get there in 4.9 seconds. Top speeds are 212km/h for the V and 247km/h for the VZx.
The Cupra Ateca has a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine but the output depends on which grade you choose. In the entry-grade V this four-cylinder makes 140kW and 320Nm, while in the sporty VZx it makes 221kW and 400Nm.
The Ateca V might be less expensive than the sporty VZx but the features list is still impressive. Coming standard are 19-inch alloy wheels, sports bumpers, LED headlights, running lights and puddle lights. There’s a proximity key and power tailgate with gesture control, too.
Inside black leather upholstery is standard, so are heated front seats and steering wheel, there’s dual-zone climate control, a power driver’s seat, a 9.2-inch media display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10.25-inch digital driver's display, and wireless phone charging.
As for options, you can have a panoramic sunroof for $1850 and premium metallic paint for $490.
There’s also the optional 'Tech Package' for $2950 bringing a Beats stereo system and a 360-degree camera. But the best thing about the pack is it also adds dynamic chassis control which adds adaptive suspension, so when you select 'Comfort' mode the suspension becomes softer, and in 'Sport' mode the suspension firms for better handling.
The VZx comes with the features of the V but also adds quad exhaust, a 360-degree camera, a Beats sound system, dynamic chassis control, plus a higher output engine.
The Cupra Ateca is a five-seater small SUV featuring leather upholstery as standard even on the entry-grade V.