Cupra Ateca vs Audi RS Q3
What's the difference?

Cupra Ateca

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2025 price

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Audi RS Q3

$83,888 - $99,990

2023 price

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Summary

2025 Cupra Ateca

2023 Audi RS Q3

By Laura Berry

By James Cleary

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Turbo 5, 2.5L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

7.1L/100km (combined)

8.9L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

The 'mysterious' brand
Volkswagen quality and engineering
Lower price into the Ateca model

Dynamics
Refinement
Quality

Dislikes

Safety tech could be more cutting edge
Fuel economy on the high side
No head-up display

Front seats tricky to get in and out of
Sizeable turning circle
Only six airbags

2025 Cupra Ateca Summary

Not many people even know what a Cupra Ateca V is… and this is the second best thing about this small SUV. The first best thing is that Cupra is owned by Volkswagen.

So, this means you can have your mysterious SUV not many other people drive while knowing it’s underpinned by one of the largest car manufacturers in the world which makes cars millions of people drive and one which also has a reputation for high quality vehicles.

The big news here is the Ateca model range has a new and lower entry fee with the arrival of this V grade. See, until now the only Ateca Australians could buy is the high-performance VZx which while really sporty also came with a pretty big price tag.

So, how much is the Ateca V and what do you get for the money? We found this out at the Australian launch along with how practical and safe it is and what it’s like to drive.

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2023 Audi RS Q3 Summary

Is 10 years long enough for a special birthday celebration? When you're a kid, hitting 'double figures' is a pretty big deal, and Audi's obviously in the mood to make some noise because it has lit the candles on a limited 10th anniversary version of its compact SUV rocket ship, the RS Q3.

Only 555 examples of the 'RS Q3 Sportback edition 10 years' will be produced for worldwide consumption, with Audi Australia capturing a batch of them and sending one our way for a brief blast as the fiery five-cylinder starts filtering into dealerships.

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Cupra Ateca 2023 Audi RS Q3

Verdict

The Cupra Ateca V is a much needed more affordable way into this small SUV while still offering a high-end feeling with plenty of standard features. Yes, the V isn't as high-powered as the VZx but it's still great to drive in the city and on the open road. Big on the inside and small on the outside the Cupra Ateca can perform urban and (small) family duties well.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with accommodation and meals provided.

Verdict

The Audi RS Q3 Sportback edition 10 years is dynamically brilliant, beautifully finished and surprisingly civilised on day-to-day duty. A polished compact performance package that even in this special 'get-it-while-you-can' guise offers compelling value relative to its direct competitors.

Cupra Ateca vs Audi RS Q3 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Cupra Ateca vs Audi RS Q3
What's the difference?