Ford Everest vs Cupra Ateca

What's the difference?

Too often we see makes and models being treated to facelifts in the purest sense of the word. A new set of headlights, some flashy trim here and there and let’s call it a new model.

So, it’s a bit refreshing to see that this latest upgrade of the Ford Everest range has seen head office throw most of the money at the engineering department. Which, in this case, it’s used it to come up with a new entry-level four-cylinder turbo-diesel for the full-sized off-road SUV.

However, the difference here is the new engine makes less power and torque than the one it replaces. Significantly less, as it turns out. So what’s going on?

In a nutshell, this is Ford fitting a global engine to a global platform and using an engine that is theoretically more reliable and cheaper to produce. But while that might seem like a win for Ford, what does it mean for Everest buyers?

We’ve looked at the Everest range in its entirety here, but focussed our drive impressions on the new driveline that revolves around that new four-cylinder turbo-diesel.

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.