Published:
3 November 2023Novelty puddle lights, which typically shine a brand logo onto the ground as you unlock the car, have been fairly common features of mid-market cars looking to make an impression for a while now.
The Ateca’s problem, however, is that it’s no longer very clear what kind of impression it’s trying to make. Before Cupra came along, it might have shone some mildly racy car animation on the darkened ground, but instead it simply projects the word ‘Hola’ onto the pavement as you unlock it, the word presented in a large but otherwise blank, plain and stark-looking circle of light.
Once on the other side of the door, you find yourself in a cabin that seems competitively spacious and comfy by current compact SUV standards. Six-foot adults can sit comfortably one behind another, the back seats offering plenty of head room and decent – if not quite class-leading – leg room.
Meanwhile, there are two USB-C charging ports for those in the back, as well as usefully large door pockets, and a fold-down centre armrest with integrated cupholders.
The entry-level Ateca gets an 8.0in digital instrument pack and an 8.3in touchscreen infotainment system without factory navigation, but that does offer full wireless smartphone mirroring.
