Ever since the CUPRA Ateca was revealed, there has been considerable buzz about this intriguing new brand and its first performance SUV. Our road test team have spent plenty of time behind the wheel, but what do our Autocar and What Car? readers think of this pace-setting model?
We invited a mix of hot-hatch owners with growing families, and SUV owners looking for something practical and fun, to Castle Combe. With former rally driver turned rallycross commentator Andrew Coley on hand to help them push the limits, they had the chance to learn what the CUPRA Ateca can really do.
To learn more about the new CUPRA Ateca, head to cupraofficial.co.uk
First impressions count
For many of our readers, this was their first chance to see the CUPRA Ateca in the flesh – its sporty CUPRA touches (the stylish honeycomb grille, the prominent quad-exhaust, 19-inch diamond-cut alloys and the copper CUPRA badge) helping to mark this SUV out in a crowded sea of rivals.
There was also a lot of praise for the high-tech, driver-focused interior, with its large high-res digital dashboard, 8-inch touchscreen and smartphone connectivity letting you customise your view between 3D navigation or performance-focused dials.
Cosseting Alcantara sports seats, copper-stitching and carbon fibre-effect surfacing add a touch of modern premium quality, while a huge panoramic glass roof adds to the spacious feel. The CUPRA Ateca also boasts the practicality of an SUV – with plenty of rear legroom and a 485-litre luggage bay with an electric tailgate.
Steve Hyams (BMW X1): “My BMW X1 is a nice car, but it lacks oomph. I’m hoping the CUPRA Ateca will tick that last box. In terms of design, there’s not a lot you can do with an SUV, but the CUPRA detailing gives it an extra edge. It’s like a stealth fighter – it’s not shouting about itself.”
Terry Irvine (Volkswagen Passat): “It sits lower than I expected for an SUV, but it keeps those nice smooth lines. With the big copper wheels and CUPRA styling, it looks different to standard SUVs, but it’s not overly flashy.”
Jamie Hoyles (SEAT Leon Cupra): “The twin exhaust looks mean – like a bigger hot hatch. The infotainment system is great, and I love the digital cockpit.”
Dan Garnon (BMW 330e): “It’s a familiar silhouette, but the copper wheels make it stand out in a ubiquitous world of SUVs. Inside, there’s lots of boot space, and it’s easy to reach the roof if you want to put a box on top. But it’s got the performance to scale it up when you want to have some fun.”
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