Following on from its SEAT Ateca sister car, which has been freshened up with a new front-end look shared with the Leon and Tarraco, Cupra has unveiled its version of the popular SUV for 2020.
The copper-trimmed SUV was the Cupra’s first-ever model as part of the new and separate performance division, and has had a light nip and tuck here and there, stealing some tech from the new Cupra Leon and upcoming Formentor. The biggest difference is at the front, where the Ateca gets a more aggressive front bumper and revised full LED headlights.
A new design of wheels fashioned from a machined alloy are available with matching copper trimming – par for the course for Cupra – and full LED rear lights. Inside, the revamped Ateca also benefits from the steering wheel, 9.2-inch infotainment system and digital display from the latest Cupra Leon range. Along with that, new sports seats with Alcantara are standard.
What else is new?
Very little – this is a mid-life refresh that’s all about giving the new car a sales lift. The engine and transmission remain the same, so there’s a 300bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine under the bonnet, capable of giving the car hot hatch-style performance. Don’t believe us? The Cupra Ateca is capable of 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds and a maximum speed of 153mph.
No plug-in hybrid variant like the Leon or upcoming Formentor is available at launch, although they could come later, depending on demand and availability. Transmission is before, with power sent via a seven-seed dual clutch gearbox to its all-wheel drive system.
What this means for you
If you’re in the market for a super-quick SUV, and can’t stretch to a Porsche Macan or Audi SQ2, the Cupra Ateca is defintely the next best thing for you. The current model starts at a little over £38,000, but you don’t have to work too hard to get a discount on that.
Although prices are yet to be revealed for the 2020 model year, expect them to stay reasonably static in what could be a tough end to the year. Cupra says the refreshed Ateca will go on sale in the ‘third quarter’ of 2020, so that could also mean further discounts on the current car as dealers will be keen to clear out any lingering stock.
