Cupra is about to launch up to date variations of its Leon hatchback and Formentor crossover quickly, but it surely has additionally launched a new entry-level model of the oldest mannequin it presently gives in Australia, the Cupra Ateca mid-sized SUV.
The Ateca helped launch the sporty Volkswagen Group-owned model Down Underneath in 2022, pre-dating different nameplates within the present vary such because the Formentor and Born.
The Ateca V was launched domestically late final yr and it’s the Spanish counterpart to the likes of the Audi Q2 40 TFSI, Skoda Karoq Sportline 4×4 and Volkswagen T-Roc R-Line.
All of those automobiles are powered by the identical Volkswagen Group 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol EA888 engine, producing 140kW of energy and 320Nm of torque.
Whereas the Ateca V launched at $49,888 drive-away, this pricing provide lapsed on December 31, 2024, and it’s now priced from $51,990 drive-away.
Cupra Australia has confirmed the Ateca, which dates again to 2016 in SEAT kind and 2018 in Cupra kind, will likely be not directly changed by the Volkswagen Tiguan-sized Terramar, which is about to reach in Australia later in 2025. However the Ateca will proceed to be obtainable alongside Terramar till at the least the top of this yr.
Within the meantime, does this new entry-level Ateca V have sufficient Spanish aptitude to make it stand out from the gang? Learn alongside to seek out out.
How does the Cupra Ateca evaluate?
View an in depth breakdown of the Cupra Ateca towards equally sized automobiles.
Cupra
Ateca
How a lot does the Cupra Ateca price?
The bottom Cupra Ateca V now prices $2102 greater than it did when it was launched right here in late 2024.
There’s no present deal on this mannequin, however the top-spec Ateca VZx will be had for $61,750 drive-away till March 31. This can be a low cost of $7240.
| Mannequin | Drive-away pricing |
|---|---|
| 2025 Cupra Ateca V | $51,990 |
| 2025 Cupra Ateca VZx | $68,990 ($61,750 till March 31) |
To see how the Cupra Ateca stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
What’s the Cupra Ateca like on the within?
The Ateca’s cabin is refreshing old-school with loads of bodily {hardware}, particularly in an age when quite a few different carmakers, together with Cupra itself, are integrating extra capabilities into the touchscreen.
Like just about all crossover SUVs, the Ateca is a simple car to get out and in of due to its larger experience top. You may see why folks with poor mobility are attracted to those sorts of automobiles since you don’t have to climb up or down, and may as an alternative slide throughout into the seats.
When you’re within the driver’s seat, you sit up excessive and have an incredible view on the street forward. It’s a commanding place to be and it brings a king-of-the-road feeling that’s frequent in quite a few high-riding crossover SUVs.
As normal, the bottom Ateca V comes with black leather-based upholstered seats that don’t look as cool or distinctive because the Petrol Blue ones within the top-spec VZx. Fortunately, they maintain the sporty bucket-like design, so you might have loads of assist.
One thing that at all times surprises me with Cupra seats is that though they give the impression of being sporty, they’re additionally snug. The top restraint specifically, although it’s fastened to the backrest and may’t be adjusted, is super-soft, virtually like a Kia Carnival’s.
The motive force’s seat comes with electrical adjustment as normal, which is a rarity in an entry-level car, together with place reminiscence. It adjusts in many various methods, and specifically I respect how a lot thigh assist you may dial in.
Forward of the motive force is one among my favorite steering wheels in a mainstream car. It has a skinny rim that matches properly in hand, plus the leather-based wrapping feels luxurious.
The primary cause I like this steering wheel, nonetheless, is the variety of bodily buttons it incorporates. They’re clearly labelled and have a squishy but satisfying click on when pressed.
A wierd omission, nonetheless, is the shortage of a devoted telephone name reply and hang-up button, particularly given there are buttons for just about each different perform, together with the voice help. What it’s important to do as an alternative while you get a name is use within the right-hand aspect scroll wheel, which may typically be a faff as a result of you want to scroll earlier than pushing it in.
Behind the steering wheel is a ten.25-inch digital instrument cluster that’ll look acquainted should you’ve pushed every other Cupra car earlier than. Like many different Volkswagen Group automobiles, it’s top-notch for the phase.
The show itself is crisp and vivid, plus there are quite a few layouts to select from. One seems to be eerily just like the Audi R8’s, which is my private favorite.
Shifting throughout, the 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system is sweet, but it surely doesn’t look practically as present because the bigger, extra tablet-like 12-inch touchscreen within the Formentor and Leon.
Fortunately, it seems the Ateca and each these aforementioned Cupras share the identical infotainment software program, so regardless of the differing display sizes, their menu interfaces look the identical.
Navigating round this method isn’t instantly clear and may take a little bit of time to study. For instance, one thing that took me ages to seek out was the menu for adjusting the sound system’s equaliser.
In contrast to within the Formentor and Leon, there are touch-sensitive buttons beside the touchscreen for altering the quantity, which is arguably so much simpler than utilizing the contact slider in these automobiles.
One other main distinction is the Ateca comes with a correct bodily local weather management setup with dials and buttons, in contrast to different Cupras which have this built-in into the touchscreen, bar a few touch-sensitive sliders.
This explicit format dates again to the Mk7 Golf, however that’s not a nasty factor as a result of it really works completely and is extremely straightforward to make use of and perceive.
As normal, the Ateca V comes with each wired and wi-fi types of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With my iPhone 15 Professional Max linked wirelessly, I didn’t expertise any main points, although on one explicit journey the infotainment system refused to attach with my telephone.
There’s a wi-fi telephone charger on the entrance of the centre console space, which is useful to have, but it surely’s not ventilated and tended to overheat my telephone. If you want to maintain your telephone battery topped on longer journeys, fortunately there are two USB-C ports, plus a 12V socket in the identical location.
Trying across the cabin, there are disappointingly a whole lot of onerous, scratchy plastics. It’s clear Cupra has lower prices in sure areas so it could actually retain the flamboyant seats and steering wheel. Fortunately, the principle areas that you simply contact, together with the armrests, are tender and spongey.
Talking of the armrests, the centre unit each extends and ratchets up so you could find your excellent place. That is one among my favorite options in quite a few Volkswagen Group automobiles, and I’m glad it’s current within the Ateca V.
In contrast to the top-spec VZx, the V’s inside is a little bit drab and darkish given all the things is completed in black. There may be the odd copper lashing on the steering wheel and air vents, however they’re solely minor highlights.
Our tester was outfitted with the elective glass panoramic sunroof, which fortunately makes the cabin a a lot airier house to be. It doesn’t really feel fairly as claustrophobic as some automobiles with all-black interiors do.
The centre console space on this automotive is conventional, and contains a big gear selector and a spherical dial for the drive modes. It’s a refreshing change from the unsatisfying gear shift nubs different Volkswagen Group automobiles have.
By way of storage up entrance there are two cupholders on the centre console, that are totally different sizes, plus decently sized door pockets which might be sadly not felt-lined like they’re in different Volkswagen Group automobiles.
Hopping into the second row is simply as straightforward as entering into the entrance. When you’re again there, there’s an honest quantity of room for adults to sit down behind adults.
It’s really a pleasant place to be, although frontward visibility is impeded barely by the sporty bucket entrance seats. This can be a pink flag for kiddies who’re liable to carsickness.
Two folks will in a position to match wonderful, although pushing it to a few abreast will get squishy. The center passenger may also must cope with the chunky transmission tunnel hump, which isn’t enjoyable.
By way of second-row facilities, there are air vents and USB-C ports on the again of the centre console, map pockets on each entrance seat backs, smallish door pockets, plus a fold-down armrest with cupholders.
There are additionally the requisite ISOFIX little one seat anchor factors on the 2 outboard seats, plus top-tether factors on all three rear seats.
Across the again, the Ateca V comes normal with an influence tailgate that opens shortly and quietly, identical to any energy tailgate ought to. It additionally has a hands-free perform, which is useful should you’ve bought your fingers full.
As soon as it’s open, the boot house on provide is beneficiant. Cupra claims there’s 485L of boot house with the rear seats upright, which is so much for the small SUV phase.
Within the boot is the place you see the complete results of cost-cutting. There are barely any facilities aside from small nooks off to the aspect and tabs to fold down the 60/40-split rear seats.
Once you do fold the rear seats the cargo ground is disappointingly not flat. The distinction between the boot top and seat top isn’t overly giant, but it surely’s value protecting in thoughts should you frequent IKEA.
Lastly, the Ateca V comes with a space-saver spare wheel as normal. Whereas this isn’t as useful as a correct full-size spare, it’s extra dependable than a can of goo should you ever have a puncture and nonetheless have to make your manner house.
| Dimensions | Cupra Ateca V |
|---|---|
| Size | 4381mm |
| Width | 1841mm |
| Top | 1625mm |
| Wheelbase | 2630mm |
| Cargo capability | 485L |
To see how the Cupra Ateca stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
What’s below the bonnet?
The Cupra Ateca V is powered by a model of the Volkswagen Group’s venerable EA888 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder. This precise engine and tune can be supplied within the Audi Q2 40 TFSI, Cupra Formentor V, Skoda Karoq Sportline 4×4, and Volkswagen T-Roc R-Line, amongst others.
| Specs | Cupra Ateca V |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L 4cyl turbo-petrol |
| Energy | 140kW (4200-6000rpm) |
| Torque | 320Nm (1500-4100rpm) |
| Transmission | 7-speed DSG |
| Pushed wheels | All-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1614kg |
| Gasoline financial system (claimed) | 7.1L/100km |
| Gasoline financial system (as examined) | 8.0L/100km (200km) |
| Gasoline tank capability | 55L |
| Gasoline requirement | 95 RON |
| CO2 emissions | 160g/km |
| Emissions normal | Euro 6 |
| Braked tow capability | 1900kg |
To see how the Cupra Ateca stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
How does the Cupra Ateca drive?
To begin up the Cupra Ateca V, you press a button on the centre console, which isn’t revolutionary but it surely doesn’t really feel fairly as particular because the VZx’s steering wheel-mounted starter.
When the turbo-petrol engine fires up there’s a candy rev blip, which sounds good contained in the cabin. As soon as this subsides the engine settles right into a quiet idle.
Setting off, there’s first rate acceleration that gained’t blow your socks off except you plant your foot onerous. It’ll sustain with different site visitors with no issues in any respect, and pull forward from a standstill should you partake in traffic-light grands prix.
Whereas Cupra is a sporty model, you typically have to power this engine to convey out its greatest efficiency traits. In regular ‘Consolation’ mode it prefers docile throttle inputs, leading to straightforward, easy driving. It additionally lets you lean into the wealth of torque obtainable from simply above idle.
As normal, there’s a seven-speed dual-clutch automated transmission which is up there as one among my favourites as a result of it doesn’t hesitate or lurch like some others can. Volkswagen Group automobiles have been the benchmark for silky clean dual-clutches for years now.
In follow, the dual-clutch auto likes to shift as much as second gear as shortly as doable to scale back gas consumption. The automotive will even attempt to set off in second gear if doable, as a result of first gear could be very brief.
Slotting into the ‘Sport’ drive mode is simple due to the tactile rotary dial. Once you do that, the automotive’s character adjustments, hunkering down and making ready to assault – it’s now not a home cat able to catching a mouse, however now a feral cat that might rip your face off.
The turbo-four feels stronger and, due to the all-wheel drive system, you may slingshot away from the lights and tight turns. It feels fast in isolation, however in comparison with the extra highly effective Ateca VZx it’s nowhere close to as fast.
The Ateca V misses out the hi-po ‘Cupra’ drive mode that turns all the things as much as 11. This isn’t stunning, nonetheless, given it’s a base mannequin.
Round city the suspension is fantastically snug, which is stunning given the big 19-inch alloy wheels and low-profile tyres. It’s made higher due to the adaptive dampers (aka Dynamic Chassis Management), which is aside of the $2950 Tech Pack, as they absorb virtually all pimply city street imperfections.
Whatever the drive mode there’s gentle and direct steering at low speeds, making the automotive really feel extra manoeuvrable, particularly in tight carparks.
As normal there are entrance and rear parking sensors, and a reversing digicam. It’s important to pay additional for a surround-view digicam with first rate high quality, as a part of the aforementioned Tech Pack.
There’s additionally an ordinary parking assistant that, like in different Volkswagen Group automobiles, isn’t essentially the most clever. To work correctly, it requires two automobiles so the automotive can park between them. Disappointingly, the system isn’t able to detecting parking spot traces.
Increase tempo within the Ateca V is simple and easy. It’ll fortunately cruise alongside at highways speeds in high gear, and solely drop down gears if actually wanted.
It doesn’t really feel such as you want extra energy, although what the Ateca VZx gives could be very interesting should you need that additional punch. It’s actually a need and never a necessity although.
Regardless, this automotive stretches its legs on the freeway, the place it turns into a snug open-road tourer and gas consumption additionally drops significantly.
At larger speeds the progressive steering system positive factors extra weight, making it extra rewarding to hyperlink up apexes on B-roads. In actual fact, this automotive is an excellent enjoyable, dynamic automotive to drive on twisty roads. Its stellar chassis tuning makes it really feel nimble not solely within the bends, however even in your regular every day commute.
You may inform this automotive desires to be pushed onerous at velocity and is able to doing so, however one of many few issues holding it again is outright engine energy when in comparison with the VZx.
Like many European automobiles, there’s a whole lot of street and tyre noise at larger speeds, although this may be drowned out by turning up the cracking sound system. The elective nine-speaker Beats sound system on this automotive fortunately is a banger.
On the protection entrance, the adaptive cruise management system is sweet at managing the gap between you and the automotive forward. It additionally doesn’t slam on the brakes when a automotive travelling barely sooner cuts in entrance of you.
An annoyance is the endeavor prevention function of the adaptive cruise management system, as lane etiquette is often forgotten in Australia. Fortunately, to override this all you want to is briefly prod the accelerator.
The lane-keep help system is essentially fairly good, although it could actually get confused on poorly marked roads and even freeway exits. In these moments the steering wheel vibrates and may typically jerk within the fallacious route.
I appreciated the Journey Help system, which pairs each adaptive cruise management and lane centring. It’s a useful function on clearly marked highways and freeways because it reduces driver fatigue.
Lastly, the Ateca V comes with vivid LED headlights as normal, that are nice when driving alongside dimly lit rural and outer-urban roads. It additionally gives automated high-beam, which is good to have, but it surely’s not fairly as useful as correct adaptive or matrix high-beam.
To see how the Cupra Ateca stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
What do you get?
Fairly a bit for a base mannequin.
2025 Cupra Ateca V gear highlights:
- 19-inch alloy wheels in black and silver
- 18-inch non permanent spare
- Hidden exhaust
- Fingers-free energy tailgate
- Automated LED headlights
- Automated high-beam
- Fog lights with cornering lights
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Rear privateness glass
- Heated, power-folding aspect mirrors with reminiscence
- 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit
- 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Digital DAB+ radio
- Wi-fi telephone charging
- 4 x USB-C retailers (2x entrance, 2x rear)
- 8-speaker sound system
- Keyless entry and begin
- Twin-zone local weather management
- Ambient lighting
- Paddle shifters
- Progressive steering
- Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel and shifter
- Heated steering wheel
- Illuminated sill plates
- Aluminium pedals
- Black leather-based upholstery
- Energy driver’s seat with reminiscence
- Heated entrance seats
Choices
The Cupra Ateca V is out there with a set of elective extras, and our tester was outfitted with all of them.
Tech Pack: $2950
- Encompass-view digicam
- Beats 9-speaker sound system
- Dynamic Chassis management
Different single choices embrace:
- Electrical panoramic sunroof: $1850
- Premium metallic paint: $490
To see how the Cupra Ateca stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
Is the Cupra Ateca secure?
The Cupra Ateca is presently unrated by each ANCAP and its European counterpart, Euro NCAP.
Normal security gear contains:
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Pedestrian, bicycle owner detection
- Adaptive cruise management
- Journey Help
- Entrance help
- Park help
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane maintain help
- Driver fatigue detection
- Secure exit warning
- Reversing digicam
- Entrance and rear parking sensors
- 7 airbags
VZx provides:
- Encompass-view digicam (additionally in Ateca V w/ Tech Pack)
To see how the Cupra Ateca stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
How a lot does the Cupra Ateca price to run?
The Cupra Ateca is roofed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.
| Servicing and Guarantee | Cupra Ateca |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 5 years, limitless kilometres |
| Roadside help | 5 years |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 3 or 5 years |
| Whole capped-price service price | $990 – 3 years $1990 – 5 years |
To see how the Cupra Ateca stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
CarExpert’s Tackle the Cupra Ateca V
In isolation, the Cupra Ateca V is a improbable medium SUV. It gives sufficient pep to really feel sporty, plus you may inform it desires to be pushed onerous, even when the engine does must be coaxed at occasions.
That is the proper possibility for these wanting a heat SUV that has the character of a scorching hatch, however the seating place of a bigger SUV.
The problem, nonetheless, is the existence of the extra highly effective Ateca VZx. It produces significantly extra energy, which actually isn’t a necessity, however for a lot of patrons it’s a need and it may be had with out breaking the financial institution.
Though the cabin is beginning to look its age, I respect how old-school the inside feels, even when the big quantity of more durable plastic screams cost-cutting. Particularly, I like how a lot bodily switchgear there’s for capabilities just like the local weather controls, amongst others.
The inside doesn’t look as flash when in comparison with newer Cupras, particularly with the tasteless black leather-based upholstery on this entry-level variant, but it surely’s very useful. You simply can’t beat bodily buttons, knobs and switches.
Lastly, the Ateca V has a whole lot of competitors in Australia, and a substantial variety of them are from competing Volkswagen Group manufacturers.
The Volkswagen T-Roc R-Line presently prices the identical because the Ateca V, and with the choices fitted to this tester it’s just about like-for-like with the Skoda Karoq Sportline 4×4.
Positive, there are many choices to select from, but when a sporty character is excessive on the listing for you, this automotive undoubtedly shouldn’t be missed as a result of as soon as you’re taking it for a spin you’ll be charmed.
Focused on shopping for a Cupra Ateca? Get in contact with one among CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here
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