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By
Jeremy Webb
on
20th August 2024
I must start with a confession.
I have a Spanish mistress, and she captivates me. The trouble is I only get to see her a few times a year and for short meets. When I do, we have a fantastic time and make the most of every day, often spending hours in the country travelling through counties. The Spanish Siren that keeps pulling me back is the Cupra brand which I find utterly desirable.
The latest temptress I have been testing is the Cupra Ateca, a mid-sized SUV, the luxury, sporty version of the SEAT Ateca, which is proving popular.
The Cupra Ateca SUV first arrived in the country with one available version: four-wheel drive and a hefty 296bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine. Now, two other petrol engines can be chosen, and they have 148bhp and 187bhp. It entered a market competing against the Ford Puma ST and the VW T-Roc R, and now, it has rivals from Peugeot, with the 3008 and the Audi Q3.
The Cupra Ateca's entry-level 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol, called the 1.5 Eco TSI 150, in the middle is the 187bhp 2.0-litre engine 2.0 Eco TSI 190, and the all guns blazing is the 300 with 296bhp and 295 lb-ft of torque on tap. Select a mode called Cupra and activate the launch control function; the 300 can sprint to 60mph from rest in just 4.7 seconds, and what fun it is.
The 1.5 Eco TSI 150 and the 2.0 Eco TSI 190 handle almost identically to the Seat Ateca FR, with precise steering, plenty of grip, little body lean, and you can position the car precisely.
The 300 is even better with a lower and stiffer suspension set-up, controlling the car even more effectively through fast corners. It allows you to carry some serious speed through the twisties. Combine this with excellent coping of battered road surfaces, and you can push the 300 hard or soak up the miles cruising along. There is a little road noise at motorway speeds, but all the engines are surprisingly quiet cruising.
I love the driving position; visibility is good and improved by standard-fit front and rear parking sensors. V2 trim and above includes a rear-view camera, and 300 models get a 360-degree bird's eye view camera. The standard digital instrument dials are clear, and the dashboard's mix of physical controls and digital displays is user-friendly. Interior trims are the VZ3 and VZN trims only available with the range-topping 300 engine. You get two buttons on your steering wheel: one for the driving modes and the other for the start/stop.
You feel comfortable and secure in the standard-fit bucket seats, which hold you in place well through corners and prevent numbness on long trips.
In the Cupra Ateca, you have a 9.2-inch infotainment system as standard with sat-nav, voice control, online traffic information, and a wireless phone charger
Space-wise, the Cupra Ateca isn't as large as the VW Tiguan R, but it is roomy compared with the BMW X2 M35i. Front occupants have lots of headroom, and the seats slide back a long way. All passengers will find various storage spots for bits and bobs essential for any journey. In the back, there aren't reclining seats, but there is still plenty of room above and to the side.
If the car is fully occupied, you need more room for their school bags, sports kit, DIY or shopping. The Cupra Ateca has a 485-litre boot, more luggage space than the Audi SQ2 and the VW T-Roc R, and should hold enough luggage for a family of four on a week's holiday. I loaded the Cupra Ateca with two pushchairs and baby bags and added to this with a weekly shop with significant bags.
The 1.5-litre is the only model with an official fuel economy figure of more than 40mpg. The 190 TSI dips to the mid-30s, while the 300 is around 30mpg, but you buy this model for the power and not the efficiency.
You get a lot for your money with safety aids and technology across all trim levels. The entry-level VZ1 trim includes 19 inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and start, a heated steering wheel, adaptive suspension, a self-parking feature, all the infotainment kit and automatic emergency braking. Opt for the VZ2; you get electric and heated bucket seats, leather upholstery, a powered tailgate, and a Safe and Driving Pack, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and other safety features. On the V23 trim, there are Brembo brakes and 19-inch copper alloy wheels, while the range-topping VZN gets 2-inch copper alloy wheels, a BeatsAudio sound system, a panoramic sunroof and metallic paint.
My passion for Cupra cars is strong, and I love driving them. You will feel the same once you drive one, as all models are temptresses. Owning one will bring much pleasure, although you may find others in the family wanting to share her.
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