New Cupra Ateca arrives in the UK
Say hello to the Cupra Ateca; the first model to be launched under the new, standalone Cupra brand. It’s priced at a very reasonable £35,900 OTR, offering pretty impressive bang for your buck.
It looks aggressive, and a 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine provides the performance to match. 300PS and 400Nm is sent to all four wheels. A 7-speed DSG ensures acceleration is swift: 0-62mph dealt with in just 5.2 seconds. The top speed is 153mph.
Part of the reason for that is a relatively low weight. The Cupra Ateca weighs 1,540kg without a driver. Launch control is cool, and effective, in equal measure.
Quad exhausts at the back promise a powerful sound, but we’ll wait to hear it for ourselves before we pass judgement on that. Hopefully it will live up to the promise of being lively and exciting.
It feels like a standalone car too. With Cupra body styling, exclusive diamond cut alloy wheels, glossy black exterior details and striking new Cupra logo and lettering, its identity is clear. This isn’t a Seat Ateca.
Inside you’ll find a leather sports steering wheel and black Alcantara sports seats embossed with Cupra logo. For £1,600 you can swap these out for sumptuous Cupra bucket seats. You know you want to…
Standard equipment includes keyless entry and go, wireless charging, 8-inch touchscreen system, Dynamic Chassis Control and Park Assist. There are also two option packs available to further spice up your Cupra Ateca.
The £1,930 Comfort & Sound pack includes Traffic sign recognition, Lane assist, High beam assist, Space-saver spare wheel, Electric tailgate, Beats audio system and heated front seats.
The £3,345 Design pack comprises 18-inch Brembo brakes, 19-inch exclusive copper wheels and Black interior styling. Opt for both packs and you’re at £41,175.
That creates a slight problem in that it takes the Cupra Ateca into the VED-surcharge misery, adding £310 to your annual VED for 5 years. But those Brembos may just be worth it…
Speaking of economy, the Cupra Ateca emits 168g/km CO2. On the combined cycle, fuel consumption is 38.2mpg. The latter figure will, no doubt, largely depend on your enthusiasm with the accelerator.
The Cupra Ateca may be a high-performer, but it is still a utility vehicle at heart. You can still have a towbar fitted. The Cupra Ateca can tow up to 2,100kg braked, and 750kg unbraked.
By the end of March 2019, there will be 25 specialist Cupra dealers in the UK. Included in the price is the ‘Cupra Care Package’. That is the first three manufacturer scheduled services and a brake fluid change, three years’ European roadside assistance and the first replacement of maintenance jobs including pollen filter, front brake pads and front wiper blades.
And if you’re especially keen, get in there quickly. The first 160 UK purchasers of a Cupra Ateca are in for a treat.
They will receive a limited-edition Cupra Member Box made from real carbon fibre and embossed with the Cupra logo. Inside, customers will find a high-quality carbon fibre Cupra key cover and a premium carbon fibre Cupra wristband.
If you want to find out more, head over to the Cupra website. We’re hoping to get a Cupra Ateca over to test in the new year, so keep an eye out for a review hitting this site.
