The Cupra Ateca is the first car from Seat’s performance sub-brand
Seat’s performance division Cupra is now a manufacturer in its own right, and the Ateca SUV is its first car
The new Cupra Ateca has been revealed as the first car to come from Seat’s performance division since it became its own separate manufacturer.
The Cupra badge has traditionally been used for Seat’s go-faster models, but it was revealed last year that it would split off as a separate brand. Its remit is to build performance versions of Seat’s cars, though without any Seat badging, and to run Seat’s motorsport division.
Its first car is the Cupra Ateca, a high-performance mid-sized SUV. Under the bonnet sits a 2.0-litre petrol engine making 296bhp, which is shared with the Seat Leon Cupra and various other Volkswagen Group vehicles such as the Golf R.
Performance is impressive for what is a large car, with the 0-60mph sprint taking 5.2 seconds and a top speed registered at 152mph.
The engine’s mated to a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox, which Cupra says has been engineered to offer quicker and smoother changes. Power goes to all four wheels, and there are six drive modes to choose from – Cupra mode is for fast driving, improving engine response and volume, and stiffening the suspension.
On the outside, the regular Ateca has been given a mild reworking to give a sportier look, with a new body kit, black brake callipers, quad-exit exhaust and 19-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. The new Cupra logo, which is designed to look like a tribal drawing, is present in copper at the front, back and on the wheels.
Inside, Alcantara is used on the door panels and seat upholstery, the steering wheel is covered in leather, and various trim pieces are finished in gloss black. Copper Cupra logos are again used throughout.
Matthias Rabe, executive vice-president for research and development at Seat, said: “Cupra Ateca offers versatility like no other brand. It’s about a unique model in its segment, with 296bhp, 4Drive and a new seven-speed DSG gearbox. It is the best example of balance between sportsmanship, fun at the wheel and ease of use in everyday life.”
The Cupra brand has an aggressive growth strategy. At the Ateca’s launch in Barcelona, it revealed that it was working on hot versions of the Cupra hatchback and estate, and was taking over the Cupra TCR racing programme.
Cupra versions of the Ibiza and Arona are potentially in the works, as well as three as-yet unconfirmed models, which could take the range to 10 by the end of 2018.
