“I BET you’ve surprised a few people when you’ve pulled away from the lights in this,” said my pal Angus.
“Oh yes,” I smirked, as I showed him around the Cupra Ateca, in Comfort and Sound spec, that I had on test. “In fact, there was a guy in a sports coupe who came on to the bypass at the same time as me and the look on his face was priceless when I shot past him.”
For those not in the know, unlike my petrolhead friend Angus, Cupra is the recently formed standalone marque from the SEAT stable that will focus on making sporty machines.
And its take on the Ateca SUV from the Spanish car maker is the first Cupra model to hit our streets. So while to the unknowing it may look like just another crossover, it actually delivers an exhilarating drive.
In fact, its relatively modest looks belie the power on tap. That’s because under the bonnet there’s a potent 300PS 2.0-litre petrol engine mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. This propels the Cupra from a standing start to 62mph in just 5.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 153mph.
Adding to the fun are a sports suspension with dynamic chassis control, four-wheel drive and the choice of six drive modes – Comfort, Sport, Cupra, Individual, Offroad and Snow.
The driving position feels quite sporty and the response is instant at any level when you push the accelerator. The brakes are reassuringly crisp, the gear changes are satisfyingly racy and the steering feedback is simply superb.
The suspension is firm but not unpleasantly so – the supportive and comfortable seats no doubt helping. The 4WD system means grip is assured, allowing bends to be taken with confidence, and the car always feels well planted.
The engine and exhaust soundtrack is also a joy – especially in the Cupra mode, which provides the sportiest drive and is a real hoot to use on country lanes. But I found this car a delight to drive whether in town, out on the open road or cruising along the motorway.
It’s as much fun or as sensible a family transporter as you want it to be – depending on the selected driving modes, which alter the steering, throttle response, gear shifts, chassis control and sound actuator.
I also loved the auto hold function that’s part of the electronic braking set-up, which was a real boon in stop-start city traffic.
The car is good for an average fuel economy of 33.6-34.0mpg officially and I got pretty close to this during my time with it, despite a fairly heavy right foot, while CO2 levels are 168g/km.
Give this Ateca more than a passing glance and there are plenty of clues to its sporting prowess – starting with a lower ride height than the standard SEAT model.
Other features include the distinctive Cupra badging, special front and rear bumpers carrying the name, striking 19in diamond-cut alloys housing black brake callipers with the Cupra moniker, along with two sets of dual exhausts.
Added to this are a neat rear spoiler and antenna, sharp creases, plenty of gloss black detailing, including the roof rails, LED lights and very cool Cupra puddle lights emanating from the door mirrors.
The sporty ambience continues inside thanks to black Alcantara seats in a leather and suede-style with carbon-fibre detailing and copper stitching, a flat-bottomed, perforated-leather steering wheel, as well as a dark roof liner.
There’s a solid build quality to the cabin, with premium soft-touch finishing and pleasing use of chrome and gloss-black highlights.
The 10.2in digital cockpit can show the sat nav and driving info in a very engaging way, while the eight-inch central touchscreen for car settings and infotainment is handily angled towards the driver.
The latter includes full smartphone integration, 3D sat nav mapping, DAB radio, voice control and, in the Comfort and Sound model, a BeatsAudio sound system.
Meanwhile, there’s ample room for four adults on board – two USB ports in the rear are a bonus – and the 485-litre boot, accessed by a hands-free electric tailgate, easily swallowed up my golfing gear.
Goodies in this version of the Cupra Ateca, which costs from £37,845, also include keyless entry and start, auto lights (with high beam assist) and wipers, adaptive cruise control, dual-zone climate control and heated front seats.
Other driver and safety aids are a parking assistance system, top and rear view cameras, parking sensors front and rear, front assist with city emergency braking and a tiredness recognition system.
There are four models in the range, all well equipped and featuring the same powertrain, with prices starting at £35,915 and rising to £41,190. The Cupra Ateca is likely to appeal to the enthusiastic motorist who also has family duties to perform and should do very well for this new brand.
Factfile:
- Model: Cupra Ateca Comfort and Sound
- Engine: 2.0-litre petrol
- Power: 300PS
- Top speed: 153mph
- 0-62mph: 5.2 seconds
- Average mpg: 33.6-34.0
- CO2 emissions: 168g/km
- Warranty: Three years/60,000 miles
- Price: £37,845
