Cupra is ready to launch up to date variations of its Leon hatchback and Formentor crossover quickly, nevertheless it 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 Below 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 supply 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 type and 2018 in Cupra type, will probably be not directly changed by the Volkswagen Tiguan-sized Terramar, which is ready to reach in Australia later in 2025. However the Ateca will proceed to be out there alongside Terramar till no less than the tip of this yr.
Within the meantime, does this new entry-level Ateca V have sufficient Spanish aptitude to make it stand out from the group? Learn alongside to search out out.
How does the Cupra Ateca examine?
View an in depth breakdown of the Cupra Ateca in opposition to equally sized automobiles.
Cupra
Ateca
How a lot does the Cupra Ateca value?
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 might be had for $61,750 drive-away till March 31. It is 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 in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
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 straightforward automobile to get out and in of due to its increased trip top. You’ll be able to see why individuals with poor mobility are attracted to those sorts of automobiles since you don’t have to climb up or down, and might as a substitute slide throughout into the seats.
When you’re within the driver’s seat, you sit up excessive and have an important view on the street forward. It’s a commanding place to be and it brings a king-of-the-road feeling that’s widespread in quite a lot of 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 preserve the sporty bucket-like design, so you have got loads of assist.
One thing that all the time surprises me with Cupra seats is that though they appear sporty, they’re additionally comfy. The pinnacle restraint particularly, regardless that it’s fastened to the backrest and might’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 automobile, together with place reminiscence. It adjusts in many alternative methods, and particularly I respect how a lot thigh assist you possibly can dial in.
Forward of the motive force is one in all my favorite steering wheels in a mainstream automobile. 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, nevertheless, is the variety of bodily buttons it incorporates. They’re clearly labelled and have a squishy but satisfying click on when pressed.
An odd omission, nevertheless, is the dearth of a devoted telephone name reply and hang-up button, particularly given there are buttons for just about each different operate, together with the voice help. What you must do as a substitute while you get a name is use within the right-hand facet 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 in the event you’ve pushed every other Cupra automobile earlier than. Like many different Volkswagen Group automobiles, it’s top-notch for the section.
The show itself is crisp and vivid, plus there are quite a few layouts to select from. One appears eerily just like the Audi R8’s, which is my private favorite.
Shifting throughout, the 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system is nice, nevertheless it doesn’t look almost 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 screen sizes, their menu interfaces look the identical.
Navigating round this method isn’t instantly clear and might take a little bit of time to be taught. For instance, one thing that took me ages to search out was the menu for adjusting the sound system’s equaliser.
Not like within the Formentor and Leon, there are touch-sensitive buttons beside the touchscreen for altering the quantity, which is arguably loads simpler than utilizing the contact slider in these vehicles.
One other main distinction is the Ateca comes with a correct bodily local weather management setup with dials and buttons, not like different Cupras which have this built-in into the touchscreen, bar a few touch-sensitive sliders.
This explicit structure 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 related 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, nevertheless it’s not ventilated and tended to overheat my telephone. If you want to preserve 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 numerous onerous, scratchy plastics. It’s clear Cupra has reduce prices in sure areas so it may retain the flamboyant seats and steering wheel. Fortunately, the primary areas that you just contact, together with the armrests, are smooth and spongey.
Talking of the armrests, the centre unit each extends and ratchets up so you could find your good place. That is one in all my favorite options in quite a lot of Volkswagen Group vehicles, and I’m glad it’s current within the Ateca V.
Not like the top-spec VZx, the V’s inside is somewhat drab and darkish given all the pieces is completed in black. There’s the odd copper lashing on the steering wheel and air vents, however they’re solely minor highlights.
Our tester was outfitted with the optionally available glass panoramic sunroof, which fortunately makes the cabin a a lot airier area to be. It doesn’t really feel fairly as claustrophobic as some vehicles with all-black interiors do.
The centre console space on this automobile 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.
When it comes to storage up entrance there are two cupholders on the centre console, that are totally different sizes, plus decently sized door pockets which are sadly not felt-lined like they’re in different Volkswagen Group automobiles.
Hopping into the second row is simply as straightforward as stepping into the entrance. When you’re again there, there’s an honest quantity of room for adults to take a seat 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 crimson flag for kiddies who’re vulnerable to carsickness.
Two individuals will capable of match high quality, although pushing it to a few abreast will get squishy. The center passenger may also need to take care of the chunky transmission tunnel hump, which isn’t enjoyable.
When it comes to 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 baby 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 rapidly and quietly, identical to any energy tailgate ought to. It additionally has a hands-free operate, which is useful in the event you’ve obtained your arms full.
As soon as it’s open, the boot area on supply is beneficiant. Cupra claims there’s 485L of boot area with the rear seats upright, which is loads for the small SUV section.
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 facet and tabs to fold down the 60/40-split rear seats.
While you do fold the rear seats the cargo flooring is disappointingly not flat. The distinction between the boot top and seat top isn’t overly giant, nevertheless it’s price preserving in thoughts in the event 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 in the event you ever have a puncture and nonetheless have to make your approach residence.
| Dimensions | Cupra Ateca V |
|---|---|
| Size | 4381mm |
| Width | 1841mm |
| Top | 1625mm |
| Wheelbase | 2630mm |
| Cargo capability | 485L |
To see how the Cupra Ateca stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
What’s underneath 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 also be provided 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 |
| Gas economic system (claimed) | 7.1L/100km |
| Gas economic system (as examined) | 8.0L/100km (200km) |
| Gas tank capability | 55L |
| Gas requirement | 95 RON |
| CO2 emissions | 160g/km |
| Emissions normal | Euro 6 |
| Braked tow capability | 1900kg |
To see how the Cupra Ateca stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
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 nevertheless it 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 respectable acceleration that gained’t blow your socks off until you plant your foot onerous. It’ll sustain with different site visitors with no issues in any respect, and pull forward from a standstill in the event you partake in traffic-light grands prix.
Whereas Cupra is a sporty model, you typically have to drive this engine to carry out its finest efficiency traits. In regular ‘Consolation’ mode it prefers docile throttle inputs, leading to straightforward, easy driving. It additionally permits you to lean into the wealth of torque out there from simply above idle.
As normal, there’s a seven-speed dual-clutch automated transmission which is up there as one in all 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 easy dual-clutches for years now.
In observe, the dual-clutch auto likes to shift as much as second gear as rapidly as potential to scale back gas consumption. The automobile will even attempt to set off in second gear if potential, as a result of first gear may be very quick.
Slotting into the ‘Sport’ drive mode is straightforward due to the tactile rotary dial. While you do that, the automobile’s character modifications, 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 possibly can 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 pieces as much as 11. This isn’t shocking, nevertheless, given it’s a base mannequin.
Round city the suspension is fantastically comfy, which is shocking 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 take in virtually all pimply city street imperfections.
Whatever the drive mode there’s gentle and direct steering at low speeds, making the automobile 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 respectable high quality, as a part of the aforementioned Tech Pack.
There’s additionally a normal parking assistant that, like in different Volkswagen Group automobiles, isn’t essentially the most clever. To work correctly, it requires two automobiles so the automobile can park between them. Disappointingly, the system isn’t able to detecting parking spot traces.
Increase tempo within the Ateca V is straightforward and easy. It’ll fortunately cruise alongside at highways speeds in prime 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 may be very interesting in the event you need that additional punch. It’s definitely a need and never a necessity although.
Regardless, this automobile stretches its legs on the freeway, the place it turns into a snug open-road tourer and gas consumption additionally drops significantly.
At increased speeds the progressive steering system beneficial properties extra weight, making it extra rewarding to hyperlink up apexes on B-roads. In reality, this automobile is an excellent enjoyable, dynamic automobile 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’ll be able to inform this automobile 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 vehicles, there’s numerous street and tyre noise at increased speeds, although this may be drowned out by turning up the cracking sound system. The optionally available nine-speaker Beats sound system on this automobile fortunately is a banger.
On the protection entrance, the adaptive cruise management system is nice at managing the gap between you and the automobile forward. It additionally doesn’t slam on the brakes when a automobile travelling barely sooner cuts in entrance of you.
An annoyance is the enterprise 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 basically fairly good, although it may get confused on poorly marked roads and even freeway exits. In these moments the steering wheel vibrates and might typically jerk within the improper path.
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 sweet to have, nevertheless it’s not fairly as useful as correct adaptive or matrix high-beam.
To see how the Cupra Ateca stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
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
- Palms-free energy tailgate
- Computerized LED headlights
- Computerized high-beam
- Fog lights with cornering lights
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Rear privateness glass
- Heated, power-folding facet 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 shops (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 collection of optionally available 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 in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
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, bike owner detection
- Adaptive cruise management
- Journey Help
- Entrance help
- Park help
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane preserve 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 in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
How a lot does the Cupra Ateca value 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 value | $990 – 3 years $1990 – 5 years |
To see how the Cupra Ateca stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
CarExpert’s Tackle the Cupra Ateca V
In isolation, the Cupra Ateca V is a implausible medium SUV. It gives sufficient pep to really feel sporty, plus you possibly can inform it desires to be pushed onerous, even when the engine does need to be coaxed at instances.
That is the proper choice for these wanting a heat SUV that has the character of a scorching hatch, however the seating place of a bigger SUV.
The problem, nevertheless, is the existence of the extra highly effective Ateca VZx. It produces significantly extra energy, which definitely isn’t a necessity, however for a lot of consumers 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 tougher 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, nevertheless it’s very practical. You simply can’t beat bodily buttons, knobs and switches.
Lastly, the Ateca V has numerous 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 checklist for you, this automobile positively shouldn’t be ignored as a result of as soon as you are taking it for a spin you’ll be charmed.
Serious about shopping for a Cupra Ateca? Get in contact with one in all CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here
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