Despite sharing many resemblances with its Cupra stablemates, the Ateca has actually ended up being the black sheep of the household for the Spanish marque. Ateca V Credit: CarExpert It’s the slowest-selling design in Cupra’s regional line-up, and the most traditional from a style perspective. Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Furthermore, the Ateca is the last staying Cupra developed on the previous generation MQB platform, dating the mid-size SUV compared to the better however likewise sized Formentor, and the Leon and (electrical) Born hatchbacks. With the brand-new Terramar and Tavascan SUVs on their method next year, it would be reasonable to presume the Ateca’s days are numbered, however that’s not the case. There’s life in this old pet yet, and Cupra has actually presented a brand-new base variation– the Ateca V. Ateca V Credit: CarExpert With a detuned 140kW/320Nm powertrain and a pared back includes list, the V does not appear to alter the video game … till you get to its cost. The Ateca V will be used for less than $50,000 drive-away, making it the least expensive SUV in the Cupra line-up. Is it enough to surge sales and additional lengthen the Ateca’s life-span? And is it the very best worth SUV in the Cupra variety? Just how much does the Cupra Ateca cost? The brand-new Ateca V damages the flagship VZx by more than $19,000, at least. 2025 Cupra Ateca Credit: CarExpert Cupra is using a nationwide drive-away cost of $49,888 for the Ateca up until completion of 2024, at which point rates for the base design will be evaluated. To see how the Cupra Ateca lines up versus the competitors, have a look at our contrast tool. What is the Cupra Ateca like on the within? The interior of the Ateca is a throwback to previous-generation Volkswagen Group items in lots of methods, for both much better and even worse. Ateca V Credit: CarExpert On one hand, the tactility of physical buttons and switches is a welcome blast from the past, in contrast to the haptic controls and touchscreen combination that has actually ended up being perilous in 2024. It’s simple to run the controls in the Ateca– all are plainly noticeable and well identified, which can’t be stated of numerous modern-day vehicles. Makers do have their factors for concealing essential interior functions, specifically style. The range of buttons and dials that make up the dual-zone environment controls are a little unpleasant, and definitely less attractive than a few of the stroking centre stack designs you see in other places. It’s a setup that dates the cars and truck aesthetically, regardless of being practical and more effective to numerous purchasers. 2025 Cupra Ateca Credit: CarExpert The Ateca is likewise behind the video game from a screens point of view. All versions are geared up with a 9.2-inch infotainment touchscreen and 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, both of which are little for the sector. I’m delighted to report that a screen determining contest does not inform the complete story here. Both screens are flawlessly incorporated into the dash, scoring them design points, and the graphics are sharp. The centre infotainment screen is responsive to the touch, providing with an app grid design that will recognize to anybody who owns a smart device. Haptic buttons for audio volume, bluetooth settings and the native navigation system lie to the left of the screen, likewise adding to user-friendliness. 2025 Cupra Ateca Credit: CarExpert Wireless smart device matching comes as basic, although the connection wasn’t completely trustworthy in my experience, vulnerable to periodic dropouts and problems. Numerous mobile phones can be charged all at once by means of a set of USB-C outlets, a 12V socket, and a cordless charging pad situated under the centre stack. I discovered the latter to be inadequate, taking numerous hours to charge my iPhone. I likewise disagree with the video camera tech in the Ateca– before choices, the V does not have a surround-view electronic camera and just provides a rough reversing electronic camera with front and rear parking sensing units. It’s odd thinking about the addition of devoted off-road and efficiency screens, which are less appropriate to everyday driving. In fairness, a G-force meter is available in useful throughout a backroad blast. The instrument cluster likewise has actually spirited driving in mind, with an extremely conventional tachometer and speedometer design by default. 2025 Cupra Ateca Credit: CarExpert Four stylish designs are offered, marking a level of customisation that keeps things fresh without crossing into frustrating area. How ever you select to setup the screen, it stays simple to absorb. The Ateca V includes an eight-speaker stereo, with the alternative to invest up for a nine-speaker Beats plan (requirement on the VZx). I would not trouble handing over the distinction, as the Beats ‘upgrade’ left me dissatisfied. While the innovation in the Ateca could do with an improve, the remainder of the cabin ain’t broke, so why trouble repairing it? The greatly boosted, leather-clad sports seats were extremely accommodating to my six-one frame, however larger chauffeurs might press the convenience border. The seats are developed to hold residents in location while providing assistance for long journeys. No matter trim level, both front seats have three-stage heating, and the motorist is paid for electrical modification with lumbar. Basic specification encompasses a heated and perforated leather-trimmed wheel, which is extremely useful to have on cold winter season early mornings (pardon the pun). 2025 Cupra Ateca Credit: CarExpert Comfortable and cosy are the very best descriptions for the Ateca’s interior, which is cut completely in black with copper accents. Dark and brooding maybe, however the addition of black leather separates the V from the VZx, which includes Cupra’s hallmark gas blue leather. If you wish to lighten things up, a scenic sunroof can be optioned on both Ateca variations for $1850. Quality of products is blended throughout the board– I like the carbon-fibre weave-look flooring mats and guiding wheel, however scratchy plastics on the centre tunnel and lower area of the dash hurt viewed quality. Notably, typical touch points such as the centre armrest and upper door trims are ended up in soft leather. Develop quality is strong too. Front-row storage includes a deep armrest bin, spacious door cubbies, a big glovebox with incorporated belongings tray, and a sunglasses holder. 2025 Cupra Ateca Credit: CarExpert While it’s hard to fault guest convenience in the front seats of the Ateca, the back row is a little limiting in this regard. Taller grownups will have a hard time for legroom, as I did, although many under six-foot need to fit simply great. The seat backs are ended up in soft products so it will not harm travelers to push their knees versus them, and toe space abounds. Headroom should not be a problem for people under six-five, however the area feels a bit claustrophobic regardless. Facilities for rear guests consist of a set of USB-C outlets, a little storage compartment listed below, double air vents with fan controls, map pockets, and basic door bins. With the middle seat complimentary, the centre armrest can be folded down to expose integrated cupholders. 2025 Cupra Ateca Credit: CarExpert 2025 Cupra Ateca Credit: CarExpert The 2nd row can likewise dropped totally, opening additional freight space on top of Cupra’s 485L boot area claim. It’s a larger boot than you get in the Formentor, however smaller sized than other competitors from the Volkswagen Group steady. In regards to functions, the boot is geared up with a power tailgate, side pockets, a trio of top-tether points for kid seats, and a little door through to the cabin that’s best for a set of skis. A space-saver extra wheel can be discovered under the boot flooring when it comes to an emergency situation. 2025 Cupra Ateca Credit: CarExpert To see how the Cupra Ateca lines up versus the competitors, take a look at our contrast tool. What’s under the bonnet? All 2025 Cupra Ateca designs are powered by the VW Group’s age-old EA888 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged gas engine. Ateca VZx Credit: CarExpert It’s offered in 2 states of tune– the V has actually been detuned to produce 140kW and 320Nm, while the VZx outputs a the same 221kW and 400Nm. Throughout the variety, drive is sent out to all 4 wheels by means of a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automated transmission. Cupra declares the Ateca V will rush from 0-100km/ h in 7.2 seconds, except the 4.9 seconds declared for the VZx. To see how the Cupra Ateca lines up versus the competitors, have a look at our contrast tool. How does the Cupra Ateca drive? The V and VZx are poles apart in regards to efficiency, however they both share the very same sweet driving characteristics that separate the Ateca from its competitors. 2025 Cupra Ateca Credit: CarExpert While the VZx is a rounded efficiency SUV with push and dexterity in equivalent procedure, the brand-new V concentrates on the latter, using a bundle to fit SUV purchasers who desire something that’s stylish without excess. Do not get me incorrect, the V still feels fast when retreating from traffic signal or out of a low-speed corner, however it does not offer you the impression that you’re losing out on something by staying with highway speed limitations. It never ever kicks you in the back on throttle, and does not provide the envigorating exhaust ‘farts’ of its gym-junkie brother or sister. That’s before you include the optional titanium Akrapovic exhaust system, which wasn’t fitted to our test cars and truck. Where the 221kW VZx is a hot SUV that feels prepared to go for a minute’s notification, the V is a warm one. A minimum of till you get to a good set of twisty roadways. 2025 Cupra Ateca Credit: CarExpert That’s where the Ateca V makes simply as much sense as a motorist’s option, as it keeps nearly all the dealing with qualities of the dearer VZx. For an SUV, the V deals with like it’s on rails, with unlimited four-wheel drive grip and very little lean. When legal and safe, you can conveniently bring triple-figure speeds through sweeping bends, which is an outright hoot. By contemporary requirements, the Ateca is a reasonably light thing at simply over 1600kg, and it feels really active both in the area and outdoors city limitations. As requirement, the V loses out on the additional drive modes managed by Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC), which restricts the configurability of the driving experience. It implies no Cupra mode, with its dialled-in steering and sharp throttle control, nor the convenience that features the softest readily available setup. 2025 Cupra Ateca Credit: CarExpert Rather than depending on Cupra software application on a perky drive, you can take transmission matters into your own hands by driving the Ateca in manual mode utilizing plastic shift paddles behind the guiding wheel. The paddles are tactile and responsive– a win for the V. The passive suspension setup in the V discovers a strong happy medium in between stylish firmness and day-to-day liveability, however it would be good to take advantage of the Jekyll and Hyde character intrinsic to the VZx. In Comfort mode the VZx ends up being significantly softer, taking in roadway flaws with a minimum of difficulty. On the other hand, the V bobbles over swellings and bumps, which would not be a deal-breaker for me personally. You purchase the Ateca since you desire a stylish household vehicle, not a lounge on wheels. Regardless, ACC is consisted of in the Tech Pack, which is a $2950 alternative box worth ticking if you prepare to expose your Ateca to a variety of roadway surface areas and driving conditions. 2025 Cupra Ateca Credit: CarExpert So, it’s settled. The Ateca is a dazzling handling SUV despite the badge on the back. How does it fare when travelling on the highway? As formerly pointed out, the trip is firmer than comparable automobiles with less of an efficiency focus. Roadway sound is another point of weak point for the Ateca. Regardless of version, tire holler is pronounced on the 19-inch alloys, although wind sound is kept to a minimum. Cupra’s suite of chauffeur helps does a great task of keeping you on the straight and narrow without ever wandering into self-important area. Travel Assist integrates adaptive cruise control and lane-keep help to keep a comfy cruise with minimal motorist inputs, just periodically wandering off too near driver-side lane markings. 2025 Cupra Ateca Credit: CarExpert Unnecessary beeps and bongs are scarce– the chauffeur tracking system is specifically instinctive. Side- and rear-view mirror presence is excellent, and blind-spot tracking exists to assist. Moving to city environments, the Ateca stays enjoyable to drive and simple to cope with. Even in Comfort mode, the throttle pedal in the VZx is a little delicate at low speeds, however neither the VZx nor V experience the exact same DSG transmission clunkiness as some other Volkswagen Group items. As soon as you’re on the relocation, the transmission bangs through ratios effortlessly. 2025 Cupra Ateca Credit: CarExpert Both variations are responsive in between 0-60km/ h, and the Ateca provides a comfy and a little raised seating position. Fuel economy is strong throughout the variety too, thinking about the efficiency available. After long stints of blended driving, I balanced 7.7 L/100km in the V, and 8.3 L/100km in the VZx. When it concerns parking, the athletic Cupra gain from its compact measurements, plus a multitude of electronic cameras and sensing units. With that stated, the surround-view electronic camera isn’t the very best walking around, sending low resolution video to the infotainment screen. Where it counts, the Ateca is simply about class-leading as a driving maker. What do you get? With the intro of the entry-level Ateca V, 2 variations are now provided. 2025 Cupra Ateca Credit: CarExpert 2025 Cupra Ateca Credit: CarExpert 2025 Cupra Ateca Credit: CarExpert 2025 Cupra Ateca Credit: CarExpert Ateca V highlights: 19-inch alloy wheels in black and silver Progressive steering 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit digital instrument cluster Wireless phone charging Digital DAB+ radio Semi-autonomous parking help Hands-free power tailgate Power chauffeur’s seat with memory Heated front seats Black leather upholstery Keyless entry and begin Dual-zone environment control Ambient lighting Leather-wrapped guiding wheel and shifter Heated guiding wheel Illuminated sill plates Aluminium pedals Heated, power-folding outside mirrors with memory 4 x USB-C outlets (2 front, 2 rear) Automatic headlights Rain-sensing wipers Paddle shifters Rear personal privacy glass LED headlights Fog lights with cornering lights Automatic high-beam 18-inch short-term extra Hidden exhaust 8-speaker stereo 2025 Cupra Ateca Credit: CarExpert 2025 Cupra Ateca Credit: CarExpert 2025 Cupra Ateca Credit: CarExpert 2025 Cupra Ateca Credit: CarExpert Ateca VZx includes: 19-inch alloy wheels in black and copper Dynamic Chassis Control Supersport guiding wheel with drive profile, engine-start satellite buttons Quad exhaust outlets Petrol Blue leather upholstery 9-speaker Beats stereo Options 2025 Cupra Ateca Credit: CarExpert The following alternatives are offered on the Ateca: Akrapovic exhaust: $5950 (VZx) Brembo brake bundle (changes extra with tire repair work set): $4050 (VZx) Tech pack: $2950 (V) Electric breathtaking sunroof: $1850 Premium metal paint: $490 Is the Cupra Ateca safe? The Cupra Ateca is presently unrated by both ANCAP and its European equivalent, Euro NCAP. 2025 Cupra Ateca Credit: CarExpert Standard security devices consists of: AEB with pedestrian and bicyclist detection Adaptive cruise control Travel Assist Front help Park help Blind-spot tracking Lane keep help Driver tiredness detection Safe exit cautioning Reversing video camera Front and rear parking sensing units 7 air bags 2 x ISOFIX 3 x leading tether points VZx includes: Surround-view cam How much does the Cupra Ateca expense to run? The Cupra Ateca is covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre service warranty. 2025 Cupra Ateca Credit: CarExpert Maintenance is needed every 12 months or 15,000 km. In 2015 Cupra eliminated its 3 years of totally free maintenance for consumers. Clients can buy a service pack for $990 for 3 years or $1990 for 5 years of maintenance. To see how the Cupra Ateca lines up versus the competitors, take a look at our contrast tool. CarExpert’s Take on the Cupra Ateca By lowering the expense of entry by almost $20,000 with the Ateca V, Cupra has actually opened its most mass market-friendly design to, well … the masses. 2025 Cupra Ateca Credit: CarExpert The brand-new entry-level Ateca V uses the exact same capable chassis and suave styling as the longstanding VZx, without the large cost. For sub-$50k, you merely will not discover an SUV as engaging behind the wheel as the Ateca, duration. Having stated that, SUV purchasers drawn to the Ateca by its look alone best beware. If sculpting back road isn’t on the program, a lot of competitors have actually the Ateca covered for interior tech and area. And stepping up to the VZx features its reasonable share of advantages and disadvantages. You acquire the fizz of the full-fat 221kW engine coupled with a fruitier exhaust, which dials driving delights as much as 11. Other preferable upgrades consist of adaptive dampers and Cupra’s hallmark blue leather interior. 2025 Cupra Ateca Credit: CarExpert However, at $70,000 the VZx has some major competitors from loved ones both close and loose in the stylish SUV area. The Cupra Formentor VZx is sleeker, more purposeful, and boasts much better tech. Interior area might suffer rather, however the 2nd row in the Ateca is barely palatial. Somewhere else in the Volkswagen Group brochure, the VW T-Roc R and Audi SQ2 set the exact same foundations with downplayed German high-end. Electric options should not be neglected, either. The platform-sharing Smart Brabus variety and Volvo EX30 are vibrant like the VZx, with remarkable straight-line speed. It’s far simpler to suggest the V to purchasers chasing after a household SUV that will renew their day-to-day drive. Managed a larger, VZx-sized budget plan, I ‘d most likely lean towards a top-spec Formentor. 2025 Cupra Ateca Credit: CarExpert Interested in purchasing a Cupra Ateca? Connect with among CarExpert’s relied on dealerships here. MORE: Everything Cupra Ateca Pros Engaging driving characteristics Head-turning style Generous discount rate for V Cons Dated, glitchy infotainment system Tight 2nd row Detuned V does not have bite to match bark
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