We recently received the first of our Cupra Ateca fully loaded ‘show cars’ and for me this was the first time I’d ever seen the model, only ever in photos like most would have. Being with the car for a number of days now has allowed me to look around and check the finer details of this machine and see what the stand-out features of this model are.

Firstly, forgetting that whilst this is basically a rebadged SEAT Ateca, the purpose of the Cupra is meant to howl down foes like BMW X’M’ models and the Audi SQ5.

Being a show car, our specification came with both of the optional Comfort & Sound and Design packages, finished in the Ateca exclusive Rhodium Grey. Most motoring sites have raved about it’s highly affordable price tag for a car like this as standard however adding these two packs to the car, increases the price to £41,175. Whilst this is obviously more expensive, it’s still super affordable for what is, in essence, a baby Audi SQ5 and above all that, you’re still just over £10,000 cheaper going for the Ateca before even starting to specify the SQ5. It’s needless to say that you can spec the Ateca to have either one of these packs on their own, they do not need to both be required.

With all that in mind, the optional extra packages make great additions to have. The comfort & sound pack adds the Beatsaudio sound system with a subwoofer under the boot floor. This pack also adds the advanced driving assistance pack, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane assist, blind spot monitoring, etc.

The design pack is another smart choice to consider, but may be affected by your colour choice whether you decide to include it. This pack includes the stand out copper finished alloy wheels, paired with front Brembo brakes and a panoramic sunroof.

Needless to say, being the most expensive car that the Spanish manufacturer(s) have produced, it’s crammed with standard equipment to satisfy more than enough people. Standard equipment includes the likes of the 8-inch infotainment display with navigation, a digital cockpit, heated alcantara and leather seats, wireless charging, park assist and keyless entry and start. Glancing at the design aspect of the Cupra, it features lots of gloss black accents including the window surrounds, side skirts and around the quad tail pipes. From the front, features include gloss black grilles and a RS style ‘CUPRA’ logo on the lower most grille.

Performance; it’s what this car was designed to do. This segment of car is rather untouched, with main options including this and more expensive options like the BMW X ‘M’ models, the Porsche Macan or Audi SQ5. From that aspect and comparing between them, the Cupra Ateca looks like a steal. It’s powered by a 300PS 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine connected to a 7-speed DSG automatic, of course all sourced from within the VAG group and is the same engine and gearbox combo as the Golf R. Power is split through a 4-wheel drive system which whilst decreasing boot space a small amount, increases grip and traction tremendously.

Dynamic Chassis Control is also fitted as standard and features three main drive modes which are comfort, sport and Cupra modes, in addition there is a snow and offroad mode as well as an individual setting where you’re able to really make this car your own. All this means that whilst this is, as before mentioned a much cheaper alternative to an SQ5, it still only reaches 0-62mph in 0.1 second slower, completing the sprint in 5.2 seconds and going all the way to a top speed of 153mph.

This is a car you have to see and drive before you make any decision to discount it from your search for a performance SUV, it’ll surprise you and will become something you have to seriously consider whether it’s worth spending the extra for the Porsche or Audi counterparts.

Citygate SEAT Reading have one model in our showroom and will have another week commencing the 19th November as a model to drive. Both models are specified with the packages and finished in respected Rhodium Grey and Magic Black. More stand-out colours are available, including a bright metallic ‘Velvet Red’ and a gleaming ‘Energy Blue’.

Prices

Cupra Ateca 300 – £35,900

Cupra Ateca 300 (Comfort & Sound) – £37.830

Cupra Ateca 300 (Design Pack) – £39,815

Cupra Ateca 300 (Comfort & Sound, Design Pack) – £41,175