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You’re trying on the oldest mannequin in Cupra’s Australian lineup, and it received’t be lengthy earlier than you’ll be able to not purchase a brand new one.
The Ateca first entered manufacturing in 2016, earlier than the small SUV acquired a facelift in 2020, however the car you see right here is successfully nearly a decade outdated. As with many different Cupra fashions, the Ateca is a sportier, evenly restyled model of the Seat Ateca, which in all probability doesn’t imply a lot to Australian patrons.
Should you want an abridged historical past, the Cupra title emerged within the late Nineteen Nineties because the efficiency/motorsport division of Spanish producer Seat. It has since established its personal id underneath the Volkswagen Group umbrella and was launched in Australia in 2022 as a standalone model.
It’s been expanded regionally with fashions just like the Leon petrol hatch, Born electrical hatch, and Formentor crossover, however a number of new and uniquely Cupra fashions are on the way in which.
Most significantly for the Ateca is the Terramar, which launched in Australia earlier this yr. Whereas rumours swirled that the small-ish Ateca can be dropped in favour of the mid-size Terramar, CarExpert was assured by a Cupra govt that each fashions would co-exist and that the Ateca would survive till “a minimum of by means of till the tip of 2025”.
Now, now we have affirmation that it is going to be on run-out till the tip of the yr, earlier than the torch is handed to the Terramar from 2026. In fact, the Ateca is already an exceedingly unusual mannequin in Australia, so enable us to color a fast image for these unfamiliar.
Constructed atop Volkswagen’s MQB A1 platform, the Ateca is said to the Audi Q2 and out there in Australia in two variants. The primary was the Ateca VZx on check right here, fitted with a 221kW/400Nm turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and all-wheel drive.
The second is the V, which additionally has a 2.0-litre turbo-four however with decreased energy, and is accessible at a considerably cheaper price. Neither has helped the Ateca to set the gross sales charts alight, because it recorded simply 60 deliveries within the first seven months of 2025 – leagues away from Cupra’s top-selling Formentor, which discovered 945 patrons in the identical interval.
Does all this make the Ateca too outdated and too area of interest for us to suggest?
How a lot does the Cupra Ateca value?
The VZx sits on the prime of the two-variant Ateca vary and prices $63,490 earlier than on-roads.
| Mannequin | Value earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2026 Cupra Ateca V | $51,990 |
| 2026 Cupra Ateca VZx | $63,490 |
It’s nonetheless cheaper than its substitute, because the Cupra Terramar VZ is priced at $73,490 drive-away. For context, the Terramar vary begins with the S at $58,490 drive-away.
There’s additionally the bigger Cupra Formentor VZx, which presents comparable efficiency to the Ateca VZx, and is priced at $65,790 earlier than on-road prices.
Different small SUV rivals for the Ateca VZx, as outlined by VFACTS, embody the Volkswagen T-Roc R ($64,290 earlier than on-roads) and the Lexus LBX Morizo RR ($76,490 earlier than on-roads), each of that are quick compact SUVs.
Because the Ateca is Cupra’s largest car, it’s additionally price mentioning mid-size SUVs just like the top-selling Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Edge ($58,360 earlier than on-roads) and Mazda CX-5 G35 Akera Turbo ($55,650 earlier than on-roads), even when they’re vastly completely different packages.
To see how the Cupra Ateca stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
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What’s the Cupra Ateca like on the within?
Very a lot a throwback to previous-gen Volkswagens, which works in its favour.
Other than the dated look and uninviting gray plastics, the Ateca cabin’s reliance on bodily controls is welcome within the context of the German auto group’s now-common touch-sensitive sliders and buttons – excluding Skoda’s Sensible Dials, after all.
Sure it seems outdated and no it’s not befitting of a automobile that can value greater than $64,000 to place in your storage, however performance is king right here. It’s refreshing to see distinct buttons and knobs for local weather management, located beneath a modest 9.2-inch infotainment show that’s built-in neatly into the sprint.
These local weather controls fall properly at hand and are simple to make use of on the transfer; it shouldn’t take quite a lot of minutes to get used to the place all the things is. The one slight hiccup is that the infotainment display screen’s shortcuts are fairly removed from the driving force, a byproduct of the automobile being focussed on left-hand drive markets.
Nonetheless, there’s no use for the driving force to make use of these shortcuts given the steering wheel buttons, they usually make it a lot simpler for the entrance passenger to manage audio or program navigation whereas the driving force focuses on the highway.
Display decision is probably not as sharp as in some rivals, however it’s nonetheless responsive and straightforward to navigate. Wi-fi connectivity for each Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can be supported as normal.
The aforementioned steering wheel controls are all completed in uninteresting black plastic and take the type of both buttons or scroll wheels – all of that are bodily. Clear labels make them simple to find, whereas a touch of Cupra spice is added by way of the 2 massive round buttons beneath, together with an intriguing logo-labelled button.
In reality, the steering wheel seems like probably the most fashionable aspect of the cabin. It’s massive in diameter however encompasses a skinny rim with sporty sculpting and a squashed backside, making it not solely nice to the attention but additionally snug within the fingers.
It’s completed in leather-based, which is perforated at 9 and three o’clock. Tying all of it collectively are Cupra’s signature bronze accents, in addition to a few of the similar shiny metallic gray plastic seen elsewhere within the cabin.
The Cupra flavour doesn’t finish there, because the VZx additionally will get ‘Petrol Blue’ upholstery on its seats and door playing cards. This provides character to the automobile’s in any other case generic sporty seats, that are agency and closely bolstered with out being too uncomfortable for each day driving.
Extra sporty aptitude is discovered inside the 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. Its graphics are the giveaway, and there are numerous themes you’ll be able to scroll between utilizing buttons on the wheel, together with ones with a big central tachometer.
Storage up entrance isn’t a powerful go well with of the Ateca, however there’s simply sufficient to get you by. There’s a cubby in entrance of the gear selector housing a wi-fi cellphone charger and two USB-C ports, in addition to two small cupholders and an average-sized storage field underneath the padded central armrest.
There are additionally bottle holders within the door playing cards, whereas an electrical panoramic sunroof is a $1850 choice.
The small rear door opening doesn’t go away a lot room to climb into the second row, however the latter presents a usable area. There’s simply sufficient head and leg room for totally grown adults to be snug, although taller entrance passengers will trigger points behind them.
The seatback right here can be flat, which is able to make it troublesome for passengers to remain planted throughout spirited driving. That blue leather-based upholstery may also be fairly slippery.
On the ground is a driveline tunnel that badly eats into middle-seat legroom, and so this spot will doubtless solely go well with quick drives or smaller passengers. There are a minimum of twin air vents and USB-C ports on the again of the centre console, together with a wierd storage cubby beneath.
Different storage choices embody map pockets, bottle holders within the doorways, and a fold-down centre armrest with three cupholders of varied sizes.
The Ateca presents a sizeable boot, with its 485 litres of capability being corresponding to the 542L provided by the RAV4. Its load flooring is flat and sq., whereas the boot opening lip is at a cushty top for loading and unloading.
There isn’t a complete lot occurring within the cargo space, apart from a couple of cargo hooks and extra cubbies for unfastened gadgets. Should you want more room, the rear seats break up 60:40 and fold nearly flat to increase the cargo flooring, whereas there’s a central passthrough to suit longer gadgets whereas retaining the rear outboard seats in use.
Below the ground is an 18-inch momentary spare wheel, which is smaller than the usual wheels however stays preferable to a tyre restore equipment.
| Dimensions | Cupra Ateca VZx |
|---|---|
| Size | 4386mm |
| Width | 1841mm |
| Top | 1613mm |
| 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?
Powering the Ateca VZx is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, which pumps out 221kW of energy and 400Nm of torque. Drive is distributed to all 4 wheels by means of a seven-speed dual-clutch computerized transmission.
| Specs | Cupra Ateca VZx |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L 4cyl turbo-petrol |
| Energy | 221kW |
| Torque | 400Nm |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch auto |
| Drive sort | All-wheel drive |
| Tare mass | 1655kg |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 4.9s |
| Gas financial system (claimed) | 8.2L/100km |
| Gas financial system (as examined) | 9.6L/100km |
| Gas tank capability | 55L |
| Gas requirement | 98-octane premium unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 188g/km |
| Emissions normal | Euro 6 |
| Braked tow capability | 2100kg |
Our week with the automobile primarily concerned freeway commuting, but additionally some metropolis work and a good few arduous launches utilizing Cupra’s launch management operate. Each contributed to our higher-than-claimed gas financial system determine, however driving with a lighter foot would undoubtedly cut back consumption.
To see how the Cupra Ateca stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
How does the Cupra Ateca drive?
That is the place the Ateca, particularly in VZx trim, really units itself other than most different mid-size SUVs.
Positive, should you have a look at the VFACTS gross sales charts you’ll discover the Ateca is classed as a Small SUV, which suggests the VZx ought to compete with different quick small SUVs just like the Volkswagen T-Roc R and Lexus LBX Morizo RR.
However as a result of the Formentor can be classed as a Small SUV and the Ateca feels bigger than a Formentor though it’s shorter general, it appears extra acceptable to check the Ateca with different RAV4-sized automobiles – and in that context it presents probably the most full and fascinating scorching mid-size SUV packages on sale proper now.
The VZx’s outright efficiency, for a begin, is effectively away from most of those mid-sizers, besides possibly the GWM Haval H6 GT. The Ateca’s turbo-four has no concern getting its energy to the bottom because of its all-wheel drive system, although it does assist to be in the precise drive mode.
Naturally, energy supply is most docile in regular mode, with throttle response that makes it simple to drive in common site visitors. The direct shift gearbox (DSG) can be usually effectively behaved and responds effectively to paddle inputs on the steering wheel.
It’ll shift easily and on the proper time when driving usually, and whilst you’ll get some typical dual-clutch hesitation at low speeds, it isn’t insufferable. Flicking the central dial over to Sport mode sharpens throttle response and shortens shift occasions, extracting extra poke from the engine.
That is only a precursor to the Ateca’s full potential although. Turning the dial once more will put the automobile in ‘Cupra’ mode (additionally out there by way of the driving force profile button on the steering wheel), which sharpens all the things – together with the suspension, which turns into noticeably stiffer.
All that makes the Ateca VZx really feel nearly like a scorching hatch. Its engine can provide you a correct shove within the again, and it’s surprisingly mild on its ft. You’ll additionally discover a bit extra noise from the exhaust, full with the occasional pop and burble on deceleration and downshifts. And the sound is even higher with the non-compulsory Akrapovic exhaust.
We additionally gave Cupra’s launch management a go, which is activated by urgent the brake and throttle concurrently in Sport or Cupra mode.
Plant the throttle, bounce off the brake, and the Ateca pins you to your seat because it shoots off. It’s good enjoyable in an SUV of this measurement, and though we didn’t check the model’s 0-100km/h dash time declare, 4.9 seconds feels fairly lifelike.
As anticipated, it feels similar to the T-Roc R with the identical engine outputs, and quicker than the LBX Morizo RR in addition to extra refined with one further cylinder. The Haval H6 GT PHEV can be claimed to be simply as fast to 100km/h, however the Ateca feels far more pointy.
Launch management additionally mitigates turbo lag, because it ought to, even when there isn’t a complete lot to start with. All of this bodes effectively on first impressions, and it will get higher when the roads get bendier.
The Dynamic Chassis Management system of the VZx makes the Ateca very agile. Throw it right into a flip with haste and also you’ll be shocked at how effectively it sticks over all method of highway surfaces, with properly weighted and direct steering additionally contributing to the recent hatch vibe.
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This type of efficiency is sort of exceptional in different non-premium mid-size SUVs, and solely a handful of smaller SUVs are on par. You may have some correct enjoyable within the Ateca, because of well-managed physique roll round turns and a degree of composure you don’t usually see in automobiles this measurement.
Is all this a bit pointless? Perhaps, however should you wished a smart SUV you’d go for one thing like a RAV4. The Ateca is a automobile you persuade your important different to allow you to purchase when they need you to get one thing extra family-appropriate – assume Subaru Forester STI from 20-something years in the past.
The wonder right here is that it isn’t a small automobile, however it appears like one while you’re on the transfer. That makes it enjoyable to steer, and each day commuting received’t change into tiresome past the honeymoon interval.
It’s protected too, with a full suite of substances that each one works because it ought to with out bugging you, with adaptive cruise management and a surround-view monitor being the highlights. Giant facet home windows additionally guarantee good visibility, and we had no points with head-checks and the like.
Whenever you aren’t driving like a maniac, the Ateca can be snug. Its seats are supportive and, although they’re on the firmer facet, we didn’t discover them uncomfortable in any respect throughout our week with the automobile.
The experience in regular mode can be supple with out being floaty, though the automobile is ready up on the firmer facet. All this conjures up confidence, as does the all-wheel drive system that bites into the highway effectively underneath acceleration.
Should you’re going to the snow or a campsite, there are two drive modes available to go well with that too. Naturally there’s no low-range gearing or locking differentials, however these will modify throttle response and energy supply between every wheel in accordance with grip ranges.
All of it makes for an entire SUV that mixes liveability with participating driving dynamics in a neat, Cupra-shaped package deal. In fact, the important thing trade-off is gas financial system, however there are many hybrid SUVs on sale – together with from Cupra – that can cowl that base if it’s an excessive amount of of a priority.
To see how the Cupra Ateca stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
What do you get?
The Cupra Ateca vary consists of two grades.
2026 Cupra Ateca V gear highlights:
- 19-inch alloy wheels in black and silver
- 18-inch momentary spare
- Computerized LED headlights
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Fog lights with cornering lights
- Computerized high-beam
- Hidden exhaust
- Progressive steering
- 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit digital instrument cluster
- Wi-fi cellphone charger
- DAB+ digital radio
- Palms-free energy tailgate
- Energy driver’s seat with reminiscence
- Heated entrance seats
- Black leather-based upholstery
- Keyless entry and begin
- Twin-zone local weather management
- Ambient lighting
- Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel and shifter
- Heated steering wheel
- Illuminated sill plates
- Aluminium pedals
- Heated, power-folding exterior mirrors with reminiscence
- 4 x USB-C retailers (two entrance, two rear)
- Paddle shifters
- Rear privateness glass
- 8-speaker sound system
Ateca VZx provides:
- 19-inch alloy wheels in black and copper
- Dynamic Chassis Management
- Supersport steering wheel with drive profile, engine-start satellite tv for pc buttons
- Quad exhaust retailers
- Petrol Blue leather-based upholstery
- 9-speaker Beats sound system
The next choices can be found on the Ateca:
- Akrapovic exhaust: $5950 (VZx)
- Brembo brake package deal (replaces spare with tyre restore equipment): $4050 (VZx)
- Tech pack: $2950 (V)
- Encompass-view digital camera
- Beats 9-speaker sound system
- Dynamic Chassis Management
- 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 protected?
The Cupra Ateca is presently unrated by both ANCAP or its European counterpart, Euro NCAP.
Customary security gear consists of:
- 7 airbags
- 2 x ISOFIX
- 3 x prime tether factors
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Pedestrian detection
- Bike owner detection
- Adaptive cruise management
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Driver fatigue detection
- Entrance and rear parking sensors
- Entrance help
- Lane maintain help
- Park help
- Reversing digital camera
- Secure exit warning
- Semi-autonomous parking help
- Journey Help
VZx provides:
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, and servicing is required each 12 months or 15,000km – whichever comes first.
| 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-year or 5-year service packs |
| Whole capped-price service value | $990 (3-year), $1990 (5-year) |
Service packs of the identical durations can be found for the brand new Terramar, however they value $1490 and $2590 respectively – comprehensible provided that car has extra fashionable powertrains out there, together with a mild-hybrid. The Formentor’s service prices are the identical because the Ateca’s.
To see how the Cupra Ateca stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
CarExpert’s Tackle the Cupra Ateca VZx
The Ateca VZx is a breath of contemporary air in a sea of drab SUVs, even when that sentiment contradicts its age.
There could also be different European SUVs with efficiency this scorching and dealing with this sharp, however they’re all costlier than the sub-$70,000 Ateca. That’s even true for the equal Cupra Terramar, which can be pricier, even when it’s a a lot newer mannequin.
That mentioned, the Ateca’s age doesn’t maintain it again. We discovered its inside simple to reside with, with simply sufficient fashionable tech to maintain up with the occasions, and all of the bodily buttons, switches, and dials that we’re at all times craving for in new automobiles.
It will be simple to criticise its design as tame, particularly by fashionable Cupra requirements, however we discover it inoffensive but aggressive sufficient to not undermine the automobile’s efficiency. It’s the engine and chassis package deal that retains you entertained within the Ateca, and people apprehensive about gas consumption are prone to look elsewhere.
Mainstream hybrid SUVs could also be extra logical (and extra standard) lately, however there isn’t a lot that may match the Ateca VZx’s sporting potential and nonetheless keep smart on the weekdays at this worth.
For these causes, we totally loved it and would fortunately pay the worth premium over the cheaper Ateca V. That mentioned, the obvious demise of this mannequin may effectively lead to some beneficiant offers within the close to future.
CarExpert can prevent 1000’s on a brand new Cupra Ateca. Click on right here to get an awesome deal.
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MORE: Discover the Cupra Ateca showroom
