Despite sharing numerous similarities with its Cupra stablemates, the Ateca has become the black sheep of the family for the Spanish marque.
Ateca V
It’s the slowest-selling model in Cupra’s local line-up, and the most conventional from a design standpoint.
Furthermore, the Ateca is the last remaining Cupra built on the previous generation MQB platform, dating the mid-size SUV compared to the fresher but similarly sized Formentor, and the Leon and (electric) Born hatchbacks.
With the new Terramar and Tavascan SUVs on their way next year, it would be fair to assume the Ateca’s days are numbered, but that’s not the case.
There’s life in this old dog yet, and Cupra has introduced a new base variant – the Ateca V.
Ateca V
With a detuned 140kW/320Nm powertrain and a pared back features list, the V doesn’t appear to change the game… until you get to its price. The Ateca V will be offered for less than $50,000 drive-away, making it the cheapest SUV in the Cupra line-up.
Is it enough to spike sales and further prolong the Ateca’s lifespan? And is it the best value SUV in the Cupra range?
How much does the Cupra Ateca cost?
The new Ateca V undercuts the flagship VZx by more than $19,000, at least initially.
Cupra is offering a national drive-away price of $49,888 for the Ateca until the end of 2024, at which point pricing for the base model will be reviewed.
| Model | Drive-away pricing |
|---|---|
| 2025 Cupra Ateca V | $49,888 |
| 2025 Cupra Ateca VZx | $68,990 |
To see how the Cupra Ateca lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool.
What is the Cupra Ateca like on the inside?
The interior of the Ateca is a throwback to previous-generation Volkswagen Group products in many ways, for both better and worse.
Ateca V
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 integration that has become insidious in 2024.
It’s easy to operate the controls in the Ateca – all are clearly visible and well labelled, which can’t be said of many modern cars. However, manufacturers do have their reasons for hiding key interior functions, namely design.
The array of buttons and dials that constitute the dual-zone climate controls are a little unsightly, and certainly less appealing than some of the swooping centre stack layouts you see elsewhere.
It’s a setup that dates the car visually, despite being functional and preferable to many buyers.
The Ateca is also behind the game from a screens perspective.
All variants are equipped with a 9.2-inch infotainment touchscreen and 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, both of which are small for the segment. However, I’m pleased to report that a screen measuring contest doesn’t tell the full story here.
Both displays are seamlessly integrated into the dash, scoring them style points, and the graphics are sharp.
The centre infotainment screen is responsive to the touch, presenting with an app grid layout that will be familiar to anyone who owns a smartphone.
Haptic buttons for audio volume, bluetooth settings and the native navigation system are located to the left of the screen, also contributing to user-friendliness.
Wireless smartphone mirroring comes as standard, although the connection wasn’t entirely reliable in my experience, prone to occasional dropouts and glitches.
Multiple mobile devices can be charged simultaneously via a pair of USB-C outlets, a 12V socket, and a wireless charging pad located under the centre stack. I found the latter to be ineffective, taking several hours to charge my iPhone.
I also take issue with the camera tech in the Ateca – before options, the V lacks a surround-view camera and only offers a grainy reversing camera with front and rear parking sensors.
It’s odd considering the inclusion of dedicated off-road and performance displays, which are less relevant to daily driving. In fairness, a G-force meter comes in handy during a backroad blast.
The instrument cluster also has spirited driving in mind, with a very traditional tachometer and speedometer layout by default.
Four sporty layouts are available, marking a level of customisation that keeps things fresh without crossing into overwhelming territory. How ever you choose to setup the screen, it remains easy to digest.
The Ateca V features an eight-speaker sound system, with the option to spend up for a nine-speaker Beats arrangement (standard on the VZx). I wouldn’t bother forking out the difference, as the Beats ‘upgrade’ left me disappointed.
While the technology in the Ateca could do with a spruce up, the rest of the cabin ain’t broke, so why bother fixing it?
The heavily bolstered, leather-clad sports seats were incredibly accommodating to my six-one frame, but wider drivers may push the comfort boundary. After all, the seats are built to hold occupants in place while offering support for long journeys.
Regardless of trim level, both front pews have three-stage heating, and the driver is afforded electric adjustment with lumbar. Standard spec extends to a heated and perforated leather-trimmed steering wheel, which is very handy to have on cold winter mornings (pardon the pun).
Comfortable and cosy are the best descriptions for the Ateca’s interior, which is trimmed entirely in black with copper accents.
Dark and brooding perhaps, but the addition of black leather differentiates the V from the VZx, which features Cupra’s trademark petrol blue leather. If you want to lighten things up, a panoramic sunroof can be optioned on both Ateca variants for $1850.
Quality of materials is mixed across the board – I love the carbon-fibre weave-look floor mats and steering wheel, but scratchy plastics on the centre tunnel and lower section of the dash hurt perceived quality.
Importantly, common touch points such as the centre armrest and upper door trims are finished in soft leather. Build quality is solid too.
Front-row storage consists of a deep armrest bin, roomy door cubbies, a large glovebox with integrated valuables tray, and a sunglasses holder.
While it’s tough to fault passenger comfort in the front seats of the Ateca, the back row is a little restrictive in this regard.
Taller adults will struggle for legroom, as I did, although most under six-foot should fit just fine. The seat backs are finished in soft materials so it won’t hurt passengers to press their knees against them, and toe room is plentiful.
Headroom shouldn’t be an issue for individuals under six-five, but the space feels a bit claustrophobic regardless.
Amenities for rear passengers include a pair of USB-C outlets, a small storage compartment below, dual air vents with fan controls, map pockets, and standard door bins.
With the middle seat free, the centre armrest can be folded down to reveal integrated cupholders.
The second row can also dropped entirely, unlocking extra cargo room on top of Cupra’s 485L boot space claim.
It’s a bigger boot than you get in the Formentor, but smaller than other rivals from the Volkswagen Group stable.
In terms of features, the boot is equipped with a power tailgate, side pockets, a trio of top-tether points for child seats, and a small door through to the cabin that’s perfect for a set of skis.
A space-saver spare wheel can be found under the boot floor in the case of an emergency.
| Dimensions | Ateca V | Ateca VZx |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4381mm | 4386mm |
| Width | 1841mm | 1841mm |
| Height | 1625mm | 1613mm |
| Wheelbase | 2630mm | 2630mm |
| Cargo capacity | 485L | 485L |
To see how the Cupra Ateca lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool.
What’s under the bonnet?
All 2025 Cupra Ateca models are powered by the VW Group’s venerable EA888 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine.
Ateca VZx
| Specifications | Ateca V | Ateca VZx |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L turbo 4cyl | 2.0L turbo 4cyl |
| Power | 140kW | 221kW |
| Torque | 320Nm | 400Nm |
| Transmission | 7-speed DSG | 7-speed DSG |
| Driven wheels | All-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1614kg | 1655kg |
| Fuel economy (claimed) | 7.1L/100km | 8.2L/100km |
| Fuel economy (as tested) | 7.7L/100km | 8.3L/100km |
| Fuel tank capacity | 55L | 55L |
| Fuel requirement | 95 RON | 98 RON |
| CO2 emissions | 160g/km | 188g/km |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6 | Euro 6 |
| Braked tow capacity | 1900kg | 2100kg |
It’s available in two states of tune – the V has been detuned to produce 140kW and 320Nm, while the VZx outputs an unchanged 221kW and 400Nm.
Across the range, drive is sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. Cupra claims the Ateca V will dash from 0-100km/h in 7.2 seconds, short of the 4.9 seconds claimed for the VZx.
To see how the Cupra Ateca lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool.
How does the Cupra Ateca drive?
The V and VZx are poles apart in terms of performance, but they both share the same sweet driving dynamics that separate the Ateca from its rivals.
While the VZx is a rounded performance SUV with shove and agility in equal measure, the new V focuses on the latter, offering a package to suit SUV buyers who want something that’s sporty without excess.
Don’t get me wrong, the V still feels quick when pulling away from traffic lights or out of a low-speed corner, but it doesn’t give you the impression that you’re missing out on something by sticking to highway speed limits.
It never kicks you in the back on throttle, and doesn’t deliver the intoxicating exhaust ‘farts’ of its gym-junkie sibling. That’s before you add the optional titanium Akrapovic exhaust system, which wasn’t fitted to our test car.
Where the 221kW VZx is a hot SUV that feels ready to launch at a moment’s notice, the V is a warm one. At least until you get to a decent set of twisty roads.
That’s where the Ateca V makes just as much sense as a driver’s choice, as it retains almost all the handling qualities of the dearer VZx.
For an SUV, the V handles like it’s on rails, with endless all-wheel drive grip and minimal lean.
When legal and safe, you can comfortably carry triple-figure speeds through sweeping bends, which is an absolute hoot. By modern standards, the Ateca is a relatively light thing at just over 1600kg, and it feels truly nimble both in town and outside city limits.
As standard, the V misses out on the extra drive modes afforded by Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC), which limits the configurability of the driving experience. It means no Cupra mode, with its dialled-in steering and sharp throttle control, nor the comfort that comes with the softest available setup.
Rather than relying on Cupra software on a spirited drive, you can take transmission matters into your own hands by driving the Ateca in manual mode using plastic shift paddles behind the steering wheel. The paddles are tactile and responsive – a win for the V.
The passive suspension setup in the V finds a solid middle ground between sporty firmness and daily liveability, but it would be nice to tap into the Jekyll and Hyde personality inherent to the VZx. In Comfort mode the VZx becomes noticeably softer, absorbing road imperfections with a minimum of fuss.
On the other hand, the V bobbles over lumps and bumps, which wouldn’t be a deal-breaker for me personally. After all, you buy the Ateca because you want a sporty family car, not a lounge on wheels.
Regardless, ACC is included in the Tech Pack, which is a $2950 option box worth ticking if you plan to expose your Ateca to a range of road surfaces and driving conditions.
So, it’s settled. The Ateca is a brilliant handling SUV regardless of the badge on the back. But how does it fare when cruising on the highway?
As previously mentioned, the ride is firmer than similar vehicles with less of a performance focus. Road noise is another point of weakness for the Ateca. Irrespective of variant, tyre roar is pronounced on the 19-inch alloys, although wind noise is kept to a minimum.
Cupra’s suite of driver assists does a good job of keeping you on the straight and narrow without ever drifting into overbearing territory.
Travel Assist combines adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist to maintain a comfortable cruise with limited driver inputs, only occasionally straying too close to driver-side lane markings.
Unnecessary beeps and bongs are few and far between – the driver monitoring system is especially intuitive.
Side- and rear-view mirror visibility is good, and blind-spot monitoring is there to help.
Shifting to urban environments, the Ateca remains pleasurable to drive and easy to live with.
Even in Comfort mode, the throttle pedal in the VZx is a little sensitive at low speeds, but neither the VZx nor V suffer from the same DSG transmission clunkiness as some other Volkswagen Group products. Once you’re on the move, the gearbox bangs through ratios seamlessly.
Both variants are responsive between 0-60km/h, and the Ateca offers a comfortable and slightly elevated seating position.
Fuel economy is solid across the range too, considering the performance on offer. After long stints of mixed driving, I averaged 7.7L/100km in the V, and 8.3L/100km in the VZx.
When it comes to parking, the athletic Cupra benefits from its compact dimensions, plus a slew of cameras and sensors. With that said, the surround-view camera isn’t the best going around, transmitting low resolution footage to the infotainment screen.
But where it counts, the Ateca is just about class-leading as a driving machine.
What do you get?
With the introduction of the entry-level Ateca V, two variants are now offered.
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 assist
- Hands-free power tailgate
- Power driver’s seat with memory
- Heated front seats
- Black leather upholstery
- Keyless entry and start
- Dual-zone climate control
- Ambient lighting
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter
- Heated steering wheel
- Illuminated sill plates
- Aluminium pedals
- Heated, power-folding exterior mirrors with memory
- 4 x USB-C outlets (two front, two rear)
- Automatic headlights
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Paddle shifters
- Rear privacy glass
- LED headlights
- Fog lights with cornering lights
- Automatic high-beam
- 18-inch temporary spare
- Hidden exhaust
- 8-speaker sound system
Ateca VZx adds:
- 19-inch alloy wheels in black and copper
- Dynamic Chassis Control
- Supersport steering wheel with drive profile, engine-start satellite buttons
- Quad exhaust outlets
- Petrol Blue leather upholstery
- 9-speaker Beats sound system
Options
The following options are available on the Ateca:
- Akrapovic exhaust: $5950 (VZx)
- Brembo brake package (replaces spare with tyre repair kit): $4050 (VZx)
- Tech pack: $2950 (V)
- Surround-view camera
- Beats 9-speaker sound system
- Dynamic Chassis Control
- Electric panoramic sunroof: $1850
- Premium metallic paint: $490
Is the Cupra Ateca safe?
The Cupra Ateca is currently unrated by both ANCAP and its European counterpart, Euro NCAP.
Standard safety equipment includes:
- AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Adaptive cruise control
- Travel Assist
- Front assist
- Park assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane keep assist
- Driver fatigue detection
- Safe exit warning
- Reversing camera
- Front and rear parking sensors
- 7 airbags
- 2 x ISOFIX
- 3 x top tether points
VZx adds:
- Surround-view camera
How much does the Cupra Ateca cost to run?
The Cupra Ateca is covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.
| Running costs | Cupra Ateca |
|---|---|
| Warranty | 5 years, unlimited kilometres |
| Roadside assistance | 5 years |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 3 or 5 years |
| Total capped-price service cost | $990 – 3 years $1990 – 5 years |
Maintenance is required every 12 months or 15,000km. Last year Cupra removed its three years of free servicing for customers. Customers can purchase a service pack for $990 for three years or $1990 for five years of servicing.
To see how the Cupra Ateca lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool.
CarExpert’s Take on the Cupra Ateca
By reducing the cost of entry by nearly $20,000 with the Ateca V, Cupra has opened up its most mass market-friendly model to, well… the masses.
The new entry-level Ateca V offers the same capable chassis and suave styling as the longstanding VZx, without the hefty price tag.
For sub-$50k, you simply won’t find an SUV as engaging behind the wheel as the Ateca, period.
Having said that, SUV buyers drawn to the Ateca by its appearance alone best be wary. If carving country roads isn’t on the agenda, plenty of rivals have the Ateca covered for interior tech and space.
And stepping up to the VZx comes with its fair share of pros and cons.
You gain the fizz of the full-fat 221kW engine paired with a fruitier exhaust, which dials driving thrills up to 11. Other desirable upgrades include adaptive dampers and Cupra’s trademark blue leather interior.
However, at $70,000 the VZx has some serious competition from relatives both close and loose in the sporty SUV space.
The Cupra Formentor VZx is sleeker, more purposeful, and boasts better tech. Interior space may suffer somewhat, but the second row in the Ateca is hardly palatial.
Elsewhere in the Volkswagen Group catalogue, the VW T-Roc R and Audi SQ2 pair the same underpinnings with understated German luxury.
Electric alternatives shouldn’t be overlooked, either. The platform-sharing Smart Brabus range and Volvo EX30 are bold like the VZx, with superior straight-line speed.
As such, it’s far easier to recommend the V to buyers chasing a family SUV that will reinvigorate their daily drive. Afforded a bigger, VZx-sized budget, I’d probably lean towards a top-spec Formentor.
Interested in buying a Cupra Ateca? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here.
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