Seat is preparing to launch an Ateca with its Cupra moniker. It will sit above the recently introduced Ateca FR and become the most expensive offering from the Spanish carmaker. The undisguised test mule of the Ateca Cupra was spotted recently pushing itself to the limit at the famous Green Hell.
What distinguishes the Ateca Cupra from the standard crossover are quad exhaust tips and bigger sporty wheels complemented by huge Brembo brakes. A slightly lowered ride height for better cornering gives the Cupra-badged crossover a more aggressive stance. The front fog lights have given way to larger faux air intakes. The bold Cupra body colours will also be a part of this package.
On the inside, the Ateca Cupra will follow the Seat’s high-class interiors with numerous electronic driver aids, plus class-leading connectivity through a standard eight-inch touchscreen. There will be a host of Cupra touches, such as a flat-bottomed steering wheel, leather, aluminium pedals and splashes of red trim to liven things up. It will also be a practical car with a 485 litre boot and a rear seat which can comfortably accomodate three people.
Under the hood will be a turbocharged 2.0-litre TSI engine pushing out a healthy 300bhp and 380Nm. The same engine powers the hot hatch Leon Cupra but makes slightly lower horsepower. The standard Ateca is front-wheel driven, but the Cupra will be an all-wheel drive. To up the excitement, the hot Ateca is set to have its own Cupra mode. The touch of a button will stiffen the adaptive dampers, enhance the throttle response and 4WD electronics, weigh up the steering and give a throatier sound.
The Ateca Cupra is expected to be showcased at this year’s Frankfurt Motor show and go on sale right after. It will face a strong competition from the likes of Nissan Qashqai, Renault Kadjar, Audi Q3 and BMW X1. Following the Ateca Cupra’s footsteps, the VW siblings – the Tiguan and Kodiaq are likely to get sporty derivatives as well.
