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SEAT Ateca Cupra Spied in Full View While Testing in Spain

Flat paint, red brakes and four exhaust pipes - these are all the trademarks of the SEAT Ateca Cupra prototype we saw during the Leon facelift reveal. And with testing underway in Spain, it's pretty clear that the Spanish automaker is keen to add even more Carolina Reaper spiciness to the range.
SEAT Ateca Cupra Spied in Full View While Testing in Spain 11 photos
Photo: SB-Medien
SEAT Ateca Cupra Spied in Full View While Testing in SpainSEAT Ateca Cupra Spied in Full View While Testing in SpainSEAT Ateca Cupra Spied in Full View While Testing in SpainSEAT Ateca Cupra Spied in Full View While Testing in SpainSEAT Ateca Cupra Spied in Full View While Testing in SpainSEAT Ateca Cupra Spied in Full View While Testing in SpainSEAT Ateca Cupra Spied in Full View While Testing in SpainSEAT Ateca Cupra Spied in Full View While Testing in SpainSEAT Ateca Cupra Spied in Full View While Testing in Spain
Even though the waters are relatively untested, Volkswagen Group has approved not one but two performance SUVs of the affordable variety, the Ateca Cupra and the Tiguan R. So much for cutting back on development spending!

Both are going to use the same kind of engine, a 2.0-liter TSI turbo with around 300 horsepower, although there's likely to be a small gap in output. But if we had money saved up for such a car, we'd wait for the SEAT version, which usually condenses more bang per buck.

So the Ateca is not only SEAT's first SUV, but it's also going to be one of the most important Cupra models. As the automaker wants to increase its profits, it will gradually turn away from cheap, small cars like the Ibiza.

For now, the test prototype doesn't give us a clear design direction, as even the suspension looks to be of normal height. But they got rid of the fog lights and created larger openings for the air intakes locate there. Overall, you won't get any major differences, as is the case with the Leon Cupra as well.

Everybody's mom and her dog want to own a high-riding crossover. And the Ateca Cupra won't rock that boat. "I've bought an SUV; it's for the whole family," you'll be able to say. But every time you look at the exhaust and those brake calipers, you'll be reminded that you've bought something special.

By adding AWD to the Cupra formula, the Ateca could ensure that it's the fastest production car SEAT has ever made. When equipped with the DSG gearbox, it might reach 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 5-and-a-bit seconds.

However, it won't be a true track car or canyon carver. Our math suggests its total weight will be around 80 kilos higher than that of the ST Cupra, reaching 1,550 kilograms. For the record, that's still about three passengers lighter than the Porsche Macan.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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