autoevolution
 

Cupra Ateca Configurator Launched, Starts from €43,450

The first Cupra SUV in the history of the SEAT brand is finally you can buy. We found the German configurator has gone live on a separate Cupra website.
Cupra Ateca Configurator Launched, Starts from €43,450 1 photo
Photo: SEAT
It's not on the main page, and we were quite taken aback by the price: €43,450. The Leon ST Cupra was only €40k when it came out, and it features the same 2-liter turbo, AWD and a similar DSG gearbox. You can get an FR model to about €40,000, so it's not a big dea.

Performance SUVs are always going to be a cash grab, not passion projects with pure performance. The initial reviews of the Cupra SUV say it's not the last word in engagement, but it is pretty fast. It's not going to give you the same feeling as a Civic Type R or a Focus RS.

The Cupra isn't just a more expensive Ateca. Every aspect has been revised, starting with the looks. It features a unique body kit to feed the air-hungry turbo engine and reduce high-speed lift. Hot hatch fans will appreciate the quad exhaust and standard adaptive suspension.

Right now, you could say the Cupra is a car without rivals since Performance SUVs are all either bigger or much smaller. With a 100 km/h sprint time of 5.2 seconds and a top speed of 247 km/h, it's almost as quick as an Audi SQ5, which suddenly makes it sound cheap.

The options aren't too bad either. For example, the copper wheels are only €1,100, but we'd stick to the standard, free setup since it's the same size and shape. All colors except the base blue are 600 euros, while the seats can be ordered in either leather or Alcantara.

You might be tempted to add the €540 Beats audio or a panoramic sunroof for €1,130. With Cupra models of the past, you could always get a huge discount from dealers if you bought existing stock. But only time will tell if the company is just going to pile up excessive numbers of 300 horsepower crossovers.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

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.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories