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Cupra Ateca Is a Budget Porsche Macan But Not Perfect, Says Review

Everybody buys SUVs these days, and some want to stand out from the norm with a sportier model. And right now, we can't think of a better way to spend €43,450 than with the Cupra Ateca.
Cupra Ateca Is a Budget Porsche Macan But Not Perfect, Says Review 1 photo
Photo: YouTube screenshot/Auto Express
Cupra has separated itself from the main SEAT brand and wants to launch a standalone model, which everybody believes will be a coupe-SUV. But we don't see it that way, which is not bad considering the Cupra badge has been on the back of some of the fastest hatchbacks in the world.

A variety of review videos have popped up from a launch event organized by the company. We've picked a couple for our readers to watch while they decide if a 2-liter turbo is enough for a performance SUV.

Steve Sutcliffe from Auto Express makes an interesting comparison between the Ateca and a Porsche Macan. He admits that if you're looking for the ultimate performance SUVs it's probably going to be a Porsche, but the Cupra is a bargain.

There are plenty of complaints, though, the main one having to do with how the engine sounds. We agree in this regard since Cupra sometimes mess up what its customers want. But asking for a 350 horsepower super-stiff setup is probably too much, considering the latest emissions regulations and whatnot.

If you're looking for a truly special crossover experience, you might want to hold out for the Tiguan R and RS Q3, both of which will be powered by the 2.5 TFSI with around 400 HP. But on paper, the performance of the 300 HP, 400 Nm 2-liter turbo in this Cupra is good enough. It's not the sort of car you'd take to the track, but will excite you with a sweet tunnel run and has ample space in the back.

If the eight-minute video wasn't enough to satisfy your Cupra needs, we have another much longer clip where all the details are being checked out.

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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.
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