Cupra, Seat’s now standalone high-performance brand,
is officially entering our lives with a very fast version of the Ateca SUV that
made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show.
The Spanish SUV is now powered by Group VW’s
2.0-liter TSI engine that produces 300 PS and 400 Nm of peak
torque, and is paired to a newly developed seven-speed dual-clutch
transmission.
The combination of the dual-clutch transmission with
the all-wheel drive is a very effective one when it comes to straight-line
performance: the Cupra Ateca is capable of a 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds
and of a top speed of 245 km/h.
The hot SUV rides on adaptive suspension that can be
configured through the Drive Profile modes: Normal, Sport, Individual, Snow,
Off-Road and CUPRA.
On the outside, the Cupra Ateca distinguishes itself
from its lesser siblings with a more aggressive body kit that includes new
bumpers, side sills, a rear spoiler and a new honeycomb grille. The front end
proudly wears the new Cupra logo, which was met with mixed reviews by our
readers. The exterior revisions are completed with glossy black details, matt
aluminum Cupra letters, quad exhausts and a set of 19-inch alloys.
Inside the cabin is dressed with lots of Alcantara
and features aluminum pedals and glossy black trim details. Cupra will also
offer an optional Performance pack which includes bigger Brembo brakes, carbon
detailing inside and out, as well as leather seats. Customers will be able to
opt for a set of exclusive bucket seats from mid-2019.
