The first product of Seat’s Cupra standalone
performance brand will soon arrive in 277 specially selected dealerships across
Europe. We’re talking about the Cupra Ateca, the 300 PS SUV that will
debut in European markets by the end of 2018. Seat has
released full specifications and a big photo gallery featuring the performance
crossover.
At the heart of the Cupra Ateca is the 2.0-liter TSI
turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine. It delivers 300 PS between
5,300rpm and 6,500rpm, and 400 Nm of torque from 2,000 to 5,200
rpm.
The turbo four is mated to a seven-speed DSG
transmission that sends power to all four wheels via the 4Drive AWD system.
Thanks in part to a standard launch control function, the Cupra Ateca sprints
from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds. If the road and the law allow it,
it can continue accelerating until it reaches 247 km/h. Interestingly,
both values are quicker than the initial specs of 5.4 seconds and 245 km/h,
respectively.
The engine produces a throatier sound
than lesser Atecas, courtesy of a sports exhaust system with four exhausts at
the rear. Furthermore, the Cupra Ateca combines hot hatch levels of performance
with a decent fuel economy. WLTP average fuel consumption ratings are 8.5-8.9
l/100 km, with corresponding CO2 emissions of 192-201 g/km.
To cope with the added power, engineers also uprated
the brakes, with the Ateca featuring larger front and rear discs (340mm and 310mm). Those who want more stopping power can opt for
the Performance Pack that adds 18-inch Brembo performance brakes in black.
Performance features also include the Dynamic
Chassis Control adaptive suspension system, which is optimized to work together
with all the driving modes (Comfort, Sport, Individual, Snow, Off-Road, and
Cupra). Factor in the progressive steering system and Cupra says the Ateca
guarantees both a “superlative drive” and an “intuitive connection between vehicle
and driver.” Design-wise, customers can upgrade the Cupra Ateca with carbon fiber
mirror caps and bucket seats, available from late 2018.
