Seat is working on a minor facelift for the Ateca and it appears that Cupra is following suit. Spotted undergoing testing alongside the Cupra Leon ST, the high-performance crossover will get a minor refreshing that mainly focus on the front end. Styling changes are hard to make out, but the model has been equipped with a revised grille that features a new mesh insert. The split air intake has also been eliminated and this has resulted in the removal of dedicated “Cupra” lettering.

The front bumper should also be updated and it appears the model will be outfitted with new headlights. However, they won’t be the temporary units fitted to this prototype. Virtually everything else carries over from the current model and that isn’t too surprising as the Cupra Ateca was introduced less than two years ago. That being said, the production model could get some minor updates out back including a modified bumper and revised taillights.


Speaking of minor changes, the crossover’s powertrain is expected to carryover. As a result, there should be a familiar turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 296 hp and 400 Nm of torque. It should be connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that sends power to a standard all-wheel drive system. This setup enables the model to run from 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds before hitting a top speed of 245 km/h.

The updated Cupra Ateca is expected to be unveiled next year, but there’s no word on specific timing quite yet.