Non-premium performance SUVs have become
more common in recent years and buyers now have plenty models to choose from,
especially in Europe. The VW Group in particular is active in this segment with
its Volkswagen, Skoda and Cupra brands. Launched by SEAT at the end of 2018 as
the first product of its new performance brand, the Cupra Ateca is now back in
the limelight as it has already been facelifted along with the rest of the 2021
SEAT Ateca lineup.
We first saw the 2021MY model in June and
now it’s time to take a better look at it thanks to these new photos and videos
released by the Spanish automaker. When it comes to styling, the facelifted
Cupra Ateca sees most of the changes at the front.
The fast SUV adopts reshaped full-LED
headlights similar to those on newer products like the Leon and Tarraco, new
Cupra honeycomb grille inspired by the Formentor crossover coupe, a more
aggressive front bumper with bigger air intakes, and LED taillights with
dynamic indicators. New 19-inch alloys (with optional copper accents) are also
part of the package, as are the glossy dark aluminum side moldings, roof rails,
and mirror caps, as well as the quad exhausts. Six exterior colors are
available.
Inside, the 2021 Cupra Ateca gains
standard Dinamica bucket seats, new multifunction steering wheel with larger
shift paddles, engine start and Cupra mode select button, aluminum pedals, the
new 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit, and 9.2-inch infotainment system with
navigation, voice recognition and Apple CarPlay or Android Auto integration.
The cabin also features copper and dark aluminum details for a sportier look.
As before, power comes from a 2.0-liter
TSI turbo-four making 300 PS and 400 Nm of torque
available from 2,000 to 5,200rpm. Hooked to a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch
transmission and standard 4Drive AWD system, the Cupra Ateca does 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 247 km/h. The
0.3-second quicker sprint over the outgoing model is due to the standard launch
control function.
Standard features also include progressive
steering and the Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) system, which offers six driving
modes: Normal, Sport, Cupra, Individual, Snow or Off-road. Notable options
include the perforated and ventilated Brembo brakes and Akrapovič exhaust system
which enhances the engine sound.
The 2021 Cupra Ateca will arrive in
European dealerships from September 2020.
