The Cupra Ateca was the first model of the Martorell sports brand when in 2018 it began its journey independently of Seat. The path taken since then has been spectacular and Cupra has established itself as a young, daring and ambitious manufacturer with models full of design and technology. And like all players in the European market, orienting its immediate future towards electrification, total or partial.
This is not the case of the Cupra Ateca, which was born with the iron will of becoming a benchmark sports SUV. A car for demanding drivers in terms of performance and also exclusivity. Indeed, the first Cupra Ateca was a product with almost no rivals, except for some German models from the brands that we all know.
Gasoline engine, 300 HP and all-wheel drive. Those were his credentials. Now, almost six years later, Cupra gives a boost to the Ateca by increasing the range of engines and expanding the equipment.
Because not everyone needs 300 HP in an SUV, and at Cupra they know that they have many customers who, with a 190 HP version, more than cover their needs. This is how the new Cupra Ateca 2.0 TSI with 190 HP is born with a seven-speed DSG transmission and 4Drive all-wheel drive. And coinciding with the first deliveries to its customers, the brand has made a unit available to us.
Those responsible for the brand tell us that “Cupra's ambition is to reach all audiences by offering the manufacturer's DNA throughout its range of models.”
And just as happened with the Cupra León after adding the most accessible version with 150 HP Mild-Hybrid technology to the range of more performance engines of the compact, where the e-Hybrid versions also stand out, Cupra plans to increase its sales with the new 190 HP engine installed in the Ateca.
In any case, they argue that this new 190 HP version has very interesting sales potential, since the demand for mechanics above 160 HP corresponds to 40.6% of sales.
The engine of the new Cupra Ateca is a 2.0 TSI with 190 HP gasoline with a 7-speed DSG transmission and the effective 4Drive all-wheel drive. At only 1,580 kg, quite light, it is capable of reaching a top speed of 212 km/h and accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.2 seconds. These are figures for a compact sports car on the market.
The DSG transmission is a key component for its exhilarating sporty driving. Smooth and precise, we can manipulate it through the two paddles on the steering wheel, which if they were a little larger nothing would happen either.
As befits its philosophy, it has a rigid suspension that is felt as soon as we get behind the wheel. The car appears extremely stable, without swaying, on any route. In the city, it even seems a bit hard when faced with any change in asphalt, but it is not a problem since the balance on the road is magnificent.
Our unit also included adaptive chassis control (DCC), which adapts the firmness of the shock absorbers in three positions. Likewise, the progressive steering system gives the Ateca maximum agility by providing a large amount of information between the car and the driver through the steering wheel.
And the Cupra Drive Profile system offers five different driving mode profiles that allow you to adjust the vehicle to the travel conditions or the person behind the wheel. The system allows you to choose between Normal, Sport, Individual, Snow or Off-Road to change the character of the vehicle and adapt it to a spectrum that ranges from daily driving to the most dynamic.
The design and presentation, both exterior and interior, have always distinguished Cupra. And the good thing about this 190 HP version is that it looks very similar to the 300 HP VZ model.
The entire front part, with the bumper and the Full LED headlights, is a statement of intent. And the honeycomb-shaped upper grille houses the Cupra logo in the center with a darkened aluminum finish on its frame.
The side moldings and roof rails are finished in shiny dark aluminum, as are the exterior mirrors that integrate the welcome lights that project the Cupra logo onto the ground. The side profile is further enhanced by the standard 19-inch alloy wheels which, with their numerous design options, allow customers to personalize the style of their vehicle.
The rear part also has LED lights and includes dynamic turn signals, which provide elegance and a clear vision to other drivers of the direction the car will take.
One of the main differences with the VZ version is that, instead of the four exhaust outlets, this 190 HP version incorporates a redesigned rear diffuser that integrates perfectly into the lines of the car.
In addition to everything mentioned above, this new version of the Cupra Ateca includes in its standard equipment: Launch Control function (for making brilliant exits from a standstill), ACC adaptive cruise control with pedestrian detector or fatigue detector.
Connectivity includes: 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit instrument panel, Full Link system compatible with Android Auto (wired) and Apple Car Play (wireless), 9.2-inch touch screen with navigation, voice recognition system and software update, search for parking or service stations, all online.
In terms of comfort, the dual-zone automatic climate control, full Full LED lighting (with taillights with dynamic LED turn signals) and the Kessy keyless opening and starting system stand out.
On the outside, the 19” Machined Sport Black wheels with 245/40 R19 Bridgestone Turanza tires (excellent for all types of weather), dark aluminum front grille, Glossy black roof bars or rear spoiler on the front attract a lot of attention. body color.
Lastly, but not least, the interior surprises with its quality and presentation with elements such as bucket-type sports seats with Copper-colored stitching, multifunction leather sports steering wheel with paddles, illuminated front door sills with the word Cupra, lights Reading LED, multicolor ambient light and LED light in the glove compartment and trunk.
Naturally, Cupra offers several optional equipment packages to personalize the car at a completely reasonable price. For example, the Tech Pack 360 (1,600 euros) includes a 360º Top View camera, electric tailgate (with foot opening), wireless charger, involuntary lane departure assistant, traffic jam assistant and blind spot detector.
The new Cupra Ateca 190 HP is available for 45,760 euros and, with the brand's discounts and the optional Tech Pack, it can be purchased from 43,100 euros.
