Cupra Ateca 2022 Review - International

The 2022 Seat Ateca is a crisply styled, reasonably attractive SUV to begin with, so bolting on some high-performance, Cupra-specific addenda hardly hurts its look.

We expect all models to roll on at least 19-inch wheels and to also come with beefier bodywork, plus quad exhausts at the rear. They’re genuine exhausts too, not the fakes you can find on some other Volkswagen Group products – lower-spec Cupra Formentor models included.

Anyway, smatter some copper-coloured highlights onto the Ateca and, voila, another family machine that’s turned into a rapid Cupra is yours for the taking.

Admittedly, despite a recent facelift for the broader line-up across Europe, the Cupra Ateca isn’t as striking as its Formentor relation. But that’s as it should be.

For Volkswagen Group Australia, Ateca will sit below not only Formentor but the incoming Audi SQ2 (from $64,400 plus ORCs), giving the all-new Hyundai Kona N a run for its money.

It will also be a slightly bigger alternative to yet another high-riding high-performance small SUV that’s long been coveted for release in Australia, and which could also be available by the second half of 2022: the Volkswagen T-Roc R.

Within, it’s much the same story when you compare the 2022 Cupra Ateca to its Formentor relation – the latter is newer and therefore has a much grander, more eye-catching cabin.

Granted, there will be those who prefer the Ateca’s physical climate control dials, mounted on the Cupra’s centre console.

Petrol Blue leather upholstery is a hallmark of the Cupra line but it’s only likely to be factory-fit from VZ2 grade upwards; on that note, we’re speculating that the Ateca will be offered in VZ1, VZ2 and VZ3 lines when it finally appears on our shores.

Mind you, Alcantara bucket seats for base Cupra Ateca models should keep most customers happy enough with the ambience of the cabin.

All models should also get a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, albeit one that isn’t quite as sharp and glitzy as the Formentor’s item, and a 9.2-inch infotainment system, which Seat has just improved in terms of graphics for the Ateca’s mid-life facelift.

But you know what we’re going to say here, right? Yep, the Formentor’s system has the edge. It’s better integrated, it works faster and it simply looks nicer than the Ateca’s.

At least the Cupra Ateca has good room in the second row for adults, its longer, higher roofline aiding headroom, while the boot is larger than the Formentor’s with at least 485 litres of cargo space to play with.

Fold the rear seats down and that figure rises to 1579 litres, which is respectable.

However, the plain fact of the matter is that the Ateca’s cabin feels like old technology spruced up with Cupra flourishes, whereas the Formentor’s passenger compartment confidently conveys the idea that it is a bespoke Cupra product through and through.

It’s a subtle but important distinction between the two fast SUVs from Spain, and one that doesn’t reflect favourably on the Ateca.

Another area where the Formentor edges ahead of its 2022 Cupra Ateca sibling is in drivetrain choice.

Cupra offers 110kW, 180kW and 228kW versions of its 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre TSI petrol engines for the Formentor, as well as a 180kW plug-in hybrid derivative.

Even if all of these don’t make it to Australia, there’s still more engine options for buyers to consider than there are in the Cupra Ateca range, where a solitary 221kW 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine is offered.

With Cupra’s 4Drive all-paw traction and a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox provided as standard, the 221kW Ateca is certainly not slow.

It runs from 0-100km/h in 5.2 seconds and will go on to 246km/h flat out where permitted.

On the plus side, the Cupra Ateca’s drivetrain is super-smooth throughout the rev range and makes a keen, hard-edged noise when revved out, so there’s merit to be had in rinsing the Spanish chariot through the gears.

The 2022 Cupra Ateca presents itself like precisely what it is: a normal, everyday SUV, heated up with a potent turbo engine and some meatier componentry.

Objectively, there’s nothing wrong with the way the Ateca goes about its business.

It limits body roll well, it provides good suppression of exterior noises at highway speeds, and the steering is both nicely calibrated for weight and well-judged in terms of responses.

There’s also precious little hesitation or lag to report from the EA888 engine, DSG and 4Drive combination, so you can exploit as much of the Ateca’s pace as is possible – whatever the weather.

But you can sense the weight transfer in corners, the Cupra Ateca not quite as eager to get turned into tighter bends as you might like.

You also pay for its humble SUV origins with a less forgiving ride. Even on adaptive ‘DCC’ dampers, the Cupra Ateca struggles to mask the weight of the 19-inch wheels at all four corners and can often thump and bang across imperfect asphalt surfaces.

This will be a direct corollary of the fact the normal Ateca can run on 17-inch wheels, and trying to adapt such suspension for much greater unsprung weight is always a challenge.

All told, the Cupra Ateca drives very well. It’s a sweet machine in many regards and certainly doesn’t disgrace itself in the corners.

It’s just that the pace of change these days is remarkably rapid and therefore its slightly soft-edged chassis focus has already been made to feel old-school by sharper, more cohesive vehicles.

Judged in isolation, the 2022 Cupra Ateca is a fine high-performance SUV.

It looks good on the outside, it has a strong and proven-to-be-reliable drivetrain, its cabin is well-enough appointed and spacious, and the balance of day-to-day ride comfort versus handling acuity is traded off nicely.

However, the Ateca can never shake off its plain Seat origins and it has been outmanoeuvred, out-thought and straight up outshone by the model that quickly superseded it, the Cupra Formentor.

In other markets, Cupra continuing to offer the Ateca makes the utmost sense. It was the model that launched the sub-brand, and it paved the way for an all-new motoring marque.

But for Australia, we’re not entirely sure Ateca will slot perfectly into showrooms next to the Formentor. It might also be overshadowed by other similarly potent Volkswagen Group models standing close by.

Judged in isolation, the Cupra Ateca is well worth your consideration. But judged in proper context, there’s a worry that this hot SUV is going to be surplus to our requirements.

How much does the 2022 Cupra Ateca 221 TSI DSG 4Drive cost?
Price: $50,000 estimated (plus on-road costs)
Available: Q3/Q4 2022
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 221kW/400Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel: 7.3L/100km (NEDC)
CO2: 166g/km (NEDC)
Safety rating: Five-star (Euro NCAP 2016)