Cupra Ateca VZx 2025 Review 

In car years, the 2025 Cupra Ateca VZx has been around for a long time. First seen in 2016 overseas before the brand launched Down Under in 2022, the Spanish medium SUV is certainly well-seasoned.

It’s ultimately set to be replaced by the upcoming Terramar, but expect the Ateca to remain on sale until at least the end of 2025.

The VZx tested here is the range-topping variant and comes in at $63,490 before on-road costs (ORCs). However, at the time of writing there’s a $63,990 drive-away deal, so be on the lookout.

While the VZx used to be a lone ranger, the Ateca range doubled in 2024 with the addition of the entry-level V for $51,990 (before ORCs).

Rivals include the Mini Countryman JCW and Volkswagen Tiguan R, or even the Tesla Model Y, given its medium SUV designation.

The Ateca is covered by Cupra’s five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.

Servicing falls due every 12 months/15,000km (whichever comes first) and you can buy three or five years of capped-price servicing for $990 and $1990 respectively.

If you purchase a five-year plan, it also includes a concierge. That equates to a pick-up and drop-off service from a nominated address within 10km of the nearest authorised Cupra service partner.

With sleeker, more eye-catching designs in the collection, it’s easy to overlook the rather conventional 2025 Cupra Ateca VZx. Okay, we see those large, copper-coloured 19-inch alloys, too. However, they’re about the only conspicuous design elements to signify the VZx’s intent.

Keeping things simmering are the quad exhaust pipes housed in the diffuser-style rear bumper, the rear wing, the open grille for efficient cooling and of course the Cupra badges. LED head and tail lights offer a distinctive touch, as do the LED indicators.

Inside, the customised Cupra vibe continues with the ‘Petrol Blue’ leather upholstery and copper accents dominating. Other features include heated front seats, heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and start, powered tailgate, tyre-pressure monitors and tinted rear windows.

While the VZx isn’t short on spec, it’s a bit harsh for only the driver’s seat to be electrically operated (with lumbar and memory functions).

There are option boxes available to tick, but some aren’t cheap. Our tester is painted in Dark Forest Metallic ($495), but you can also stump up for an Akrapovic exhaust system ($6300), Performance brakes with Brembo front callipers ($4200) or a panoramic glass sunroof ($1850).

As is the norm in a modern context, the 2025 Cupra Ateca VZx carries a host of active safety features despite the model’s age.

Highlights include autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with cyclist and pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, 360-degree camera and auto dipping high beam.

There are dual ISOFIX points and three top-tether anchorages in the back, as well as seven airbags.

Unlike the Formentor medium SUV, the Ateca hasn’t been tested by ANCAP. It therefore doesn’t have an official safety rating.

Safety kit missing from the Ateca range includes a front-centre airbag and traffic sign recognition, items that are required in the latest iteration of ANCAP’s testing regime.

On the road, the calibration of the lane-keep assist is well executed and the cabin is largely free of audible warnings. Although Cupra, (Volkswagen, actually), makes it easy to turn certain systems off if they’re annoying to you.

Making the 2025 Cupra Ateca VZx’s cabin feel up-to-date is the 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. It’s clear, concise and customisable. The graphics used are refreshingly simple and all the key information you require frequently is easy to find. Top marks.

What doesn’t convey modernity quite as much is the 9.2-inch touch-screen for the infotainment. However, it’s only the touch-screen's size that disappoints; it’s packed with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Keeping with the contemporary theme are the USB-C ports and wireless charging pad. Those inclusions are joined by Bluetooth, DAB+ digital radio, voice recognition and a thumping nine-speaker Beats audio system with a subwoofer.

If this is the part you’ve been waiting for, then strap in, because the 2025 Cupra Ateca VZx doesn’t hang about.

The speedy Spaniard races to 100km/h from rest in just 4.9 seconds with the aid of launch control. Take it on at the traffic-light grand prix at your peril.

Volkswagen aficionados won’t be surprised by that pace, nor the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine’s figures of 221kW and 400Nm.

The venerable EA888 unit might be getting on in age, but it feels as fresh as tomorrow and it's highly refined. There’s minimal lag down low and it pulls so progressively that you’re hard-pressed to detect the turbocharger kicking in.

With peak power generated at 5300rpm, there’s not a lot of point revving it out to redline, especially when the bulk of the torque is enjoyed between 2000 and 5200rpm.

It’s paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that channels power to all four wheels via the on-demand Haldex all-wheel drive system.

Yes, the gearbox isn’t quite as proficient at the slow-speed stuff as it could be, but its processes are significantly more polished than the days of old. What’s more, it continues to perform rapid-fire shifts on the run and will even blip the throttle changing to lower gears.

We do lament the fact that the soundtrack isn’t quite as zesty as the performance suggests. And previous experience with the optional Akrapovic exhaust didn’t sprinkle any extra cayenne pepper on the mix, either. There are some turbo whistles and distant overrun pops, but it’s all too muted.

If you’re after the more efficient variant, consider taking a power cut and opt for the cheaper V. If not, you must be willing to accept the fact the 2025 Cupra Ateca VZx drinks a claimed 1.1L/100km more than its sibling.

That means the official claimed consumption is 8.2L/100km. However, after a week behind the wheel across urban, rural and highway conditions, our VZx returned 9.8L/100km – although that also includes dynamic road-testing sections.

The Euro 6 emissions-compliant four-cylinder also prefers a diet of premium 98 RON fuel to fill its 55-litre tank.

You’ll chortle and be cosseted in equal measures. The 2025 Cupra Ateca VZx lives up to the brand’s ethos of fun in spades while not turning its back on the comfort a family-friendly SUV needs to deliver.

Of course, these divergent personalities are possible due to a raft of drive modes, and the VZx gains a dedicated Curpa selection. The others include Comfort, Sport and Individual, the latter of which is a nice-to-have inclusion so you can tailor your own experience.??

While the Cupra's body control and agility are both respectable, they're also the only areas where the Ateca feels like a hotted-up SUV rather than the true hot hatch you might want it to be. The laws of physics can’t be totally dismissed with a higher centre of gravity and the extra weight (1655kg) of the MQB A1 platform in this guise.

Still, the Ateca VZx turns in vehemently, rotates nicely and gains ample traction with the 245/40 R19 Bridgestone Turanza tyres to sling you out the other side of an apex. And despite its form-factor limitations, it has a general energetic feeling from behind the wheel, one that almost coaxes you into driving spiritedly instead of bemoaning the prospect.

Thanks to the adaptive dampers, the Ateca’s ride quality encompasses a wide bandwidth. Comfort mode is amenable enough to soak up lumps and bumps, while Sport mode is the best balance between compliance and stiffness.

However, Cupra mode is just a bit too harsh and unrelenting for poor surfaces. Also, the sound deadening within the cabin struggles to quell the big hits, transmitted by the MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension.

The steering is nicely weighted if you stay out of Cupra mode – unless you like it artificially heavy. Flick the rotary mode selector (or steering-wheel-mounted button) into Comfort mode around the city for super-light responses. The brakes also stack up well, even without the beefed-up Brembo items.

While the Ateca VZx isn’t quite a Golf R in medium SUV clothing, it convinces with its good enough impression.

In theory, yes. Few SUVs ever leave the tarmac, however, and we think the 2025 Cupra Ateca VZx falls into that category.

Counting in its favour is the all-wheel drive system and its dedicated Off-road and Snow modes. Yet, there’s only 160mm of ground clearance and a space-saver spare wheel when things don't go according to plan.

Conversely, if you’re into towing, the Ateca VZx can lug around 2100kg, an impressive braked capacity for a vehicle like this.

Blue and green should never be seen… Unless it’s the colour combo of your 2025 Cupra Ateca VZx. Yes, the green exterior hue paired with the blue cabin can polarise opinion.

Still, there’s generally a Volkswagen level of sophistication to be found within the top-tier Ateca. The seats are wonderfully supportive and covered in soft leather, complemented by sound ergonomics and the top-notch fit and finish. We especially love the old-school dials for the climate controls – so simple and clever.

However, while they’re refreshingly easy to use, the overall aesthetic is looking a bit tired in the face of more modern rivals – even against Cupra’s own Formentor.

Despite its exterior dimensions being quite small for a medium SUV – 4386mm long, 1841mm wide, 1613mm tall and rolling on a wheelbase of 2630mm – the Ateca is a veritable Tardis inside.

There is a load of leg and toe room as well as ample head and shoulder space. You can even feasibly accommodate adults three abreast. Amenities are generous, too, with rear air vents, twin USB-C ports, map pockets and a centre armrest with cupholders.

Even bigger competitors aren’t endowed with as much cargo capacity, with the Ateca boasting 485 litres of boot space. That figure expands to 1149 litres with the 60/40-split folding rear seats stowed. Plus, you can release those pews from the boot and there are handy shopping hooks for convenience.

As previously mentioned, NVH levels could be better managed. At speed, tyre roar is present, and the wing mirrors produce wind rustle as well.

Some might see opting for the emerging matador as a bit of a risk. However, it doesn’t take long to realise the 2025 Cupra Ateca VZx is made of meticulously curated Volkswagen parts, just with an added Mediterranean influence.

If you don’t need to hustle as swiftly as the range-topper can, then the V makes monetary sense. You’re keeping cash in the bank without completely forgoing amusement, given it runs a detuned version of the VZx powertrain.

However, the Cupra is cheaper than the likes of the Tiguan R. It also stacks up for those who require their SUV to be rapid and sensible. If a Golf R (or even a Leon VZx) no longer fits your lifestyle, then the Ateca is less of a dynamic compromise than you’d imagine.??

So, is there room in the ultra-competitive medium SUV ranks for a Spanish player offering pragmatic performance? Si por favor.??

2025 Cupra Ateca VZx at a glance:
Price: $63,490 before on-road costs
Available: Now
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 221kW/400Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch
Fuel: 8.2L/100km (ADR combined)
CO2: 188g/km (ADR)
Safety rating: Not tested

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