USED BUYER'S GUIDE Cupra Ateca Mk1

FROM £20,000 The model that launched SEAT's sporting offshoot is now a great-value family car that offers performance and handling to match its purposeful looks

- Richard Dredge

IN January 2018, the Volkswagen Group announced its latest brand: a SEAT spin-off called Cupra. Within months, Cupra had unveiled its first model, the Ateca, which was nothing more than a warmed-over SEAT Ateca.

But was that really such a bad thing? After all, the Ateca provided a pretty good starting point for something that put the sports into sports utility vehicle. Dynamically capable and with all of the latest comfort and safety tech, the Ateca helped Cupra on its way to becoming an established brand, with several standalone products.

As a result it would be easy to think that the Ateca has been rather left behind, and while it isn’t as easy to recommend as a new model, if you're looking for a used one, there's still plenty to like about the brand's sharp-looking SUV.

HISTORY

SALES of the Cupra Ateca began in October 2018, when it was offered with a 296bhp 2.0 TSI petrol engine, four-wheel drive and a seven-speed DSG transmission.

A facelifted model went on sale in September 2020, with Alcantara sports seats, a new four-pipe exhaust system and a bigger infotainment system.

At this point, there was still only that 296bhp 2.0 TSI engine option, but from June 2023 there was also a 187bhp version offered, with 4Drive four-wheel drive. At the same time, a 148bhp 1.5 TSI petrol unit was added to the range, in front-wheel-drive form only.

WHICH SHOULD I BUY?

THE 1.5-litre engine doesn't feel special enough, so we'd opt for a 2.0-litre unit, and ideally the full-fat 296bhp edition, because it has the zest that a Cupra deserves.

Initially, the Ateca came in standard trim only, but with optional Design, and Comfort & Sound packs (either or both could be specified). The 2020 facelift brought three new trim levels (VZ1, VZ2, VZ3), then there were fresh lineup changes when the new engine range arrived in June 2023.