Quicker, slicker and more refined, the new CUPRA Ateca provides some stiff competition to the Volkswagen T-Roc R. CUPRA is, of course, the performance arm of SEAT, and has been its own separate entity since the start of 2018.
And this revision of the firms Ateca hot-SUV is a noteworthy one indeed.
The engine remains the same as in the previous incarnation - a turbo-charged, four cylinder 2.0 litre TSI, generating 300PS and which is married to CUPRAs 4Drive all-wheel system as well as a quick-shifting seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission.
But where the previous model had 0-62mph time of around 5.2 seconds, CUPRA says this all-new version has managed shave that time down to 4.9 seconds, courtesy of some subtle tinkering.
Top speed listed for the Ateca is a solid 153mph (247km/h).
Axel Andorff, Executive Vice-President for Research and Development at SEAT, says: With the CUPRA Ateca we made a clear statement in the high-performance SUV segment and with the new version we underline and strengthen this position.
Away from whats going on under your right foot, theres also significant improvements to the exterior and interior, too. CUPRA describes the new bodywork as being designed to give the Ateca a more purposeful and confident look.
Specifically, that means a new front bumper design with new full LED headlights and a new front grille with a dark aluminium diffuser.
Meanwhile cabin upgrades include new Alcantara Sports seats, a new 9.2-inch infotainment system, a microsuede CUPRA steering wheel which houses the engine start button alongside the all-important selectable driver profile button.
Those selectable profiles are Normal, Sport, CUPRA, and Individual, and designed with safety in mind to let you handle any conditions the Great British weather can throw at you.
Meanwhile the new Ateca has been enhanced with Pre-Crash Assist, Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Travel Assist, Emergency Assist and Side and Exit Assist, aimed at making manoeuvres from parking spaces easier than ever.
No wonder, then, that CUPRA are hoping for another sales smash with their uprated and highly attractive offering.
CUPRA CEO Wayne Griffiths revealed: The CUPRA Ateca marked the brands entry into a new segment, becoming a great success along the way, selling over 10,000 units in 2019, and allowing CUPRA to grow its position in the Ateca family representing 15% of the mix.
The high-performance SUV was the key driver in CUPRA achieving a 72% growth year on year.
