Cupra Ateca review

There isn’t a great deal wrong with the Cupra Ateca’s interior per se: it’s laid out well and solidly built, if a bit cheap-feeling. Though you could argue it’s boring, dark and maybe a tad old fashioned.

But that does at least bring better usability. Answer us this: would you rather have the touch sensitive climate controls in the Tiguan, Golf and Leon, or the physical knobs and buttons in this? Thought so.

What about the infotainment?

All trims get a big 9.2-inch touchscreen allied to a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, which you manipulate with buttons on the steering wheel. The driver’s display isn’t as thoughtfully presented or as useful as Audi’s ‘Virtual Cockpit’, but it looks the part and there are a few different display modes to choose from.

Much the same can be said for the main display. Looks great, with crisp graphics and colourful menus, but the user interface can be confusing. Wireless phone charging and Apple CarPlay are both standard; the sockets are all USB-Cs.

What’s different to the Seat version?

On top of the normal Ateca, the Cupra adds a pair of smart, comfortable and supportive sport seats trimmed in Alcantara (upgraded to leather in the VZ2 and VZ3 cars) plus a smattering of copper detailing.

Otherwise everything is more or less as you’ll find in the Seat version of the Ateca. There’s a decent amount of space in the back of the cabin and a reasonably sized boot, although it is a touch less spacious than the related Volkswagen Tiguan. 

Considering this is billed as an overtly sporting brand, it is a little disappointing to be faced with such a conventional dashboard and interior set-up. Other than the fancier seats, there’s not a great deal to suggest that you’re in something a bit more special.