CUPRA Australia has revealed the specifications for the inbound CUPRA Ateca SUV, which will be available in one highly specified model grade, named VZx. Part of the brand’s model launch in mid-2022, it will be joined by the Leon hatch and Formentor crossover.
Combining striking design with blistering performance, the CUPRA Ateca, named after the historic town in Spain, pushes the sport paradigm of ‘sports utility vehicle’ even further thanks to its 221kW 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine.
Delivering 400Nm of torque, it’s mated to a seven-speed DSG and 4Drive all-wheel drive, it can sprint to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds. As the only CUPRA Ateca model grade offered in Australia, the CUPRA Ateca VZx will come fully loaded too.
Standard features of the go-fast SUV include extensive visual and performance-oriented cues, including 19-inch Exclusive Sport alloy wheels in black and copper, full LED headlights with daytime running lamps, and rear LED lamps with dynamic ‘swiping’ indicators.
There’s also fog lamps with cornering lamps, Light Assist (auto high beam), driving profile selection, dynamic chassis control and progressive steering.
Commanding an aggressive presence on the road, the Ateca is instantly recognisable with a range of visual cues, including a rear roof spoiler, black roof rails, rear tinted windows, gloss black highlights, mirror cases in dark aluminium and striking quad exhausts.
Unseen by the naked eye but no-less significant, the Ateca also incudes hands-free power tailgate, auto-folding and heated mirrors with memory, welcome lights in the exterior mirrors and a light and rain sensor.
Power is one thing, but the CUPRA Ateca also benefits from an array of safety and assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, front assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection, side assist with exit assist, and lane assist.
You’ll also find travel assist, driver fatigue detection, proactive passenger protection (known as ‘pre-crash’), park assist, front and rear parking sensors and a top view camera with 360-degree vision.
On the inside, the beast becomes a beauty with luxury appointments and tech features commonly found in more expensive luxury cars.
Starting with the signature CUPRA Petrol Blue leather sports bucket seats, which are heated in the front, and also offer power adjustment with memory for the driver’s seat, the interior also offers keyless entry and start, and three-zone climate control air conditioning.
Ambient interior lighting, leather gear knob with copper stitching, illuminated scuff places, aluminium pedals and carpet floor mats also feature. On the technology-front, the Ateca features a 10.25-inch digital cockpit, and a 9.2-inch navigation system.
The signature CUPRA leather steering wheel sports satellite buttons and heating, and paddle shifters for spirited driving. There’s also wireless phone charging with wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
The Beats sound system includes nine speakers, and a subwoofer with a 340-watt amplifier. The centre console also offers connectivity with two USB-C ports, in addition to a further two in the rear.
As a fully-optioned model, the Ateca VZx has a short list of options for customers who wish to further personalise their vehicle. These options are designed to heighten the driver experience of the already impressive standard features.
Buyers can choose from the cult-favourite Akrapovic exhaust system, Brembo performance brakes, and a panoramic electric sunroof. Likewise, paint colours are unique, and available in a range of metallic paint options, with one premium paint finish at an additional cost.
Nevada White, Graphite Grey and Magic Black are all offered as standard, with the optional Dark Camouflage hue incurring an additional fee. Pricing for the 2022 CUPRA Ateca will be available closer to launch.
