Driving the Spanish built Cupra Ateca today – this relatively new Volkswagen
Group brand has been selling well since its launch late last year. Cupra’s three
models, the Formentor and Ateca SUV’s and small Leon hatchback, have a real
sporty edge, the mid-sized Formentor SUV the big seller, I was impressed with
this mid-sized SUV a few months back, different with real flair. The Ateca SUV is
slightly smaller, best described as a high-riding five-door hatch, the oldest of the
three Cupra models and in some areas inside a little dated but in performance
terms, sharing its DNA with the Volkswagen Golf R, and its most impressive. One
model the Ateca VZx, a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder driving all four wheels via a
seven-speed dual clutch automatic. For the performance buffs it accelerates to
100kms in just 4.9 secs. Price, $66,750 drive-away, the test car with optional
370mm Brembo brakes and quad sports exhaust adding a rather hefty $10,000.
There’s six drive modes, the sportier ones really get the adrenaline pumping with
sharpened acceleration and throttle response and a more bullish exhaust note.
While it’s a high spec model the Cupra Ateca VZx performance attributes are what
really sells it – spirited and exhilarating - I’ll explain in next segment. I’m David
Berthon

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