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New 2020 CUPRA Ateca – 0.3 seconds quicker to 62 than the last one

The new CUPRA Ateca for 2020 is faster, has bucket seats as standard, looks meaner and has more technology to play with.

Here she is, the striking new CUPRA Ateca. This is a mid-life facelift, but it feels like CUPRA have upped the stakes here both in design and performance.

The new CUPRA Ateca can now hit 0-60 in under 5 seconds at 4.9. The pre-facelift version took 5.2 seconds.

Design-wise we can see a much more aggressive front with the lower bumper featuring a similar design to the CUPRA Formentor.

Read on and we’ll get into the details….

2020 CUPRA Ateca

Engine and chassis

No surprises on the engine front. The new CUPRA Ateca comes with the tried and tested 2.0 litre TSI engine, producing 300PS and 400Nm of torque. This allows the car to reach 0-62 in 4.9 seconds. The top speed is 153mph.

A seven-speed DSG box is standard. In case you didn’t get the memo, DSG boxes are standard on all CUPRA models now and in the future. No more manual CUPRA’s.

2020 CUPRA Ateca
2020 CUPRA Ateca

The 4Drive system is an updated generation from the previous model. It is integrated into the rear axle and sits at the end of the drive shaft, in front of the rear differential, improving weight distribution and reducing inertia.

The chassis has been tweaked over the previous model so expect a slightly more responsive and controlled feel to the ride.

CUPRA Ateca

The steering and throttle response have been tinkered with as well.

As has now also become standard on CUPRA models the CUPRA Ateca comes with four driver profiles. These are “Normal”, “Sport”, “CUPRA” and “individual”, the last one allowing you to configure various settings to your personal preferences.

2020 CUPRA Ateca

Like the recently unveiled 2020 SEAT Ateca the new CUPRA Ateca is slightly longer by 10mm, than the previous model thanks to the new bumper design. CUPRA have also increased the front and rear track to 1,575 at the front and 1,549 at the rear.

18″ Brembo brakes will be available as an option.

Exterior and colours

CUPRA has made the most changes at the front of the car. The new LED headlights are narrower and more aggressive (same as the 2020 SEAT Ateca), and there is a new bumper design, most noticeable is the lower dark aluminium diffuser which gives the car a mean appearance from the front. This is similar to the CUPRA Formentor.

CUPRA Ateca 2020

At the side the car is fitted with striking 19″ wheels which will be available as an option with a copper finish as seen in the pictures. The standard black CUPRA brake calipers are 17″, and as mtioned above, 18″ Brembos in copper colour will be an option (these are shown in the picutres as well).

CUPRA Ateca Wheels

The rear of the car has new rear full LED lamps with “dynamic” indicators which visually help confirm the intended direction of travel.

The CUPRA Ateca will be available in six metallic paint colours: “Energy Blue”, “Dark Camouflage”, “Velvet Red”, “Rhodium Grey”, “Reflex Silver”, and “Nevada White”.

CUPRA Ateca rear

Inside the cabin

Leather Bucket seats are now standard.

2020 CUPRA Ateca bucket seats

A new steering wheel, as seen on the new CUPRA Leon and CUPRA Formentor, features the engine start button and driving profile button with the CUPRA logo.

The digital cockpit is also standard,

CUPRA Ateca footwell

The dash features copper and dark aluminium detailing around the vents and touch screen. There are also four illuminated USB C ports, two in the front and two for the rear passengers.

CUPRA Ateca Interior

Always on connectivity

Like the new SEAT Leon, the CUPRA Ateca has an embedded SIM (eSIM),

The built-in eSIM allows connectivity to a dedicated APP were you can do things like lock and unlock doors, find the location of the vehicle and other driving data.

CUPRA Ateca driving mode dial

It can also automatically place an emergency call should the vehicle be in an accident.

Safety and assistance features

As standard the CUPRA Ateca comes with Pre-Crash Assist, Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Travel Assist, Emergency Assist and Side and Exit Assist.

We have included videos below showing some of the safety and assistance features available on the new CUPRA Ateca.

Travel Assist
Side Assist
Emergency Assist
Exit Assist

Technical data – 2020 CUPRA Ateca

Engine2.0-litre TSI
Cylinder / valves4 cylinders / 16 valves
Displacement1,984cc
Bore and stroke82.5 x 92.8
Compression ratio9.3:1
Max. Power221kW (300PS)
Max. Torque400Nm
0 to 62mph (100 km/h)4.9 secs
Maximum speed247km/h

So what do you think? Let us know in the comments below.

Ian Sturgess

Active Member
Dec 8, 2019
47
43
Berkshire
Not 100% sure about the new front, things I like but some are a bit strange. Like the new steering wheel with starter and Cupra buttons, like the seats if they are standard but those wheels are nasty.
 
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Syphon

Site Owner
Staff member
Feb 28, 2002
9,490
2,205
South West
www.seatcupra.net
Autocar magazine’s original published review of the 2018 model tested 0 to 60 in 4.9 seconds. Maybe it’s always been 4.9???

I've quoted CUPRA's Official figure from the original press release and the new one. Timings and power are sometimes underestimated. Maybe they decided to be more accurate with this one. I'd expect the exhaust is lighter though and the new gearbox might make a difference.
 

beddin90

Active Member
Mar 31, 2014
146
26
I think overall it looks good! Shame about loosing the Cupra lettering across the lower grille, and i'm not sure about the wheels. Might look better in silver?
Are those exhausts standard fit or an option?
 
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Syphon

Site Owner
Staff member
Feb 28, 2002
9,490
2,205
South West
www.seatcupra.net
I think overall it looks good! Shame about loosing the Cupra lettering across the lower grille, and i'm not sure about the wheels. Might look better in silver?
Are those exhausts standard fit or an option?

Yes I'd hoped the CUPRA lettering would be a thing on all CUPRA models going forward but sadly it was not to be. I think the exhausts are standard, as they are not mentioned as an option. I'm waiting for confirmation.
 
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Syphon

Site Owner
Staff member
Feb 28, 2002
9,490
2,205
South West
www.seatcupra.net
I think overall it looks good! Shame about loosing the Cupra lettering across the lower grille, and i'm not sure about the wheels. Might look better in silver?
Are those exhausts standard fit or an option?

Just had confirmed the Akrapovič exhaust won't be standard but will be dealer fit/aftermarket.
 

Mike the_cupra

Active Member
May 29, 2020
158
81
I read somewhere the other day that with the PFL Cupra, they timed 4.7 on the 0-62 time. I also recall seeing a H2H against a golf R, where the difference was minimal. I imagine the new car is quicker by 0.2 or so, but I think the PFL is sub 5 seconds too!
 

Mike the_cupra

Active Member
May 29, 2020
158
81
Interesting! certainly a nice option to have depending on price obviously
The exhaust is usually c£3k. On the Golf R, it was the one optional extra which pushed the car over £40k as a minimum, so it effectively cost even more than that. I can't imagine the list price of the new ateca will be sub 40k, but it's still a lot of money for an exhaust.
 

Billyray911

Active Member
Aug 12, 2018
123
58
It will be interesting to see how the facelift is pitched,price wise.Now that VW have released details of the Tiguan R (which looks fantastic in Lapiz blue),it may steal a lot of the limelight from the C-A.
Does anyone have any ideas on whether the comfort,sound and design packs are still the same?
 
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Syphon

Site Owner
Staff member
Feb 28, 2002
9,490
2,205
South West
www.seatcupra.net
It will be interesting to see how the facelift is pitched,price wise.Now that VW have released details of the Tiguan R (which looks fantastic in Lapiz blue),it may steal a lot of the limelight from the C-A.
Does anyone have any ideas on whether the comfort,sound and design packs are still the same?

I think there is a good chance they will be. We'll have pricing and availability in the next few months I'd expect.
 
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Mike the_cupra

Active Member
May 29, 2020
158
81
It will be interesting to see how the facelift is pitched,price wise.Now that VW have released details of the Tiguan R (which looks fantastic in Lapiz blue),it may steal a lot of the limelight from the C-A.
Does anyone have any ideas on whether the comfort,sound and design packs are still the same?
I looked at a Tiguan before the Ateca. Even a 190 TSI was pushing 40k. I wanted a 230, but that was 40k+. I'd expect the Tiguan R to be considerably more than the Ateca. They also have the Touareg R, which must be £65k+, so there's a high in brand benchmark
 

Billyray911

Active Member
Aug 12, 2018
123
58
I looked at a Tiguan before the Ateca. Even a 190 TSI was pushing 40k. I wanted a 230, but that was 40k+. I'd expect the Tiguan R to be considerably more than the Ateca. They also have the Touareg R, which must be £65k+, so there's a high in brand benchmark

I’ve always liked the Tiguan, but I agree that I can see the R being priced more towards Macan territory.Its hugely popular for VW, so the market will probably be there.
Pricing for the facelift C-A will be interesting too.Getting rid of the expensive seat option is a good idea,but I wonder if they will drop the design pack and integrate it somehow to keep it under the 40k mark?
 

Syphon

Site Owner
Staff member
Feb 28, 2002
9,490
2,205
South West
www.seatcupra.net
I’ve always liked the Tiguan, but I agree that I can see the R being priced more towards Macan territory.Its hugely popular for VW, so the market will probably be there.
Pricing for the facelift C-A will be interesting too.Getting rid of the expensive seat option is a good idea,but I wonder if they will drop the design pack and integrate it somehow to keep it under the 40k mark?

They've built the expensive seats into the cost

"Leather Bucket seats are now standard."
 

Mike the_cupra

Active Member
May 29, 2020
158
81
I’ve always liked the Tiguan, but I agree that I can see the R being priced more towards Macan territory.Its hugely popular for VW, so the market will probably be there.
Pricing for the facelift C-A will be interesting too.Getting rid of the expensive seat option is a good idea,but I wonder if they will drop the design pack and integrate it somehow to keep it under the 40k mark?
Now I've seen the Tiguan R I have to admit I like it a lot. Now i'm hoping its pushing £50k with the Akro exhaust...

After april the PFL Ateca C&S (which I have) went over the £40k list price, due to the tax changes. I think the addition of the bucket seats is a way to justify all the new Ateca's costing £40k+.

I also hope that, and the new tax rules in general mean you see less base-spec cars on cheap lease deals. For a car like the C-A, it's strength is the exclusivity, and I don't want it falling into Golf R syndrome.

*Hopes nobody acknowledges my hypocrisy for having a '15 plate 'pov spec' Golf R before the CA*