Add | hands-on with cupra atek

Our readers got behind the wheel of the CUPRA Ateca at Castle Combe, giving us their impressions of this pace-setting SUV Find out what happened when we invited a group of readers to sample the Cupra SUV's lead performance on the track at Castle Combe

Since then Cupra Atec has been revealed to have seen significant buzz about this intriguing new brand and its first performance SUV. Our road test team spent a lot of time driving, but what is our car and what kind of car? think the readers of this temp-setting model?

We've been invited by hot hatch owners with growing families, and SUV owners looking for something practical and fun to have in the Castle Combe. With former rallycross race commentator Andrew Coley on hand to help them push the limits, they had a chance to learn that the ATEK cupra was out.

To find out more about the new Cupra Atec, head to cupraofficial.co.uk

First impressions

For many of our readers, this was their first chance to see the Atek cupra in the flesh – its sporty cupra touches (stylish honeycomb grille, acclaimed quad exhaust system, 19-inch, diamond-cut alloys and copper cupra badge) help mark this SUV in a crowded sea of ​​rivals. .

There was also much praise for the high-tech, driver-centric interior, high-resolution digital instrument cluster, 8-inch touchscreen and smartphone connectivity, allowing you to customize your look between 3D navigation or oriented dials.

Pampered Alcantara sports seats, copper-stitching and carbon-fiber cladding add a touch of modern superior quality, while a huge panoramic glass roof adds a sense of spaciousness. The Atek Cupra also boasts the practicality of an SUV – with plenty of rear passenger legroom and a 485-litre luggage compartment with electric doors.

Steve Hyams (BMW X1): “My BMW X1 is a nice car, but it lacks charm. I hope cupra atek check that last box. In terms of design, there's not much you can do with an SUV, but the cupra detailing gives it an extra edge. It’s like a stealth fighter – it’s not about screaming about yourself.”

Terry Irvin (Volkswagen Passat): “It sits lower than I expected for an SUV, but it holds those nice flowing lines. With big copper wheels and cupra styling, it looks different to standard SUVs, but it's not too conspicuous.”

Jamie Hoyles (Seats Leon Cupra): “Dual exhaust looks, I mean, like a big hot hatch. The infotainment system is great and I love the digital cockpit.”

Dan Garnon (BMW 330e): “It's a familiar silhouette, but the copper wheels make it stand out in the ubiquitous SUV world. Inside, there's plenty of trunk space, and it's easy to get to the roof if you want to put a box on top. But it has the performance to scale it up when you want to have some fun.”

Dave Andrews (seats Leon Cupra): “In terms of appearance, they did a good job. It looks less like an SUV and more like a performance car. Inside, I'm a big fan of the materials they used and the large sunroof really adds to the atmosphere.”

Patrick Stewart (Fiesta ST): “He got an aggressive look, but not too aggressive. Inside, very comfortable, well thought out and well installed. Everything feels good.”

Chelsea O'Driscoll & Connor Pinch-Bore (Seat Atec): “He looks very stylish in ATEK cupra – very modern. Our ATEK seat is great for our 10 month old and our dogs in terms of practicality and specifications. It's just missing that little bit of excitement.”

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Cupra spirit where it matters

It's driving when the cupra difference stands out. It starts with a turbocharged 2.0-litre TSI, delivering 300PS and 400Nm through a seven-speed DSG that has been engineered to deliver faster, smoother and sportier shifts. The result is a hot hatch like 0-62 mph in 5,2 seconds and impressive mid-range acceleration.

Large cupra Brembo brakes provide confident stopping power, while MacPherson independent front suspension and a multi-link rear work with advanced 4Drive (all-wheel drive) and Adaptive Dynamic Chassis Control to improve cornering stability and traction. The six drive modes include snow and off-road modes, as well as a special Cupra mode that sharpens every element of the Atek Cupra's performance and adds a sonorous focus to the exhaust.

Steve Hyams (BMW X1): “I've driven sports cars and XNUMXxXNUMXs, but nothing that connects both as well as this one. You didn't know you were in an SUV. It doesn't feel high, doesn't wallow in corners. It feels well-planted and drives like a sports car. Plus, it's amazing how comfortable it rides in terms of the performance it achieves. He hits the target very well.”

Chelsea O'Driscoll (Atec seat): “It's very responsive when you put your foot down and you can definitely tell the difference between sport and cupra modes. Although we were driving very fast, it handles well and felt incredibly comfortable, safe and confident. I'm sure it will be something along the way."

Terry Irvin (Volkswagen Passat): “The brake was fantastic. He is not nervous and it was nice and planted. There was no roll I was expecting for a small SUV, and the balance seemed fantastic. It just seemed to me that pen and pen was much more than I could push him with my skills. The four-wheel-drive system looks phenomenal, and is well matched to the car. Day after day, I don't think it bothers you.”

Patrick Stewart (Ford Fiesta ST): “He feels a lot smaller than you think. It hides its weight well and the angles are better than you'd expect. The suspension has been set to Sport mode and cupra mode is perfect for a dry day. With the right driver, it can probably compete with smaller, lighter cars. It feels like a car that you can use every day, but if you want to have some fun, then I will.”

Connor grow-burrow (ATEC seat): “The weather today was just terrible, but I felt very confident driving at this speed. You can say it's better suspension, better brakes. It feels like it's glued to the track, even if you give it some.”

Dan Garnon (BMW 330e): “It's very condescending. Even if you catch him by surprise, he will carry you through the corner with confidence. You can dial in performance for more comfort and I was pleased with the ride. But, in cupra mode, it really comes alive.”

Dave Andrews (seats Leon Cupra): “I try to ride the estate. I've never ridden an SUV, so I'm interested to see what the Atek Cupra love to drive with its extra height and weight. On a wet track, in an unfamiliar car, I really didn't expect the level of performance. Brakes are good, ride is good. It felt very planted on the track and I expected it to feel good on the road. It's a compelling package."

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Jamie Hoyles (Seats Leon Cupra): “It's a very nice and fun ride. It didn't feel too heavy, which is what you would expect from a big car. He felt very stable.

Dan Garnon (BMW 330e): “The seven-speed DSG gearbox is so quick and immediate. Plus, being able to make the exhaust crackle and pop when you brake hard is fun. These are theatrical machines. He just puts a big smile on your face.”

In summary...

With our readers from the hot seat - and after a high-speed lap with Andrew Coley at the helm - they had a chance to reflect on their first impressions, and sum up what makes the Atek Cupra stand out in a space SUV performance.

Steve Hyams (BMW X1): “Atec cupra exceeded my expectations and it gave me an interest in the brand that I really didn't know. For an SUV to be able to accelerate and turn like a sports car - I thought it was Porsche's domain. But now I realize someone else can do it almost as well. It's frighteningly done on cars you don't really notice until it passes you!”

Terry Irvin (Volkswagen Passat): “I don't think there is at that price, with the same attitude, which can also be used every day. It's a good balance of practicality and performance. An everyday supercar with a big trunk.”

Dan Garnon (BMW 330e): “This is a real cupra – a proper fast family car. It's perfect for someone like me who wants something practical that puts a smile on my face, while my daughter wants something stylish to show off. There aren't many mid-sized SUVs that are well priced, well equipped and look good, and it's got the ability to up the performance when you want to have fun.

Patrick Stewart (Fiesta St): “Something new and different, there is usually a compromise. But cupra is very well packaged of this. He feels like the engineers have spent their time wisely. It gives you something special. I think they nailed it.”

Dave Andrews (seats Leon Cupra): “It's interesting that they took the ATEK – not an SUV, you think that make the performance base car. But they did a fantastic job turning it into a car that has real performance and real pace. What they have done is really impressive. It's a well thought out thing."

Jamie Hoyles (Seats Leon Cupra): “I previously owned a Ford Focus ST, and a Renaultsport Megane and two Renoltsports are just Clios, but my Leon Cupra is the best hot hatch I have. We recently had a baby, so ATEKe cupra looks like a logical next step. A family car that looks fast and drives fast.”

Connor pinch-burrow (Atec seat): “Cupra did the right thing by making it about motorsport the soul of the brand. It feels like a real hot hatch, not warm – the perfect family car for those not ready to grow up.”

To find out more about the new Cupra Atec, head to cupraofficial.co.uk.

Please note that some features may only be available on certain Steam or with certain additional options. Please contact your dealer for more details.

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