Cupra Ateca SUV 2019 in-depth review - Carbuyer

[@jesper463]

About the exhaust, It does "pop and crackle", at least in Cupra mode, try use your right foot.

[@peterlumsdon4289]

You say in your review that you can’t see the point of this car... Then at the end of the review mention that no other manufacturer offers an SUV with The blistering performance and equipment of this car for anywhere near the price, except a Porsche Mecan which is 16k more. Surely that is the point...

[@astrogaming3083]

What he means is this is supposed to be a brand for enthusiasts, people who want a car to have character, to have a personality of its own, to be a bit “unhinged”, a bit crazy, Firstly if you’re gonna launch a brand for enthusiasts don’t launch it with an SUV, the vast majority of enthusiasts hate them Secondly if you’re gonna make a new brand, launch it with a brand new car, or at least make the car so different from its “normal version” that it qualifies as a brand new car This is just an ateca with more power The perfect example of they should have done is the hyundai i30 N, it’s a hyundai and yet it’s different from it’s normal version, it has huge alloys and rock hard suspension that will break your spine, it has a shift indicator, is has proper seats, it has a strut bar in the boot, it has one of the loudest exhausts fitted to a car this size, it is brilliant, unhinged, exciting, utterly uncompromised, and the results are obvious: it’s selling so fast that production can’t keep up. That’s what people wanted from the Cupra brand and it’s just not what this is

[@ytprodata]

​@@@astrogaming3083 You're not addressing Peter Lumsden's point, which is that the Cupra Ateca is a unique offering in the market (for now at least) giving real performance in a compact SUV package. It may not be what you want, but I'm guessing that thousands of owners _do_ want this combination of features. Overall, it's a very patchy review. Why spend the first 20% of a relatively short review going on about branding and the badge - it's just irrelevant to most buyers? And all that stuff about wanting a super-loud exhaust - most of us left that sort of nonsense behind at school. But for all my gripes, the comment about the interior not being special enough is right to the point and a potential deal-breaker I suspect. Not even electric seats on offer apparently.

[@astrogaming3083]

John Dann buy a normal Ateca then, other than the power this has nothing going for it. As for the fact that most of you left the loud exhaust behind at school, stop being so high and mighty, if you want a quiet car, go buy the normal Ateca. People like to have a car that pops and bangs, why do you think hot hatches and mustangs sell really well. This is unique in that it’s an SUV with a lot of power and that’s it there’s nothing else there,buy a leon cupra, it will have more power, be more economical, better to drive, cheaper and better equipped I just don’t understand the appeal of SUVs, to me they’re pointless, they’re useless off road, and they’re not that good on the road, especially these performance versions In regards to the the branding, it’s important, people care about the brand, why do you think VW still sells so many cars. If you’re gonna launch a new brand do it with a good product not average one, especially if it is a brand for enthusiasts. The interior and things like not putting a proper badge on the rear just filling in the square just shows how little effort they put into it. Where i live, this thing costs 42000, for that i could get myself an i30 n and 8000 euros worth of petrol. And if you take this thing on a track it will get completely recked by all of the hot hatches around it. Come to think of it, i could get a mustang for that money, with a buying roaring V8 This car is pointless, it’s useless, and unlike the macan and the sq5, which sell because of their badges, it’s going to fail

[@phillloyd47]

@@astrogaming3083 have to disagree, I bought my leon cupra because its understated for a hot hatch, dont want to look like i crashed into halfords. Each to there own though, if you want something lairy there's plenty of options out there, I personally like to be a bit understated.

[@1970cgb]

@@astrogaming3083 u dont get suv`s thats ur personal view .Many people like them or nobody would make them .Great SUV this is .

[@ZaDude1970]

Credit where it's due, it's £14,000 cheaper than its nearest rival, and that all alone is great value!

[@tommate4727]

Da70Dude yes,yes and yes 👍🏻

[@dw6600]

James is slowly but surely becoming one of the best reviewers on KZbin. Well done, Sir...

[@MrNweth]

James is dw6600 your new KZbin user name?

[@mattoliver1393]

Agreed

[@js986]

If you're trying to launch a performance brand, an SUV is totally the wrong place to start.

[@js986]

@Omnislash Vince I understand the business case for doing the Ateca first, but to establish some brand identity (particularly among petrolheads) a limited run Leon, an AWD Ibiza or even a totally new model would have been a better starting point.

[@Nexus.Achiles]

@@js986 can't agree more

[@DehnusNorder]

@Omnislash VinceJust because everybody is jumping of a bridge, doesn't make it a great decision to do so.

[@sanjsharma9903]

I think it will do well the pricing is good and after three years it will still be worth half of what you paid for it so best way to get one would be on contract hire.

[@joaofarinha7953]

"The logo looks something like a Power Ranger would wear" 😂😂😂

[@sticksman7819]

Pretty true.

[@KrusssH]

You don't hear much inside because it doesn't have any fake speakers sounds like other car does...

[@YonePepe]

the person who designed the interior of this car has depression

[@kingofalldoughboys]

IKR! It's darker than Wesley Snipes!

[@Sanpedranoazul]

@@kingofalldoughboys LOL

[@ronnyjohansen1636]

Show me yours!

[@tommate4727]

Lako it’s a good looking car for a good price

[@ImMigrant98086]

Why?

[@bobholmes4215]

Way to go Car Buyer! This and Ginny's new presenting style are exactly what this channel needed! :D

[@kermitthefrog3685]

I LOVE the new Cupra badge. I've seen The ateca in black with the bronze badge /wheels and it looks incredible.

[@ntsikamthiyane1982]

I just watched the Audi SQ2 and I realised that reviewers are just never impressed

[@Mustafafilming]

Yeah we finally heard some sharp criticism from a reviewer. Honesty rules!!!

[@joshstreet3919]

I’ve just specced a UK came with bucket seats so they must’ve listened 😂😂

[@ACS607]

100% percent agree with the review. The idea of a separate brand was theoretically a good one and made a hell of a lot of business sense for SEAT, but they chose the wrong logo and had to please the money hungry VW group accountants and shareholders which meant it was never ever going to be special. Neither will the next models. This is coming from a long standing SEAT and Cupra aficionado.

[@benzinapaul7416]

Good car if it was a SEAT, think the Cupra brand will be as big a flop as DS. Abarth was a real brand in the 1960s with lots of motorsport heritage.

[@lukevibertuk]

Paul Stuttard - Plus when the Abarth 500 was launched over 10 years ago they shared minimal common parts with the 500 on which they were based. Body panels were unique, interior etc plus it was supported by a range of excellent warrantied performance packs. Cupra is nothing more than glorified parts dumpster diving exercise.

[@lastnamefirstname520]

Cupra is a racing brand in Rally and WTCC for decades, you donkey

[@ChrisplayThrough64]

You were saying

[@20thcbeachbum]

Honestly thought he was sitting half naked when he first sat in the back 🤣🤣

[@borjastick]

Once again James delivers. Good job James my boy.

[@TangoR34]

A real exhaust. How refreshing is that in 2019....

[@Grant0610]

It’s all marketing nonsense! Just call it the Seat Ateca Sport and be done with it!

[@geetee4037]

True

[@hugohugo2832]

Just bought one. Fabulous car. There’s an optional upgrade to 350 bhp

[@nudgenudgewinkwink3212]

But if they made it too good nobody would buy a VW.

[@jomaoliveira7949]

Good point. They make SEAT and SKODA worst on purpose, despite they can be as good as the equivalent VW and cheaper due to lower labor costs and mature engeneered components.

[@AkarZaephyr]

t s - I think you underestimate the amount of badge snobs out there.

[@nudgenudgewinkwink3212]

@@AkarZaephyr Out of all of the VAG group at the moment if I wanted to choose one I would pick Skoda as the ones who are offering great cars and value also.

[@lewisratford2908]

AkarZaephyr not snobs. If a seat or Skoda were 100% the same as a VW no one would buy the VW. They are more expansive for a reason.

[@ronnyjohansen1636]

I'm jealous, got only the FR with 2.0tsi190 4x4, couldn't afford the adorable Cupra Ateca. The new logo is growing on me!!! I think the reviewer had this bent eyebrow right from the start...

[@c3ptik]

@Omnislash Vince I actually love mine. Had a 1.4 Ateca Xcellence before the Cupra Ateca and I love every bit of it. It can be a sensible motorway cruiser full of kids when it wants to be and then at the weekends it can be hooned around for a bit of fun. Again, for the price there's not much else out there that ticks as many options this SUV offers. But then i'm biased ;)

[@rogerbourne4377]

Oh Batch, You're still such a petrol head at heart. Seat (Cupra), VW, and Audi will be giving these dinosaurs away with a free M.O.T in 3 years time.. It's ALL come TOO LATE . Totally wrong now for the world we live in. But another great and honest review--Thanks Batch.

[@phillloyd47]

It says SEAT on the headlights for exactly the same reason it says vw on the engine and audi on the calipers.

[@bobholmes4215]

Haha, this the best review I've seen from this guy, and thank god he's done away with the serial-killer gloves! I don't share his all opinions on this car, but I'm sure others will, and it was really entertaining :)

[@thorbennielsen3845]

I love Seat. But this Cupra idea seam stupid

[@dil3038]

Looks great..

[@AceEyedAce]

Reckon Cupra should've pinched the 5 pot used in the RS3 for this Ateca.

[@swanblake]

Definelty would have made it more bespoke and special. Its a boring VW as is

[@TheKruxed]

Theres no way VW will let Seat or Skoda use that or the 5c diesel one

[@josemariagonzalez6794]

The striking logo is for you to easily identify by the rearview mirror that the one that comes from behind comes with 300 hp and you move away

[@olley1ify]

32mpg that sounds good to me i have a leon cupra and i get 22 to 25 and thats driving sensibly lol

[@dazsid100]

Good review James, keep up the great work

[@zaidibk69]

For those who wants an SUV version of the Golf R. Beautiful!

[@altern8tive]

difference between Abarth and Cupra though is Abarth have a worthy racing heritage double that of SEAT plus their scorpion brand logo is more identifyable and way cooler. SEAT's angular power ranger monstrosity of a badge is vomit inducing.

[@pavaokastelan8090]

Great review James!

[@sparkyauris]

Good work James! Seat finally found its own identity around 2016 - such a shame that it now scores an own goal by launching this brand which will only serve to confuse consumers and dilute the now good seat brand.

[@sashbar]

As the new Cupra boss said, Ateca Cupra is for those who would enjoy to drive fast when the road allows and and won't feel silly when taking their kids to school.

[@mi0lpo]

Im pretty sure the Ateca Xcellence Lux has adaptive cruise and the charge ports on the rear of the front armrest ? so bigger engine bigger bumpers and a new cupra drive mode ?

[@lastnamefirstname520]

LMAO this has 300 HP (150 more than your LUX). and more settings plus DCC

[@youceftoun3914]

The logo IS good

[@PlanetautoUK]

Cant wait to get behind the wheel of the new Cupra later this year. Love the styling !

[@ashliehiggins]

Blaim the consumers for buying crossovers, as the first cupra should have been a bonkers Leon or Ibiza, not a Tiguan, as cupras have always been a little unhinged, compared to GTIs and Rs.

[@DehnusNorder]

BUT BUT BUT! Soccer moms need to offroad! and midlife crisis dads think they'll do Dakar in these things! How dare you be realistic! :P

[@Francoberry]

It’s just not committed enough. The Abarth 124 is an example of how to make a ‘new’ brand work with a ‘new’ car!

[@marcm4120]

Francoberry new brand?

[@DrMcMoist]

I agree. Abarth is a pretty bad example considering they have been around since 1949...

[@dmc12345678910]

32mpg is solid, I used to get 28 in a MK2 mx5...

[@Andi69155]

Come on. You are criticism secondary Details that are furthermore a matter of taste. For example I like the Cupra logo very much and of course Cubra is part of the Seat/VW concern and therefore it’s logical that you find little Seat lettering. No problem to be honest. So please point out that you criticize is just your personal taste. Thanks

[@steveo8533]

There’s nothing like an I can’t be arsed attitude, I’d love to know what these people drive in the real world.

[@trusty099]

Why no LED turn signals?!? What is this, 2009???

[@naranjavalencia8228]

drunkensessions - it’s called making a profit. They’re not making these things for fun ! Next question.

[@RoobehTunes]

Hmm, yes. Contrived is certainly the leading word for the Cupra brand as it stands.

[@christophercooke9093]

They could of put more thought into the design of the badge.

[@Ares310788]

i think the logo is ok, nicer than the normal "S" of seat

[@steveo8533]

5.4 seconds, someone really hasn’t been doing their homework.

[@gbej1]

Not only is the shape of the logo juvenile, but the colour is yuk

[@alexger85]

Yes! Copper was fashionable a few years back, but its a bit tacky now and will be terribly outdated tomorrow

[@naranjavalencia8228]

If you want to be in total control buy a manual. Don’t complain about an auto gearbox. The std BMW auto is the same when knocked over to right it’s a sport mode not a manual mode(at least it is on the BMW). I suppose you have to say something to justify your job!

[@lmaoroflcopter]

It's a "manual" on the Seat Leon FR. Sport mode would be a tap back on the stick. I think he's just moaning about the kickdown button, kicking down in manual.

[@sanjsharma9903]

I think cupra have found a niche market for the ateca no real competition unless you spend alot more cash. Ive ordered a cupra ateca in rodium grey looking forward to driving it.

[@williama-d6]

what's copra mode?

[@mikerelvas]

Hopefully the next-gen Leon Cupra won't be so inconsistent regarding its identity and will be better thought through. They're great cars, but this move from SEAT was a bit too abrupt.

[@jate.photography]

Not a bad car design. Love the headlights. Very Audi Q5esque. Beats the Skoda in terms of exterior looks I reckon but not the full package

[@danmccarthy4700]

At least Pontiac's logo seems to have found a good home.

[@klasseact6663]

James tells it like it is!!

[@ewanwallace1]

What’s the point of launching a new ‘brand’ and just rebadging an existing model? Surely to Tango concept from years ago should’ve been used as a stand-alone Cupra model to establish a unique brand. Can’t see this taking off successfully. They’ll be highly discounted in no time.

[@AdiNikolic]

Is Cupra Ateca bether choice than the Alfa Romeo Stelvio q4 280? I know that Alfa is more sexy and beautifull but in ny County (Sweden) alfa romeo stelvio fullscpec costs 55000 euro and fullspec Ateca Cupra 45000? So what is your opinion?

[@arrek6773]

Köp Cupra Ateca. Mycket mer bil för pengarna. Tror inte Alfas kvalité är något vidare. Seat är typ en Audi så det är bra grejer.

[@AdiNikolic]

Tack! Jag måste provköra den då. Körde stelvio och jag gillade den men tycker att den är för dyr.

[@christophercooke9093]

Who designed that super heroes badge, why didn't they just use a C for cupra like S for seat but designed in a funky kind of way. I think they should change the badge and have a recall.

[@geetee4037]

You don't need bucket seats in an SUV.

[@mattyboy8270]

You can buy it with bucket seats...£1600 extra. [2:48]

[@accqpqp2339]

nice review

[@LeoNidasPlayForFun]

nice jacket, sir!

[@ЙорданБъчваров-ц6к]

Badge is quite elegant I think.

[@AnthonyDunn93]

Stelvio with the 2.0t can't be much more a month and it's performance-esque gimmicks are way nicer

[@Darkest_matter]

The price is outrageous.

[@lastnamefirstname520]

Indeed its big bang for small bucks.

[@Snowpeak74]

Excellent review.

[@James-pyon]

Why? How about money? Redesign the tailgate for a badge?

[@Jay-B1750]

Totally agree with the branding comments, if your going to make a stand alone brand at least have some unity not dashes here and there

[@22imp]

New Cupra or new Supra

[@awareofvacuity4238]

You mean SEAT or BMW

[@22imp]

@@awareofvacuity4238 you mean vw and bmw

[@tgwcl6194]

Cupra sounds like a haircut in the Netherlands. Who wants to drive in a haircut?

[@TheRustedPixel]

That logo is extremely cringy. Driving down the road in a half decent looking SUV like that and you then spot the badge! Oh man it's just so bad. It's like some cheap gaming brand that makes keyboards and headsets. It's dreadful.

[@pashootan100]

This was one of the least helpful reviews that I've seen. The fact that it doesn't sound loud and isn't more than 300 hp makes it more appealing to a family man who wants to have fun and use the car for daily commute. And that's why it is bigger than a hatchback. BTW seen the price?

[@zzhughesd]

Costings

[@hugohugo2832]

There is a sports pipe option

[@beanie687]

I like the new cupra badge

[@polarweis]

rather have a skoda rs

[@davidhayes4814]

James, James.... you are a bit of a disappointment, too. This car costs little more than a Golf GTI, with dsg, yet offers more power, more everything. My partner’s last two cars have been mark 7 GTIs, which are great. This is certainly better value, if you like flamboyance. I drive a 2.5 tonne Boxer van with 110 bhp. I just love that slug too. Hey, maybe I am too easily pleased!

[@irekfilms]

Mini Countryman JCW has 306 HP all 4 and is quicker to 62miles/h just 5.1s So you do not need a Porsche Macan to have quicker SUV

[@ast5515]

It's like Ford Vignale. Doesn't matter how much they wanna make you believe it's different, it's a Seat. Just disappointing all around. Oh and build quality isn't good at all. Material quality is still being confused with build quality which I hate.

[@shroomyesc]

At least the Vignales still have a big old ford badge everywhere and buying one actually makes sense (market dependant). In my country a Focus Vignale with the 182hp engine costs 30.000€ (6k more than titanium) which is still less than a mid-range Octavia for example while the Cupra Ateca is nearly 40.000€ more than the Seat Ateca at 60.000€.

[@ast5515]

@Omnislash Vince That doesn't have anything to do with interior build quality. Even the brand new ones have problems with that, yours has them as well. And tell me that after 10 years. Anything lasts 2 years. Even a Range Rover.

[@KrusssH]

Build quality is not good at all? Where you take that information from?

[@ast5515]

@@KrusssH I've been inside one. I mean one Cupra Ateca and multiple Seat Atecas. I've driven a 2.0 diesel as well. Knocking suspension was my biggest problem when on the move but none of them are built well. Just hop into the backseat and close the door. The grab handle makes the most embarrassing noise a car interior can make.

[@geetee4037]

It will confuse some people - bit of a sleeper.

[@kingofalldoughboys]

I'm surprised you didn't mention the fact that the interior is as black as night!

[@twbtl2372]

Great review. I thought the same ... unless it’s mad / different should have stayed at Seat Ateca Cupra

[@thomash2806]

“In Europe...” So are you outside Europe, Batch?

[@Peter1Europe]

"Fog on the channel,Europe cut of from the World" - headline from old British newspaper.

[@lastnamefirstname520]

Yup he is in a post Brexit state

[@jamiep61]

Great Video Review

[@noerden91]

its so boring that all the Audi Subbrands are just cheaper versions of audis

[@Nexus.Achiles]

Why on earth do they pick a SUV to launch a sports brand? That in itself is a poor choice. And then of course there's the disappointing final delivery with nothing exciting. It's supposed to be thrilling. I've always been a bit of a SEAT Cupra fan, owning a LCR mk1 myself. But this Ateca is just not made in the spirit of what Cupra has always meant.

[@big-e6707]

Looks like an old vw tiguan with square wheel arches!!

[@nicolafertin3154]

32 mph is bad ? 🙄 And just slap another exhaust on the car solved 😋

[@Don-lw4cb]

Great motor, bit expensive though.

[@James-pyon]

Want ASBO, Get a resonator delete then

[@Theagchm]

Bit of a disappointment....so is your Clarkson impression.

[@corsair149]

Sorry Dude.You dont understand this outstanding car at all...

[@WarstTC]

A bath?

[@4figgis957]

Loud exhaust's should be illegal. Noise pollution.

[@astrogaming3083]

4Figgis oh fuck off

[@chappy2121]

The cupra logo looks like those daft tribal tattoos those poser mongs have at the gym😂

[@thiagolima7344]

VW cupra

[@cowtc]

Thumbs up for no deal Brexit

[@the___truth8038]

cowtc 🖕🏼

[@pinorkal]

Sounds like you went into this review with preconceived ideas and conclusion. How many cases are out there that are'contrived' and all for show? How many people tick the accessories box to tart up their cat purchase? Sorry but not a fan of this presenter nor his content.

[@pinorkal]

Sorry for typos. Swipe texting 😭