Cupra Ateca Facelift Is Still A Gem
If you're a frequent visitor of this website, it can't have gone unnoticed that Kenny reviewed the Cupra Ateca earlier this year. So it might be a bit confusing to see me writing about the Cupra Ateca facelift so quickly, but there's some logic behind it (although that has very little to do with Kenny, as always). See, the Cupra version of the Spanish Ateca was launched in 2018, but the car it is based on already came to life in 2016. As automotive industry rules dictate: after 4 years there needs to be a product refresh. Only 2 years of production and the Cupra Ateca already gets a refresh. That's good news as that means it gets plenty of new goodies I'll tell you about later on.
I could start by describing how quick this thing feels, but I'll run you through the number routine first: the Cupra Ateca facelift is a crossover measuring 1841 mm in width, 4386 mm in length, and 1599 mm in height. Its boot offers 485 liters and allows for me to be folded into it uncomfortably, as the image below shows. Its competitors didn't do well there either, just look at the Mercedes-Benz GLA boot photo. But these dimensions are the most boring part of all facts concerning the Cupra Ateca. More interesting are the figures that translate into fun. These haven't changed though, as 300hp and 400Nm still power the Ateca. Also, the AWD setup or the suspension hasn't changed.
As with many facelifts, the product is given a new facia. The Ateca is no different, but the difference compared to its previous shell is massive! Where the previous car was mostly recognized by car enthusiasts alone, the facelift gets plenty of attention from everyone. A new grille pattern, new rims, new teeth-like bumpers, and new headlights show the world one thing: this is a mean little thing. Peak inside and the facelift translates into new seats plus a new steering wheel. No changes to the booty of this car. Well, one can now opt for optional Akrapovic exhaust tips, but this car didn't have that option sadly.
Driving it
There's no denying that the Cupra Ateca gets out the worst mannered driver in you. Kenny enjoyed the car, me no different. Cupra has managed to make a cocktail that is engaging to drive quickly. A bit too engaging even. Occupants will be hesitant to drive along for a second time, as there's no real slow way to accelerate. Nor is there to brake, as the optional Brembo's are very eager to bite in the first few moments of braking. After that, the braking lets you dose it smoothly though.
That powerful braking capacity came in handy more than once. Being the proverbial 'hoon' in this car is fun, but that also means you get overconfident fast. Zero to a hundred is met in a mere 4.9 seconds, but the AWD makes it feel a lot faster. Smooth DSG shifts make the utilization of power effective, but manually shifting feels far more rewarding. Don't drop lower than 4000 RPM and just looking at the gas pedal is enough to bump you into your seat. Kenny complained a bit about the drivetrain, but I'm guessing he didn't drive it in manual mode enough. The forgivingness of the AWD, suspension, and ESP combine this Cupra into a rocket on the public roads in any type of weather.
IRL Video game
Driving mode selectors on a steering wheel are always +1! Press the 'Cupra' button for 8 seconds and the Cupra Ateca facelift goes straight into 'Cupra' mode. It also allows for the other drive modus, to be selected by simply pressing it once. But that 'Cupra' mode is hilarious and so is getting there with the flick of a switch. The whole car stiffens up. Dynamics chassis control turns body roll to a near uncomfortable minimum, gas, braking, and steering response are increased and so are the number of giggles. Augmented sound plays a role in the audible fun, but you're bound to forgive this car for it. Sometimes during fast braking or hard cornering, there's some vagueness to it all, but that's part of the fun really. This isn't a precision weapon, and it never will be. But hammer it around and the fun it offers is immense.
Inside is what matters
Remember me saying that an update this fast in a lifecycle is a good thing? New infotainment and updated driving assistance found its way into the Cupra Ateca facelift. It now offers the same screen setup as the Audi A4, which also means Android Auto/Apple CarPlay hook up via Bluetooth. Adaptive cruise, 360 degrees camera, all work just a tad better.
Alongside the beforementioned updates, the Cupra Ateca facelift gets a new color palette to choose from. These heated bucket seats boasted a blue leather that looked very good with the copper tinted brand logo. Cupra is maturing as a brand, and it shows in these things. And also in the form of the upcoming Formentor of course.
Concluding
It's safe to say that the sporty Spanish knew how much fun their compact hot crossover was. The update made the car even more enjoyable and more capable of withstanding the test of time. I could complain about the plastics in the interior, or the (rare) slow moments of the DSG gearbox, but that would be nitpicking. Kenny said it and I'll say it again: this is a lot of car for your 56K euros (BE price).
