The performance offshoot of Volkswagen-owned Spanish brand Seat has arrived in Australia with three introductory models, including the Cupra Ateca VZx hot-hatch SUV.
The definition of a hot hatch is changing.
The Cupra Ateca VZx is a high-riding pocket rocket that shares its DNA with the Volkswagen Golf R.
And while some hot hatch purists may scoff at the proposition that a small SUV can deliver turbocharged fun, advancements in suspension tuning and tyre development have delivered a level of poise and grip previously not possible in high-riding vehicles.
Although it is new to Australia, the Ateca is the oldest model in the international Cupra line-up – having been introduced in 2016 – but age has not wearied it.
Here’s why this unassuming SUV is one of the surprise packages of 2022.
How much does the 2022 Cupra Ateca VZx cost in Australia?
There is only model in Australia, the top-of-the-range 2022 Cupra Ateca VZx – powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive.
It is priced $65,990 drive-away from launch.
The only options are matte paint, a Brembo brake upgrade package, a panorama roof and a sports exhaust.
| Key details | 2022 Cupra Ateca VZx |
| Price | $65,990 drive-away |
How much space does the 2022 Cupra Ateca VZx have inside?
The Cupra Ateca VZx is similar in size to a Skoda Karoq or the previous generation Volkswagen Tiguan.There’s ample space in the front and rear seats and the cargo hold is generous by class standards.
The capacity of the cargo hold is listed at 485 litres (with the rear seats in position), which is average by class standards.
The front seats have large bolsters to keep the driver and front-seat passenger pinned.
The back seat split-folds 60:40 and also has a ski port.
Two release levers are accessible from the bazk seat or the cargo area.
Visibility is good in all around, thanks in part to a large glass area – a welcome change in an era of sleek designs.
Under the boot floor is a space-saver spare, on models equipped with standard brakes. Examples with optional Brembo brakes come with an inflator kit in lieu of a spare tyre of any kind.
| 2022 Cupra Ateca VZx | |
| Seats | Five |
| Boot volume | 485L seats up |
| Length | 4386mm |
| Width | 1841mm |
| Height | 1613mm |
| Wheelbase | 2631mm |
Does the 2022 Cupra Ateca VZx have Apple CarPlay?
The Cupra Ateca VZx comes with a 9.2-inch infotainment screen with embedded navigation and AM/FM – as well as wired and wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto.Digital radio is not part of the package, however in the inclusion of AM is more critical given it can more readily convey emergency warnings in remote parts of Australia.
The infotainment shares many of the frustrations of the systems in other Cupra models: an over-reliance on touchscreen controls and a cluster of buttons in the steering wheel.
Unlike newer Cupra models – such as the Leon hatch and Formentor SUV – the Ateca at least has user-friendly buttons and dials for basic air-conditioning functions.
The infotainment is supported by four USB-C ports (two front, two back) as well as a wireless phone charging pad in the centre console.
Is the 2022 Cupra Ateca VZx a safe car?
The Cupra Ateca was crash-tested in 2016 by Euro NCAP and all variants were awarded a five-star safety rating.The suite of advanced safety technology includes autonomous emergency braking, radar cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, rear cross-traffic alert, blind zone warning, rain-sensing wipers, duck-sensing headlights, door exit warning, a 360-degree camera, and front and rear parking sensors.
| At a glance | 2022 Cupra Ateca VZx |
| Euro NCAP safety rating | Five stars (tested 2016) |
| Safety report | Euro NCAP report |
How much does the 2022 Cupra Ateca VZx cost to run?
Warranty is five years/unlimited kilometres and service intervals are 12 months/15,000km.
At this article was published, Cupra was offering the first three routine service visits free of charge on vehicles ordered up to 31 December 2022.
Customers can choose to increase the pre-paid service coverage to five years/75,000km, by paying $1200 for a ‘top-up’ program currently on offer as this article was published.
Anyone conscious of rising petrol prices take note: while some Cupra petrol models can run on 95-octane premium unleaded, the Ateca VZx insists on 98-octane premium unleaded.
The fuel rating labels shows an average consumption of 7.8L/100km. We are yet to run it over out 150km test loop but during our preview drives, fuel consumption was higher than this average due to a mix of track driving and winding mountain roads.
| At a glance | 2022 Cupra Ateca VZx |
| Warranty | Five years, unlimited km |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km |
| Servicing costs | Free for the first 3 years on vehicles ordered before 31 December 2022 $1400 to top-up the free three-year service plan to 5 years |
| Fuel cons. (claimed) | 7.8L/100km |
| Fuel cons. (on test) | N/A |
| Fuel type | 98-octane Regular Unleaded |
| Fuel tank size | 55L |
What is the 2022 Cupra Ateca VZx like to drive?
With its bland interior – dated because it is the oldest model in the line-up – and its SUV proportions it is easy to under-estimate the Cupra Ateca VZx.
But a few tight turns on a race track – and a winding mountain climb – are all it takes to notice there is something special about the Cupra Ateca VZx.
We did not validate the claimed 4.9-second 0 to 100km/h time, however we’ve no doubt this is not an exaggeration.
The Cupra Ateca VZx is perky across the rev range and feels light on its feet.
Its reflexes are remarkable for an SUV. The grippy tyres and well-sorted suspension work wonders by disguising the tall body mass.
At times, the suspension can make the car feel a touch too light or “springy”. But once the suspension is loaded up into a corner and the tyres start to work their magic, it’s sublime.
The example tested was equipped with optional Brembo brakes, which had strong bite, zero fade and a reassuring pedal feel. We have not tested a Cupra Ateca with standard brakes.
In summary, as with the Cupra Formentor VZx, the Ateca VZx demonstrates what engineers are capable of once they become more familiar with a chassis throughout its model life.
It would be nice to make the Cupra Ateca VZx a bit louder, even though the example tested had an Akropovic sports exhaust.
But other than this, it is difficult to fault the driving dynamics.
Of all the Cupra models we have sampled so far – on road and track – the Ateca VZx is the most engaging, and the one that gets the heart beating fastest.
It’s not cheap – at $65,990 drive-away before options – but it is honestly one of the most surprising cars of the year so far for me.
Alas, no car is perfect. The interior of the Cupra Ateca VZx is starting to show its age. The price is on the high side. And some options (such as bigger brakes) should be standard at this price point.
But if you want something different and practical that’s also fun to drive, the Cupra Ateca VZx is worth a look.
| Key details | 2022 Cupra Ateca VZx |
| Engine | 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol |
| Power | 221kW @ 5300 to 6500rpm |
| Torque | 400Nm @ 2000 to 5200rpm |
| Drive type | All-wheel drive |
| Transmission | 7-speed ‘DSG’ twin-clutch auto |
| Power to weight ratio | 134kW/t |
| Weight | 1652kg |
| Spare tyre | Space-saver on vehicles with standard brakes, inflator kit on vehicles with upgraded brakes |
| Towing | Not available on vehicles at launch |
| Turning circle | 10.8m |
Should I buy a 2022 Cupra Ateca VZx?
Of all the Cupra models sampled so far – on road and track – the Ateca VZx is the most engaging, and the one that gets the heart beating fastest.
It’s not cheap – at $65,990 drive-away before options – but it is honestly one of the most surprising cars of the year so far for me.
Alas, no car is perfect. The interior of the Cupra Ateca VZx is starting to show its age. The price is on the high side. And some options (such as bigger brakes) should be standard at this price point.
But if you want something different and practical that’s also fun to drive, the Cupra Ateca VZx is worth a look.
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