A hot version of the SEAT Ateca SUV with close to 300bhp is being developed according to numerous online reports.
It’s believed that this souped-up version of SEAT’s first SUV will be called the Ateca Cupra and will launch sometime in 2017. The engine is rumoured to be the same 2.0-litre petrol engine featured in the current Leon Cupra. It’s also likely to feature bigger wheels, bigger brakes and a more aggressive design than regular Ateca models.
The petrol engine found in the Leon Cupra produces 286bhp, but it’s not clear whether an Ateca Cupra would offer the same output or include tweaks to the performance. After all, the same 2.0-litre engine features in the Volkswagen Golf R hot hatch but here it produces 296bhp.
In either case, expect the Ateca Cupra to boast a 0-62mph sprint of below seven seconds.
SEAT is believed to be planning more SUVs to add to its product line-up over the next few years, including a compact Juke rival and a seven-seater. However, the Ateca appears to have been already chosen as the SUV that should get the Cupra treatment, likely because it’s expected to become the brand’s top-selling model.
Pricing for a Cupra version of the SEAT Ateca will likely be set at around £35,000.
Check out what we think of the new Ateca SUV in our video review:
