CAR REVIEW: Cupra Ateca

But Cupra has now cut the SEAT apron strings to become a brand in its own right, offering performance-orientated vehicles.

Cars – such as this Cupra Ateca – will be based on existing SEAT models in the short term, but the wise money is on Cupra going on to offer unique models in its own right.

So, despite appearances, we need to get away from the idea that this is a SEAT. And remember, Cupra now comes first, then the model name.

As brand launches go, the Cupra Ateca is a very promising way to get the ball rolling.

It’s a vehicle that offers hot hatch performance, has SUV styling and retains the practicality of a crossover.

Indeed, it’s hard to think of another SUV that provides anywhere near the same level of performance for £36,000.

The vehicle gets a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which creates 296bhp, twinned with a slick-shifting DSG automatic box.

And it certainly feels quick, having the capability of going from 0-62mph in just 5.4 seconds, then on to a theoretical top speed is 152mph.

With that kind of power on offer, it’s nice to have the traction to match, thanks to the all-wheel drive system. There’s also adaptive suspension and the option of four-piston Brembo brakes. The Brembos are a wise choice when you consider the Ateca’s swift acceleration and weight of 1632kg. Put simply, if you’re driving a rather quick and pretty weighty vehicle, there’ll be times when you may need to count on the most substantial brakes available.

In many ways, the Ateca drives just like a hot hatch, albeit one that’s been raised-up height-wise. That extra height and weight means there’s a bit of body roll to look out for when cornering, but it’s largely well-contained.

The exhaust noise is real, as opposed to being piped into the cabin artificially as on some vehicles. It’s a fairly pleasant note and the exhaust ever offers up the odd crackle when you let off the accelerator.

As well as making itself heard, the exhaust system is also one of the car’s most visually-imposing features, with the four exhaust pipes lending the rear end a sporty look.

As you’d expect from a standalone brand, there’s a new ‘tribal’ Cupra logo, which completely replaces the SEAT badges.

There’s also a distinctive new grille design, aesthetically-pleasing 19-inch diamond cut alloys, plus plenty of glossy black details.

When you get inside, you’ll find an airy and well laid-out cabin.

Aside from the Cupra emblem in the centre of the steering wheel, the interior doesn’t appear to vary wildly from the regular SEAT Ateca - but that’s no bad thing.

The driving position is superb, the standard digital instrument dials are clear, and the materials used are generally of high quality, although could benefit from an extra splash of colour here and there.

Meanwhile, the 8.0in touchscreen infotainment system is user-friendly and includes plenty of functions as standard, including sat nav, a wireless phone charger with signal booster, a DAB radio and Apple CarPlay and Android Autosmartphone mirroring.

During the UK media launch of the SEAT Ateca in late 2016, the Telegraph & Argus correctly predicted the Spanish company’s first compact SUV would be a force to be reckoned with.

So it will come as no surprise that adding potent performance to the car’s family practicality has, in our view, made a good car even better.

Ultimately, its success depends on whether would-be buyers view it as a rebadged Seat with a £10,000 premium on the price tag, or a great value alternative to the £50k-and-upwards luxury performance SUVs.

In my view, the improvements to its performance and appearance are enough to favour the latter description, but time will tell.

CUPRA Ateca 2.0 TSI

PRICE: £36,030

ENGINE: 2.0-litre petrol, 300PS

TRANSMISSION: 7-speed DSG, four-wheel drive

AVG FUEL ECONOMY: 33.6-34.0 mpg

CO2 EMISSIONS: 168 g/km

0-62 MPH: 5.2 seconds

TOP SPEED: 153 mph

Will's Ratings

PERFORMANCE: *****

ECONOMY: ***

RIDE/HANDLING: ****

SPACE: *****

EQUIPMENT: ****

SECURITY: ****

VALUE: ****

OVERALL: ****