Seat is seriously considering launching a performance-focused Ateca Cupra to act as the brand’s halo model, according to reports.
The Cupra name is currently used by hardcore versions of the Leon and Ibiza hatchbacks and if used on the Ateca SUV, will give the company an edge over its competition because of the lack of fast SUVs in its price segment.
While speaking with Autocar, a Seat insider reiterated this saying “The fast SUV market is evolving quickly at the premium end, but in the mainstream, there is no real credible contender. That opens the opportunity for Seat to take leadership and to really differentiate itself from the opposition in the crowded SUV market. An Ateca Cupra could have a very significant halo effect for the rest of the brand.”
If the model comes to fruition, it would use the 2.0-liter petrol engine of the Leon Cupra currently tuned to 286 hp. When joined by an all-wheel drive system, the model could conceivably accelerate to 60 mph (96 kmh) in a brisk 6.5 seconds.
As demand for the standard Ateca is so high, company executives are apparently pushing for the model to be delayed until late 2017 so as to not distract from the regular model.
Rendering courtesy of X-Tomi Design
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