The Cupra Ateca SUV is a brilliant family car that’s fast and great to drive, but you’ll have to accept its gloomy interior and boy racer exterior complete with tuner-esque branding.
PROS Surprisingly nimble Fizzing performance Still practical
CONS Boy racer looks Dark, gloomy interior A VW Golf R costs less
The Cupra Ateca gives you huge performance and impressive practicality for a reasonable price, but the Ford Puma ST will deliver even bigger thrills for significantly less money. And, if you’re after a sports SUV with an upmarket interior and a cosseting ride, then we’d take a Cupra Formentor.
PROS Cheap by all-wheel drive performance SUV standards Just as practical as a regular Seat Ateca Very well equipped
CONS Expensive compared with many conventional hot hatches So-so interior quality Engine could sound fruitier
PROS Hot hatch performance with SUV styling and practicality
CONS Infotainment isn’t easiest to use, Formentor is more stylish
The SsangYong Tivoli is a stylish car with a low price and generous standard equipment, which may tempt some buyers from more established competition.
Pros Excellent warranty Spacious inside Good value
Cons Poor ride comfort Varying interior quality Petrol engine is quite noisy
The Ssangyong Tivoli is decent for the money, but massively outclassed in many areas – including space, efficiency and comfort – by pricier small SUVs, such as the Ford Puma, Volkswagen T-Roc and Skoda Kamiq. But the Dacia Duster also outclasses it in several ways, while being more efficient to run and cheaper to buy outright.
Pros Competitively priced Reasonably spacious Well equipped higher-spec trims
Cons Entry-level trim is sparse Relatively high running costs So-so handling and fidgety ride
