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
PROS Larger boot than standard Tivoli Smarter new front bumper Huge standard specification Manual or auto, two- and four-wheel drive
CONS No petrol engine Same passenger space as Tivoli Not a thrilling drive Diesel engine quite noisy
The Ssangyong Tivoli XLV offers good space and practicality to families on a budget. However, if you can afford to spend a little more, there are much more competent family SUVs available.
Pros Spacious interior Generous standard equipment Competitively priced
Cons Noisy engine Crashy ride Stodgy handling
The SsangYong Tivoli XLV takes the stylish Tivoli and makes it bigger. It looks a bit more awkward than before, but it’s also more practical.
PROS Extremely versatile Generous warranty Good value
CONS Noisy engines Challenging styling Not the most economical