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 MU-X may look and feel a bit more basic than the Everest or Fortuner, but its tough Isuzu truck underpinnings is this SUV’s secret weapon. Isuzu also builds big commercial engines, designed to be reliable and robust, and that DNA is this engine.
Pros Great new engine Capable off-roader Decent third row
Cons Cabin is starting to age Boot is smaller than some rivals No advanced safety equipment
Like the D-MAX ute on which it's based, the evolution of Isuzu UTE's MU-X seven-seat SUV has remained relatively slow, its latest update headlined by extra torque from its 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel (now 130kW and 430Nm, up from 380Nm) and a new six-speed automatic transmission (previously five).
Pros Rugged and practical Very comfy ride Drop-down rear video unit
Cons Lacking some new safety tech Turbo lag from a standing start Rather basic cab trim
