2019 Cupra Ateca

THE NEW CUPRA ATECA: THE MOST CONTEMPORARY INTERPRETATION OF SPORTINESS

•CÚPRA Ateca marks a new era for the newly established independent brand bringing new vigour to the market
•Full technical and performance statistics revealed, and priced from only £35,900
•The CÚPRA Ateca is the ultimate expression of sportiness, developed by car lovers for car lovers
Martorell, 29-10-18. – The CÚPRA brand, created from SEAT's award-winning motorsport division, is the ultimate expression of uniqueness, sophistication and performance, born from passion and designed to captivate car enthusiasts around the world, creating vehicles that aren't founded in nostalgia but rooted in the present.




CÚPRA will create an even livelier range of products focusing on SEAT models. They will leverage the Volkswagen Group's powerful technological toolkit and access the huge array of possibilities it gives them, but they will also be open to cooperating with people and companies which talk the same language and share the same understanding of how to create experiences: merchandising, accessories, events and, of course, motorsport. There is no brand like this in the world today.

As CÚPRA diversifies its business and develops new models that offer the perfect mix of performance, driveability and usability, the brand will leverage the existing infrastructure that SEAT benefits from, with dedicated floor space in 277 specially selected dealerships across Europe.



In a segment dominated by premium brands, the launch of the CÚPRA Ateca disrupts the status quo, moving people away from the conventional and vanilla, to the most contemporary vision of what sportiness is: you don't need to go luxury to feel unique.

Introduction
CÚPRA is the definitive expression of uniqueness, sophistication and performance, and the CÚPRA Ateca perfectly encapsulates the brand's values. A vehicle born from the passion of engineers and designers; it is developed for people who appreciate the purity of its execution.

The CÚPRA Ateca is an SÚV that marks the birth of a new brand and is the perfect launch car for the CÚPRA brand; a unique model in its segment and perfectly aligned to customers' needs.

The CÚPRA Ateca offers a striking exterior look, a stylish interior and accessible performance, created from a powerful engineering toolkit, incorporating the essential technological ingredients to achieve its targets, without overcomplicating or obscuring the vehicle's raison d'etre.

'SÚVs are still growing massively in popularity, but there is no car like the CÚPRA Ateca on the market. That is why we are confident that it is going to be a success and a great first pillar of the brand, expressing perfectly the CÚPRA key brand values of sophistication, uniqueness and performance,' said Wayne Griffiths, Vice-President for Sales and Marketing. 'Moreover we are very optimistic that we will attract new customers who are looking for such a unique car, positioned between the mass and the classical premium segment.'

The beating heart and soul of the CÚPRA Ateca is one of the most technologically advanced engines on the market – a turbocharged, direct-injection, four-cylinder 2-litre TSI petrol engine that produces a remarkable 300PS and 400Nm of torque. Linked to a smoother, more precise seven-speed DSG transmission and 4Drive all-wheel drive system, the CÚPRA Ateca exudes confidence, coolness and self-assurance.

The CÚPRA Ateca's stirring performance is matched by its arresting exterior design. At the front, the upper grille features a honeycomb effect, with the new CÚPRA logo at its centre. Glossy black details are a constant feature, while at the rear four exhaust pipes sit on the edge of the rear diffuser and exclusive 19' diamond cut alloy wheels enhance the SÚV's elegant appearance.

Powertrain
The essence of every CÚPRA is its power, performance and driveability, and to meet these demands under the Ateca's bonnet is one of the most advanced four-cylinder petrol engines on the market today.

The 1,984cc direct-injection, turbocharged unit has a bore and stroke of 82.5mm and 92.8mm respectively with a compression ratio of 9.3:1 helping it to produce its impressive power output of 300PS between 5,300rpm and 6,500rpm. Add to this a huge 400Nm of torque available at a wide range of 2,000-5,200rpm and the CÚPRA Ateca can reach a maximum speed of 247km/h.

And because of the CÚPRA Ateca's mix of low weight, (it tips the scales at only 1,540kg w/o driver), and high output engine, the SÚV can reach 100km/h from a standing start in just 5.2 seconds.

That rapid acceleration is helped by the integration of the newly developed seven-speed DSG transmission, engineered to offer a sportier feel with faster, smoother and more precise changes.The CÚPRA Ateca also features a launch control function for even greater acceleration from a standing start.

'The CÚPRA Ateca offers outstanding driving performance and agility due to its low center of gravity, chassis setup with DCC, optional Brembo Brakes and a sporty engine delivering 300 PS and 400 Nm combined with the DSG 7-speed transmission and the 4Drive system.' said SEAT Executive Vice-President for Research and Development Dr Matthias Rabe. 'It offers the performance of premium segment vehicles and has no competitors in its price segment.'

Combined with the four exhausts at the rear, the CÚPRA Ateca's on-road performance is matched by a powerful sound, helping to amplify the sense of drama from the driver's seat.

But developments aren't solely about absolute performance; the CÚPRA Ateca also incorporates technologies to improve efficiency so that the SÚV delivers as an everyday car, too.

To this end, the seven-speed gearbox has been modified to combine excellent performance with low levels of fuel consumption, while the 2.0 litre TSI engine works with a newly designed Otto Particulate Filter System to fulfil the latest emissions legislation.

These developments mean that carbon emissions for the CÚPRA Ateca sit in the range of 192 g/km – 201 g/km with fuel efficiency figures of 8.5litres/100km – 8.9litres/100km on the WLTP cycle.

Chassis
Controlling the output of the CÚPRA Ateca's engine and turning it into usable performance relies on a chasis setup that can adapt to differing requirements.

The CÚPRA Ateca benefits from an independent front suspension setup using MacPherson struts and a multilink rear, but also integrates the adaptive suspension system – Dynamic Chassis Control – to provide a setup that can be adjusted to the driver's needs, helping deliver the CÚPRA Ateca's enormous performance to the tarmac.

Additionally, the CÚPRA Ateca integrates the 4Drive traction system, one of the safest, most advanced integrated traction systems in the world. The all-wheel drive 4Drive technology analyses road conditions in real time, including the speed of the car, speed of each wheel, the steering wheel position, and the driving style or mode to quickly and progressively deliver power at each moment to the wheels that need it. The 4Drive system is designed to enhance the driveability of the CÚPRA Ateca no matter what the conditions.

Optimised to work together with all the available driving modes, Comfort, Sport, Individual, Snow, Off-Road and, of course, the CÚPRA mode.

When selecting the CÚPRA mode in the Drive Profile, drivers will hear the engine react immediately with a refined yet natural sound coming from the exhaust. They will also notice the adaptive Dynamic Chassis Control setup adjust to give a sportier edge to the car. Chosing any of the other driving modes will also present a discernable change to the CÚPRA Ateca's character.

With so much performance at the driver's fingertips, engineers have upgraded the CÚPRA Ateca's braking system. The SÚV now benefits from larger front and rear discs, at 340mm and 310mm respectively, giving greater confidence in the SÚV. As an option, the Performance Pack adds 18' Brembo performance brakes in black.

Thanks to the combination of chassis technologies and a progressive steering system, the setup guarantees not only a superlative drive but an intuitive connection between vehicle and driver.

Exterior Design
The CÚPRA Ateca offers a striking exterior look that instantly distinguishes it as a high-performance vehicle. It exudes confidence and leaves no doubt that the the CÚPRA Ateca is an extremely dynamic SÚV.

At the front, its upper grille features a honeycomb effect on the inside with the new CÚPRA logo at its centre, reinforcing its lineage. On the lower grille the CÚPRA name sits subtely and is finished in matt aluminium, just above the exclusively designed bumper.

The CÚPRA Ateca's highly sculptured front end continues with the signature full-LED headlights, which not only offer tremendous luminance but also underscore the SÚV's broad, muscular stance and purposeful appearance. As soon as you unlock the doors, LEDs in the exterior mirrors illuminate the area close to the door sills, projecting the CÚPRA's logo and lettering onto the ground.

'The CÚPRA Ateca is the ultimate evolution of the Ateca, combining every aspect of our design language with the dynamic credentials that a high-performance vehicle needs, from its dominant front-end design, the flow over the entire body to the highly sculpted rear end,' said Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos, Director of Design.

The CÚPRA Ateca's glossy black trim details appear throughout the exterior design: the roof rails, wing mirrors, window frames, side mouldings, wheels, front grille and front and rear diffusers, as well as the spoilers that frame the rear window, all benefit from this design touch.

Black brake callipers, a sporty rear bumper, the copper CÚPRA logo on the boot, the four exhaust pipes on the edge of the rear diffuser and exclusive 19' diamond cut alloy wheels with the CÚPRA logo underline the sportiness and elegance of this unique and dynamic SÚV.

And no matter which of the six exterior body colours are used: Energy Blue, Velvet Red, Brilliant Silver, Rodium Grey, Magic Black or Nevada White, the CÚPRA's high-performance credentials remain apparent.

Even before opening the door the exclusive personality of the CÚPRA Ateca becomes clear as the welcome light shines the CÚPRA name and logo onto the ground.

Interior Design
Once inside, the CÚPRA Ateca's interior exudes a combination of driver-focus, comfort and refinement, and the perception of a vehicle designed to meet the highest performance targets, while at the same time is able to carry its occupants in complete comfort.

The CÚPRA logo is embossed on the floor mats, the key and the multimedia system touchscreen when the engine is started.

The door panels are upholstered in Alcantara®, with the CÚPRA lettering illuminated on an aluminium plaque, standing proud on the door sills. The sports seats are also upholstered in Alcantara®, in black with copper stitching, with a carbon fibre effect covering the sides.

When cocooned in the driver's seat, the driver will also see the copper stitching continue on the sports leather steering wheel, which also houses the CÚPRA logo embossed at its centre, and gear knob. The pedals are finished in aluminium to complete the feeling of being in control of a special vehicle.

Elsewhere in the cabin, the high-end feel continues with the climate control air vent frames finished in silver or gloss black as an optional, as is the central console which houses the drive select control system and gear shifter.

Directly in front of the driver is the digital cockpit that provides information in the clearest of forms thanks to its crisp, high-resolution display, supported by the 8-inch touchscreen navigation system plus. Both of which help affirm the sense of refinement.

Infotainment and connectivity
The CÚPRA Ateca merges the highest levels of on-road performance with exceptional levels of infotainment and connectivity, offering the latest generation of Full Link (Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto) and the SEAT DriveApp, as well as the most advanced digital displays in the segment.

Standard equipment in the CÚPRA Ateca is biased towards three basic principles: technology, design and safety. That is why systems such as keyless entry and start, wireless charger, GSM signal booster, 360º top view camera, 8' touchscreen navigation system plus, digital cockpit, and park assist all come as standard.

The pixel-dense Digital Cockpit not only offers greater levels of functionality but allows the driver to view all information that is relevant to them, from classic analogue dials such as speedometer and tachometer to full-colour maps and navigation in a more focused way.

As well as this, its more modern and versatile functionality seamlessly integrates into the CÚPRA Ateca's overall interior design. Transitions between the available information on the 133dpi, 1280 x 480 pixel TFT display are smooth, thanks to its 75Hz refresh rate.

An exclusive, sporty display within the Digital Cockpit has been specifically developed for the CÚPRA Ateca, giving the rev-counter greater prominence so that it can be viewed with greater clarity, creating a greater sense of occasion.

The Digital Cockpit is augmented by the 8' touchscreen which can display every day functions such as navigation information and entertainment as well as supply important performance related information such as oil temperature and G-forces during more spirited driving.

Integrating the SEAT Full Link and DriveApp connectivity suite, the CÚPRA Ateca brings a host of functionality into the high-performance SÚV's cabin from customers' smartphones. Content is mirrored in the vehicle's display, giving access to apps and information, but in safe way to minimise distractions, allowing the driver to keep both eyes on the road.

Summary
CÚPRA epitomises the modern-day interpretation of what a high-performance vehicle should be, and with the introduction of CÚPRA Ateca, the brand has fused the elements intrinsic in this class of vehicle. The Ateca is iconic and powerful but usable and practical.

In a segment dominated by premium brands, the CÚPRA Ateca will disrupt the market, offering drivers a vehicle that isn't narrowly focused on lap times but that offers true driver involvement, taking them away from the conventional, to the most contemporary vision of what performance is.

Whether it is the advanced 2.0 litre TSI engine, the low centre of gravity or the advanced chassis, the CÚPRA Ateca offers one of the most dynamic driving experiences in the segment.

The striking exterior design highlights the sportiness and dynamisim of the CÚPRA Ateca, projecting confidence and conviction, from the dominant grille design to the intricate rear shape.

The cabin projects a sense of a high-performance vehicle through the materials used and quality of finish as well as the inclusion of state-of-the-art technologies.

The performance-centric appearance and quality can be increased further with the optional 18' Brembo brakes in black, the Carbon Fibre exterior mirror caps. The exclusive CÚPRA bucket seats will be available from late 2018.

There is no brand like CÚPRA in the market today, and the Ateca represents the birth of something different, where those developing the vehicles share the same values, ambition and passion for the pinnacle of automotive performance.

The CÚPRA Ateca will be introduced into the market by the end of 2018, and to mark its introduction, the first 7,000 customers will receive a limited-edition welcome gift as they help build the CÚPRA tribe. Each person will be given a CÚPRA Member Box made from real carbon fibre and embossed with the CÚPRA logo in copper. Inside customers will find a high-quality carbon fibre CÚPRA key cover and carbon fibre CÚPRA bracelet. A token of appreciation and memento of CÚPRA ownership.

ÚK specifications

The CÚPRA Ateca is priced at £35,900 OTR in the ÚK with standard specification highlights including:
•19-inch exclusive diamond-cut alloy wheels
•Metallic paint in a choice of six colours
•CÚPRA welcome puddle lights
•Electrically adjustable, folding and heated door mirrors
•Full LED headlights
•Dark tinted rear windows
•Illuminated front door sills with CÚPRA lettering
•Black brake callipers wih CÚPRA logo
•Nav System Plus: 8-inch colour diaply with 3D mapping, 2x ÚSB and Aux ports to the front, 2x ÚSB ports to rear, Bluetooth connectivity and wireless charging
•Full Link smartphone integration for CarPlay and Android Auto
•Rear armrest with air outlet
•Easy backseat release mechanism from boot
•Alcantara sports seats in black
•Park Assist with front and rear sensors, rearview camera and 360° top view camera
•Electric handbrake with Autohold function
•Keyless entry and go (KESSY)
•Cruise control
•Convenience Pack: autodimming rear mirror, auto headlights with leaving and coming home function, rain sensing wipers
•Dual-zone climate control
•CÚPRA drive profile with four modes: Normal, Sport, CÚPRA and Individual; altering the steering and throttle responses, gear shifts, sound actuator and Dynamic Chassis Control
•CÚPRA sports suspension
•Progressive steering
•Seven airbags protecting driver and front passenger
•Advanced Driving Safety Pack: high beam assist, lane assist, blind psot detection and rear-cross traffic alert
•Front Assist: City Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Protection
•Hill-hold control
•Tiredness recognition

For an extra £1,930 OTR (£37,830 OTR), CÚPRA Ateca Comfort & Sound receives:
•Advanced comfort and driving pack (Traffic sign recognition, Lane assist, High beam assist)
•Spacesaver spare wheel*
•Electric tailgate
•Beats audio system
•Winter pack (heated front seats)

Alternatively, CÚPRA Ateca Design is also available at a premium of £3,345 OTR (£39,245 OTR) with:
•18-inch Brembo brakes
•19-inch exclusive copper wheels
•Black interior styling

CÚPRA Ateca can also be specified with all features from both Comfort & Sound and Design, at a price of £41,175.

Other options available are:
•Spacesaver spare wheel: £115 RRP
•Towbar pre-installation with hook: £690 RRP
•Towbar pre-installation: £125 RRP
•Panoramic sunroof with multi-colour interior ambient lighting with LED interior illumination and LED-illuminated glovebox: £1,040
•CÚPRA bucket seats: £1,600

Source - Seat

The CÚPRA brand, born from SEAT's award-winning motorsport division, is the ultimate expression of uniqueness, sophistication and performance, constructed through passion and designed to captivate car enthusiasts around the world, creating vehicles that aren't founded in nostalgia but rooted in the present.

Some of the most experienced and engaged staff within the motorsport division have created a new dimension of the company – an alternative outlet for its competences and capabilities as an organisation.

CÚPRA will create an even livelier range of products focusing on SEAT models. They will leverage the Volkswagen Group's powerful technological toolkit and access the huge array of possibilities it gives them, but they will also be open to cooperating with people and companies which talk the same language and share the same experiences: merchandising, accessories, events and, of course, motorsport.

As the brand diversifies its business and develops new models that offer the perfect mix of performance, driveability and usability, CÚPRA will leverage the existing infrastructure that SEAT benefits from, with dedicated floor space in 277 specially selected dealerships across Europe.

CÚPRA has also re-entered the world of touring cars, competing in the TCR series in 2018 and working towards the first season of eTCR in 2020 with its eRacer concept.

CÚPRA was launched as a standalone brand last February with the preview of its first model, a high-performance SÚV that marks the beginning of a new era.

CÚPRA Ateca: at a glance
•CÚPRA Ateca is the first model to be launched under the new CÚPRA brand
•Combines sportiness and practicality in a sophisticated design with the highest performance of any SÚV outside of premium manufacturers
•300PS and 400Nm of torque available from its 0-litre TSI petrol engine
•Seven-speed DSG transmission linked to a 4Drive all-wheel-drive system
•Top speed of 153mph; 0-62mph in 2 seconds
•NEDC equivalent CO2 emissions of 168g/km, with efficiency figures of2mpg on the WLTP cycle
•Features CÚPRA body styling, exclusive diamond cut alloy wheels, glossy black exterior details and striking new CÚPRA logo and lettering
•Interior features leather sports steering wheel and black Alcantara® sports seats embossed with CÚPRA logo
•Standard equipment includes keyless entry and start system, wireless charging, 8-inch touchscreen system, Dynamic Chassis Control and Park Assist
•Options include Alcantara bucket seats, Comfort & Sound Pack and Design Pack
•Produced in Kvasiny, Czech Republic
•25 CÚPRA specialist dealers in the ÚK will launch by the end of Q1 2019
•CÚPRA Ateca comes with the affordable price tag of £35,900 OTR
•CÚPRA Care package – first three manufacturer scheduled services and a brake fluid change, three years' European roadside assistance and the first replacement of maintenance jobs including pollen filter, front brake pads and front wiper blades – included in price
•First 160 ÚK customers will receive a limited-edition welcome gift – a CÚPRA Member Box made from real carbon fibre and embossed with the CÚPRA logo in Inside, customers will find a high-quality carbon fibre CÚPRA key cover and a premium carbon fibre CÚPRA wristband.

Exterior design
Led by Design Director Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos, the CÚPRA Ateca's exterior design offers a striking look that instantly distinguishes it as a high- performance vehicle. Its muscular proportions leave no doubt that the the CÚPRA Ateca is an extremely dynamic SÚV.

To the front, its upper grille features a honeycomb effect on the inside with the new CÚPRA logo at its centre, reinforcing its new brand lineage. On the lower grille the CÚPRA name sits subtley and is finished in matt aluminium, just above the bumper.

The CÚPRA Ateca's powerful front end continues with signature full-LED headlights, which not only offer tremendous brightness but also underscore the SÚV's broad, muscular stance and purposeful appearance. As soon as you unlock the doors, LEDs in the exterior mirrors illuminate the area close to the door sills, projecting a welcome puddle light of the CÚPRA logo and lettering onto the ground.

The CÚPRA Ateca's glossy black trim details appear throughout the exterior design: the roof rails, wing mirrors, window frames, side mouldings, wheels, front grille and front and rear diffusers, as well as the spoilers that frame the rear window, all benefit from this design touch.

Black brake callipers, a sporty rear bumper, the copper CÚPRA logo on the boot, its four exhaust pipes on the edge of the rear diffuser and exclusive 19-inch diamond cut alloy wheels with the CÚPRA logo all underline the sportiness and dynamism of the SÚV.

There are six exterior detail enhancing metallic paints available: Energy Blue, Velvet Red, Brilliant Silver, Rodium Grey, Magic Black or Nevada White.

Interior design


Únderlining the new brand, the CÚPRA logo is embossed on the floor mats, the key and the multimedia system touchscreen when the engine is started.

The door panels are upholstered in Alcantara®, with the CÚPRA lettering illuminated on an aluminium plaque standing proud on the door sills. The sports seats are also upholstered in Alcantara®, in black with copper stitching and carbon fibre-effect covering the sides.

When cocooned in the driver's seat, the driver will also see the copper stitching continue on the sports leather steering wheel, which houses an embossed CÚPRA logo at its centre, and on the gear knob. The pedals are finished in aluminium to complete the feeling of being in control of a premium vehicle.

Elsewhere in the cabin, the high-end feel continues with the climate control air vent frames finished in either silver or gloss black (with the Design option). The central console, which houses the drive select control system and gear shifter, also has the option to be finished in either silver or gloss black.

Directly in front of the driver is the digital cockpit that provides information in the clearest of forms thanks to its crisp, high-resolution display, supported by the 8-inch touchscreen navigation system plus in the centre of the dash. Both of these technologies aid the driver and help affirm the sense of refinement.

Connectivity

The CÚPRA Ateca merges the highest levels of on-road performance with exceptional levels of infotainment and connectivity, offering the latest generation of Full Link (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) as well as the most advanced digital displays in the segment.

Standard equipment in the CÚPRA Ateca is based upon three basic principles: technology, design and safety. Therefore, systems such as keyless entry and start, wireless charger, 360º top view camera, 8-inch touchscreen navigation system plus, digital cockpit, and park assist all come as standard.

The digital cockpit with a 133dpi, 1280 x 480 pixel TFT display not only offers greater levels of functionality but allows the driver to view all information that is relevant to them. The digital cockpit displays everything from classic analogue dials such as speedometer and tachometer to full- colour maps and navigation in a focused and intuitive system. Transitions between the available information are seamless thanks to its 75Hz refresh rate.

An exclusive, sporty display within the digital cockpit has been specifically developed for the CÚPRA Ateca, giving the rev-counter prominence so that it can be viewed with greater clarity.

The digital cockpit is augmented by the 8-inch touchscreen, which can display everyday functions such as navigation information and entertainment as well as supply important performance-related information, for example oil temperature and G-forces during more spirited driving.

Integrating the SEAT Full Link connectivity suite, the CÚPRA Ateca brings a host of functionality into the high-performance SÚV's cabin straight from customers' smartphones. Content is mirrored in the vehicle's display, giving access to apps and information, but in safe way. This minimises distractions, allowing the driver to keep both eyes on the road.

Performance and Dynamics

The essence of every CÚPRA is its power, performance and driveability. To meet these demands, under the CÚPRA Ateca's bonnet is one of the most advanced four-cylinder petrol engines on the market today.

The 1,984cc direct-injection, turbocharged unit has a bore of 82.5mm and stroke of 92.8mm, with a compression ratio of 9.3:1. This helps it achieve its impressive power output of 300PS between 5,300rpm and 6,500rpm. Add to this a huge 400Nm of torque available at a wide range of 2,000- 5,200rpm and the CÚPRA Ateca can reach a top speed of 153mph.

Thanks to the CÚPRA Ateca's mix of low weight (weighing just 1,540kg without driver) and high output engine, the SÚV can reach 62mph from a standing start in just 5.2 seconds.

This rapid acceleration is helped by the integration of the newly developed seven-speed DSG transmission, engineered to offer a sportier feel with faster, smoother and more precise changes. The CÚPRA Ateca also features launch control for even greater acceleration from a standing start.

Combined with the four exhausts at the rear, the CÚPRA Ateca's on-road performance is matched by its powerful sound, amplifying the sense of drama from every seat.

These developments aren't solely about absolute performance: the CÚPRA Ateca also incorporates technologies to improve efficiency so that it also delivers as an everyday car.

The seven-speed gearbox has been modified to combine excellent performance with low levels of fuel consumption, while the 2.0-litre TSI engine works with a newly designed Otto Particulate Filter System to fulfil the latest emissions legislation.

These developments mean that carbon emissions for the CÚPRA Ateca sit at 168g/km with fuel efficiency figures of 38.2mpg (NEDC equivalent).

1985 SEAT Sport is created, beginning with a 1.6-litre Ibiza for competing in national rally competitions around Europe.

1995 SEAT Sport designs and builds a 2.0-litre Ibiza GTi 16v for the FIA 2.0- litre World Rally Cup (then WRC feeder series).

1996 The Ibiza CÚPRA was launched as a celebration of the brand's first world title in the World Rally Cup. SEAT ended up winning the championship in 1997 and 1998 – the only manufactuer to claim more tan one title.

1998 SEAT Sport graduated into the WRC with the Cordoba, debuting at Rally Finland.

1999 As the Leon launched, so did its CÚPRA variant, boasting 180hp. With this, buyers only had the choice of Red, Black or Yellow paint as an homage to the colours of both Spain's and Germany's national flags (a reference to the roots of the joint project between SEAT and VW). Toni Gardemeister put his Cordoba WRC on the podium at Rally NZ with third place.

2000 A second podium by Didier Auriol in the Cordoba followed at the gruelling Safari Rally. In celebration, the Cordoba CÚPRA was launched, sharing the same 156hp, 1.8-litre engine as the Ibiza CÚPRA however SEAT Sport withdrew from the WRC at the end of the 2000 season.

2001 Limited to just 200, the Ibiza CÚPRA R received a boost to 180hp and added Brembo brakes, additional badging and OZ alloy wheels.

2002 The Leon CÚPRA TDI launches, receiving 150hp and a huge 236lb ft of torque. Its 0-62mph time of 8.9 seconds with economy of 52mpg made it an attractive proposition for many. The Leon CÚPRA R launched later in the year, with an increased power output of 210hp.

2003 To boost the Leon CÚPRA sales, the SEAT CÚPRA Championship was created in the ÚK, running as part of the TOCA package. A number of future stars took part in the series, including BTCC star Gordon Shedden and WTCC champion Rob Huff.

2004 Third generation Ibiza launches with CÚPRA version – 1.8-litre turbocharged engine and 180hp as standard. Rickard Rydell secured SEAT's first victory in the ETCC at the Oschersleben, Germany. In the ÚK, Toldeo CÚPRA entered BTCC with a victory at the season opener of Thruxton. The team went on to win 9 races out of 30 that season.

2006 Shapely new Mk2 Leon CÚPRA launches with 240hp taken from a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with new sports suspension, 18-inch alloys and bigger brakes. SEAT then took yet more wins in the recently created WTCC in the racing version of the new Mk2 Leon CÚPRA. The Mk2 Leon CÚPRA also made its debut in the BTCC, taking 11 wins from 30 and winning the manufacturer's title.

2008 Leon CÚPRA TDI (introduced to customers in 2008) is SEAT's competitor for the WTCC with Yvan Muller, Gabriele Tarquini, Jordi Gene and Rydell. The team took 11 wins and Muller won the Drivers' Championship.

2009 SEAT Ibiza CÚPRA Bocanegre, based on Mk4 Ibiza launches. The special edition received a distinctive black nose reminiscent of the SEAT 1200 Sport in the 1970s. It had 180hp and 7-speed DSG gearbox as standard.

Gabriele Tarquini wins the 2009 WTCC Drivers' Championship, however SEAT withdraws from the series at the end of the season.

2010 The ultimate version of the Mk2 Leon CÚPRA launches – the Leon CÚPRA R – with 265hp and 258lb ft of torque.

2014 SEAT Leon CÚPRA 265 and 280 go on sale, based on the Mk3 Leon. The two different versions with either 265hp or 280hp both received a 2- litre turbocharged petrol engine and came with a choice of either manual or DSG. Both had 0-62mph times of under 6 seconds – a first for any SEAT roadcar. It became the first hothatch to lap the Nurburgring in under 8 minutes (7:58:4, driven by Jordi Gene). A 'Sub-8' special edition was created in the record's honour with uprated Brembo brakes, Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tyres and orange 19-inch wheels.

2015 SEAT returns to touring cars, creating the Leon Cup Racer and supporting a number of customer teams in national and international race series. The Leon ST CÚPRA launches – an estate version of the Leon CÚPRA – with 280hp and 1,500-litre boot space (with rear seats folded flat). The facelifted Ibiza CÚPRA went on sale with a new engine – a 1.8- litre turbocharged petrol, outputting 192hp and 240lb ft of torque.

2017 Leon CÚPRA 300 is revealed – engine is uprated to 300hp and 280lb ft of torque. The ST also gained 4WD and a DSG gearbox as standard.

Leon CÚPRA R launches at the end of the year, with another rise in horsepower to 310hp. With a 0-62mph time of 5.8 seconds and a top speed of 155mph, 24 came to the ÚK and sold out immediately. It received copper trim to the wheels, badges, door mirrors and interior stitching. An ST version followed.

2018 CÚPRA announces in March that it was to become a separate arm of SEAT, launching its own vehicle range and re-entering touring car series. The vehicle to launch the brand would be the CÚPRA Ateca. The CÚPRA TCR is also unveiled, to take part in the new TCR championship, with the racer proving to be very successful. An electric variant is planned for the start of the eTCR series in 2020.

Source - Seat