THOSE OF YOU who like fast SEATs will know that the Cupra name is usually reserved for souped-up, high-performance versions of SEAT hatchbacks, e.g. the SEAT Ibiza Cupra and SEAT Leon Cupra.

However, SEAT has cut Cupra loose and it is now a standalone sub-brand of the Spanish carmaker. The Cupra brand will develop models in conjunction with SEAT and will become the high-performance arm building more focused, performance oriented cars than SEAT itself.

Cupra will also encompass the entire motorsport and racing division, an area that until now was the responsibility of SEAT Sport and which will be directly integrated into the new brand.

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The first Cupra model to be launched is the Cupra Ateca, with a 296hp 2.0-litre TSI engine, four-wheel drive, a new 7-speed DSG gearbox and a new V-shaped badge in the centre of the honeycomb-design grille.

The 4Drive system 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 deliver power at each moment to the necessary wheels.

The 4Drive system is optimised to work together with all the driving modes: Normal, Sport, Individual, Snow, Off-Road and Cupra mode. When Cupra mode is selected, the engine note changes and the adaptive suspension (Dynamic Chassis Control) setup is adjusted to give a sportier feel to the car.

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The Cupra Ateca can go from zero to 100km/h in 5.4 seconds and go on to a top speed of 245km/h.

The standard equipment in the Cupra Ateca includes a keyless entry and start system, wireless charger, GSM signal booster, 360º degree top view camera and park assist, an 8-inch touchscreen navigation system plus and a digital cockpit as well as dynamic chassis control.

The Cupra Ateca makes its world debut this week at the Geneva Motor Show.

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