Corolla Cross vs. Cupra Ateca: a compact SUV in a comparison test

The Ateca is powered by a four-cylinder turbo petrol engine that produces 190 hp and transmits its maximum torque of 320 Nm to all four wheels on demand and smoothly through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DSG). If you want, you can also take control of the power distribution using the shift paddles behind the steering wheel.

The reason for this may be that 197 hp feels like less anyway. But it is enough to accelerate the Japanese car, which weighs about 1.5 tons, to 100 km / h in 7.8 seconds, as measured by us. Ateca works faster here. Instead of the factory-specified 7.2 seconds, it reached highway speed in just seven seconds.

As always, power delivery in the Toyota is handled by a CVT transmission. This means that the four cylinders are revved as noticeably during acceleration as they are during braking. This increases again when the gear selector is in B and stop-and-go energy is increasingly fed back into the battery. The four-cylinder only calms down when no effort is required to accelerate or decelerate.

But what makes it a sports car again is its fuel consumption. In the third combination we decided, it pulled 8.9 liters through the hoses, while the Corolla – also because it often rotates electrically – was satisfied with 7.0 liters.

The convertible chassis (DCC), which was purchased for an additional 1050 euros, is also always ready to tighten up the Cupra to meet the needs of sports. But it can be very difficult for some drivers. The Toyota is more comfortable here, but – despite the smooth steering – it is pleasant with the correct cornering and stability to match.

Things are different with the brakes. The values ​​we determined for the Japanese were far from the standard of 38.2 meters (temperature). The Spaniard was already standing (warm) after 34.5 meters under the same test conditions.

Ateca also offers a sporty spirit in the interior. In addition to the useful seats, there is also a steering wheel for the Cupra. Apart from the usual buttons on the steering wheel, this one also offers a start/stop button and a driving mode switch.

Everyone can decide for themselves if the additional investment of 820 euros for this specification is worth it. We say no, because the standard start button – here it is replaced by the ESP on / off – and the rotary control for the driving programs on the center console are fully and completely adequate.

Speaking of driving software administrators. In addition to the Classic, Sport and Cupra programs, the Cupra also has snow and off-road. When things get tougher, the control software integrates the XDS differential, dual-clutch transmission and Haldex clutch. And now the Ateca is becoming a rally car. Plows to cross the slope, pulls forward, pushes back and uses the steering wheel to force the car that is swaying on the road.

A situation that cannot be achieved with Corolla. Here, as already mentioned, the electronic equipment supplies the necessary power to the wheels, apart from the off-road driving program. If you want to know exactly how the power is distributed, you have the option of viewing the whole thing on the new 12.34-inch central display, which is animated and in color.

Here and there, smartphones can be mirrored wirelessly, which is a big advantage, especially for the Corolla, because its navigation system works slowly, so the intersection is crossed before showing the direction. In the Cupra, the navigation system can detect curves and curves and adjust speed accordingly.

This increases safety, as does the driver assistance package which is included for 960 euros. Namely recognition of traffic signs, cruise control with stop-and-go function and traffic warning. Corolla has all that too. The Japanese also have a traffic assistant.

This makes the journey more pleasant for the driver. But if you look at the big picture, then overall guests should feel more comfortable in the Ateca. Seats are better in front and back. Especially in the second row, things are more airy in the Spanish. Cupra also has more to offer in terms of luggage with 485 to 1579 liters. The Japanese can only offer 390 to 1299 liters of storage space.

In addition, the Ateca seems to be more valuable overall. Soft foam plastic on the fitting and interior door panels, ambient lighting and easy-to-use controls and switches. In the Corolla, this is compared to hard plastic covered with thin artificial leather and toggle switches for heated seats in the center console, which gives off the charm of the 1990s.

When it comes to general processing, the Japanese lag behind the Spanish. It starts with the visible adhesive seams on the body, continues with the tank hood that gives the beauty of tinned metal and ends with the lack of insulation of the engine compartment and the wheel arches in the trunk.