New Seat Ateca vs Audi Q2 vs Ford Kuga

Our verdict

It’s always tempting to go for a sporty trim level, but often it means paying through the nose or putting up with a punishing ride. Fortunately, that’s not the case with the Ateca FR; it isn’t that much pricier than SE Technology trim, comes with extra kit and should hold its value better.

And because Seat has resisted the urge to fit stiffer suspension, the FR is no less comfy than lesser models in the range; it’s no limo, but it won’t shake your fillings out, either.

The Q2 is even dartier through the bends and has a better infotainment system. But it’s nowhere near as practical as the Ateca, has a bumpier ride and costs a lot more to buy and run, despite being less generously equipped.

The Kuga comes last, though. It isn’t as practical as its size suggests, its interior isn’t up to scratch, real-world fuel economy is very disappointing and you have to pay extra for vital safety aids that really should be standard.

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1st – Seat Ateca

For Brilliant to drive; easily the most practical; slowest depreciation; cheapest monthly finance payments; punchy engine; well equipped

Against Firm ride; interior could be more interesting

Must-have options Double boot floor (£120)

Rated 5 out of 5

Read our full Seat Ateca review

Find a great Seat Ateca deal

2nd – Audi Q2

For For Sharpest handling; smartest interior; best infotainment system; nippiest acceleration

Against Firmest ride; stingy standard kit; not very practical

Must-have options Adjustable lumbar support (£250), dual-zone climate control (£525)

Rated 4 out of 5

Read our full Audi Q2 review

Find a great Audi Q2 deal

3rd – Ford Kuga

For Plenty of standard equipment; big discounts; the most comfortable around town

Against Low-rent interior; shortage of standard safety kit; so-so rear space; awful real-world fuel economy

Must-have options Active City Stop (£200)

Rated 3 out of 5

Read our full Ford Kuga review

Find a great Ford Kuga deal

Specifications: Audi Q2 1.4 TFSI 150 S Line

Engine size 4cyl, 1395cc, turbo, petrol

List price £27,160

Target Price £26,305

Power 148bhp @ 5000-6000rpm

Torque 184Ib ft @ 1500-3500rpm

0-60mph 8.0sec

Top speed 131mph

Gov't fuel economy 49.6mpg

True MPG 45.3mpg

CO2 emissions 128g/km

Specifications: Ford Kuga 1.5T Ecoboost 150 FWD

Engine size 4cyl, 1498cc, turbo, petrol

List price £26,945

Target Price £24,612

Power 148bhp @ 6000rpm

Torque 177Ib ft @ 1600rpm

0-60mph 9.0sec

Top speed 121mph

Gov't fuel economy 44.8mpg

True MPG 30.4mpg

CO2 emissions 145g/km

Specifications: Seat Ateca 1.4 EcoTSI 150 FR

Engine size 4cyl, 1395cc, turbo, petrol

List price £24,960

Target Price £23,594

Power 148bhp @ 5000-6000rpm

Torque 184Ib ft @ 1500-3500rpm

0-60mph 8.4sec

Top speed 125mph

Gov't fuel economy 52.3mpg

True MPG 42.8mpg

CO2 emissions 123g/km

Read more: The best small SUVs >

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