Used test: Audi SQ2 vs Cupra Ateca: costs

Buying and owning

Costs, equipment, reliability, safety

Although the Audi SQ2 was slightly more expensive than the Cupra Ateca when new, time has proven a great equaliser because, at three years old, both now go for around £26,000. This could hint at the SQ2 suffering heavier depreciation. 

The Ateca has a slight advantage when it comes to official average fuel economy, bettering the SQ2's 33.2mpg with its 34mpg. It's a similar story in real-world conditions, where the Ateca averaged 28.6mpg in our hands, while the SQ2 managed 27.3mpg. 

To insure, the SQ2 is in insurance group 37, meaning it should cost you around £947 per year. The Ateca is in group 31, putting costs at around £835 a year. In regards to servicing, Audi has a fixed-price plan – encompassing two services – for £539.77. Cupra also provides fixed-price plans, with a single major service costing you £295. 

The Ateca has the edge when it comes to standard equipment. It comes with a rear-view camera, keyless entry and start, adjustable lumbar support and wireless phone charging, while all those features were options on the SQ2. This means you'll need to seek out examples that have had these functions specified from new.

Despite the pair not being present in the latest What Car? Reliability Survey, the closely related Audi Q2 and Seat Ateca do appear. The Q2 ranked fourth out of 20 cars in its class, while the Ateca came 18th out of 28 models. Audi came 18th out of 30 manufacturers featured, while Seat – Cupra was absent – came 17th. 

The pair are almost inseparable when it comes to safety with five-star Euro NCAP safety ratings. They protect adults almost equally well – very well, that is – but the SQ2 protects children slightly better.

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