CUPRA Ateca vs smart #1

The CUPRA Ateca starts from $54,990 before on-road costs, while the smart #1 opens at $54,900. That makes the smart #1 the more affordable entry point by $90.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $60,489 and $60,390 respectively.

The smart #1 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The CUPRA Ateca, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Both the CUPRA Ateca and smart #1 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The smart #1 packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 8 in the CUPRA Ateca.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the CUPRA Ateca and 7 in the smart #1. The smart #1 adds a 360-degree camera that the CUPRA Ateca misses.

The CUPRA Ateca features a 9.2-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the smart #1 gets a 12.8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The smart #1 counters with wireless charging and heated front seats that the CUPRA Ateca does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the CUPRA Ateca gets leather-appointed upholstery while the smart #1 offers leatherette.

The CUPRA Ateca uses a 4-cyl Turbo Petrol producing 140kW and 320Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.2 seconds.

The smart #1 counters with its electric setup making 200kW and 343Nm, paired to a single-speed automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds.

The smart #1 has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 140kW. In the real-world sprint, the smart #1 is 0.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The CUPRA Ateca measures 4,381mm long on a 2,630mm wheelbase, 111mm longer than the smart #1 at 4,270mm (2,750mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the smart #1 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 485L in the CUPRA Ateca and 203L in the smart #1, giving the CUPRA Ateca a 282L advantage.

For towing, the CUPRA Ateca leads with a 1,900kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 5 years (CUPRA Ateca) vs 5 years / 150,000km (smart #1). Both match on warranty length.