CUPRA Ateca vs smart #1
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
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.
Safety Rundown
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.
Feature Showdown
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.
Drivetrain
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 responds with a Electric 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.
Space & Comfort
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.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m to 11.1m
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (CUPRA Ateca) vs 5 years / 150,000km (smart #1). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the CUPRA Ateca if: You need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer CUPRA's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the smart #1 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer smart's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The smart #1 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the CUPRA Ateca has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, CUPRA Ateca and smart #1?
The smart #1 is the cheapest at $54,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the CUPRA Ateca by $90.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The CUPRA Ateca uses the least fuel at 7.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — CUPRA Ateca and smart #1 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The CUPRA Ateca has the largest boot at 485L.
Which can tow the most?
The CUPRA Ateca has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,900kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The smart #1 makes the most power at 200kW. The smart #1 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.7s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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