Prices and specification details of the new Cupra Ateca SUV have been revealed ahead of the arrival of Seat's new performance car brand in UK showrooms.

Seat has revealed that prices for the Cupra brand’s debut model will start at £35,900, with order books now open for the 300PS, all-wheel-drive SUV.

Details have been published ahead of the arrival of the first model to be defined from the core Seat products with a new logo and defined specialist Cupra dealerships, despite the vehicles being offered for sale across the entire frranchised retail network.

For Q1 next year, 25 Cupra specialist dealers will offer a specifically-tailored experience, but the model is now available to order from any Seat franchised car dealership.

The Cupra Ateca claims to offer the highest performance of any SUV available outside a premium manufacturer brand, according to a statement issued by the Spanish car manufacturer.

Among the standard features of the new Ateca derivative is Cupra body styling, exclusive diamond cut alloy wheels, glossy black exterior details, and the new Cupra logo and lettering.

Richard Harrison, managing director of Seat UK, said: “The launch of CUPRA Ateca represents a real change in the SUV market – there is simply no other car like it available with such a competitive overall package.

“With 300PS, Cupra Ateca offers customers a unique proposition: the high performance expected from the Cupra name, paired with the practicality of an award-winning SUV and wrapped up in an elegant design – all at an affordable inclusive price.

“We are excited that Cupra is creating this new sub-category of alternative premium performance SUVs.”

CUPRA Ateca features a 2.0 TSI engine delivering 300 PS and 400Nm of torque via a seven-speed DSG gearbox.

Its 4Drive all-wheel-drive system works with six driving modes – Normal, Sport, Individual, Snow, Off-Road and Cupra.

Cupra adjusts throttle response, delivers “a refined sound” and tunes the adaptive suspension (Dynamic Chassis Control) setup to give a sportier edge to the car, a statement said.

The statement revealed that the Cupra Ateca will exceed previous versions of the Seat Leon Cupra in terms of performance, claiming a top speed of 153 mph and 5.2-second acceleration to 62mph.

Metallic paint and a Cupra Care service and maintenance package which includes the first three manufacturer scheduled services and the vehicle’s first MOT are all part of the standard Cupra Ateca customer offer at launch.

Additionally, there is European roadside assistance coverage and maintenance jobs including brake repairs, wiper blades, air-con service and key batteries, as well as repairs to essential areas including engine, transmission, suspension, electrics and cooling.

A small number of options will be available including: a Comfort and Sound Pack featuring BeatsAudio sound system; and an Advanced Driving Assistance Pack; Design Pack (with 20” Diamond cut copper alloy wheels and Brembo brakes); panoramic roof and tow bar.