Cupra has unveiled closely up to date variations of its Leon small hatch and Formentor compact SUV.
The brand new Formentor debuts a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system that may journey on electrical energy alone for as much as 100km.
The corporate has additionally confirmed a brand new wagon model of the performance-focused Leon as a religious successor to the once-loved Golf R wagon from dad or mum firm Volkswagen.
Nonetheless, the brand new fashions received’t arrive in time to benefit from the federal government’s fringe advantages tax (FBT) exemption for individuals who lease PHEVs by way of firm wage sacrifice applications.
The beneficiant FBT exemptions for PHEVs are at the moment deliberate to finish on April 1, 2025. EVs have till at the least 2027 for a similar advantages.
Cupra says curiosity in its Formentor VZe has surged, prompting it to order extra inventory and a restricted version mannequin of the outgoing model.
Nonetheless, Cupra concedes its most compelling PHEV but – the brand new Formentor that can be capable to DC quick cost at as much as 50kW for a full cost in about half an hour — will simply miss out on the FBT advantages.
“We’re taking the very highest specification efficiency engines … they arrive on stream just a little bit later,” says Cupra Australia model director Ben Wilks.
Cupra Australia product and advertising and marketing chief Jeff Shafer says the corporate nonetheless expects eager curiosity within the automobile.
“Not everyone seems to be ready the place a BEV is true for them at present and I believe plug-in hybrids are an answer for some folks.”
The corporate additionally confirmed off the brand new Leon vary, which features a Sportstourer wagon that’s on the want record for Australia.
Whereas the wagon isn’t anticipated to do massive gross sales volumes, Cupra believes it can fulfill fanatics who beforehand gravitated to the Volkswagen Golf R wagon.
“It’s a distinct segment … however it’s a distinct segment that’s attention-grabbing to us,” says Shafer.
The Sportstourer might be obtainable with the brand new plug-in hybrid system within the Formentor, in addition to a brand new 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine making 245kW, probably the most ever for the fledgling model.
Talking on the international reveal of the 2 recent fashions within the model’s house nation of Spain, chief government Wayne Griffiths mentioned the corporate was nonetheless targeted on design and efficiency, reinforcing that it was “not a premium or status model” however “another for the subsequent technology of automobile lovers on the lookout for one thing totally different”.
The brand new Formentor may have a recent nostril, lights and bumpers in addition to an LED gentle strip throughout the rear that includes an illuminated Cupra emblem.
Its raised bonnet and slim higher grille give it a extra distinctive face.
The Leon takes a unique method with a decrease bonnet designed to strengthen its sporty intentions.
It additionally will get new lights and bumpers, together with 3D-look back lights that incorporate Cupra’s trademark triangular look.
And the emblem can also be illuminated in crimson throughout the rear.