CUPRA Australia has announced its local line-up for its 2022 launch with two SUVs and a hatchback; featuring a range of performance and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains.
CUPRA is an unconventional challenger brand based on stimulating style and contemporary performance that inspires the world from Barcelona with progressive cars and experiences. Launched in 2018 as a stand-alone brand, CUPRA has its own corporate headquarters and a racing car workshop in Martorell (Barcelona), in addition to a network of specialized points of sale around the world.
The Australian launch line-up will comprise of three models – the CUPRA Formentor crossover SUV, the CUPRA Ateca SUV, plus the CUPRA Leon hatchback.
Australia will be the first market where CUPRA will operate exclusively as a performance brand. It is envisaged that the CUPRA range's recommended retail pricing will start just north of $40,000 and finish just above $60,000.
VGA's Managing Director Michael Bartsch said "The presence of CUPRA within VGA perfectly complements the diverse offerings of Volkswagen, Audi and ŠKODA."
To be sold online and via an agency structure in collaboration with the Group's existing investors, the brand will be highly visible nationally via pop-up sales points and outlets based in existing high-profile retail environments.
CUPRA vehicles will be able to be serviced within selected outlets of the Volkswagen Group network. They will be covered by a factory-backed, five-year/ unlimited kilometre warranty. Details of service plans will be announced closer to the local launch.
As announced recently, CUPRA is directed within VGA by Ben Wilks. Mr Wilks has been with VGA since its establishment in 2001.
"CUPRA represents a great opportunity for VGA as a whole," Mr Wilks said.
"Australians love performance vehicles. Two out of three new private sales are SUVs. CUPRA's debut Australian range nails the brief, enabling VGA to offer more of what the discerning private customer wants."
The Australian launch of the CUPRA brand and its distinct line-up is planned for Q2 2022.
CUPRA Australia 2022 local line-up
CUPRA Leon
- 3 petrol engines: 140KW, 180kW and 221kW
- Plug-in hybrid (PHEV): 180kW
CUPRA Ateca
- 221kW Petrol with 4DRIVE AWD
CUPRA Formentor
- 3 petrol engines: 140kW with 4DRIVE AWD, 180kW and 228kW with 4DRIVE AWD
- Plug-in hybrid (PHEV): 180kW
Detailed specification and pricing will be announced closer to the local launch.
About CUPRA
CUPRA is an unconventional challenger brand based on stimulating style and contemporary performance that inspires the world from Barcelona with progressive cars and experiences. Launched in 2018 as a stand-alone brand, CUPRA has its own corporate headquarters and a racing car workshop in Martorell (Barcelona), in addition to a network of specialized points of sale around the world.
In 2020, the brand maintained its upward trend with an 11% growth and 27,400 vehicles sold, thanks to the strong performance of the CUPRA Ateca and the CUPRA Leon as well as the market entry of the CUPRA Formentor, the first model uniquely designed and developed for the brand. In 2021, CUPRA aims to prove that electrification and sportiness are a perfect match with the launch of the plug-in hybrid versions of the CUPRA Formentor and its first 100% electric model, the CUPRA Born. The CUPRA Tavascan will be the brand's second all-electric model and will reach the market in 2024.
CUPRA will participate this year in the off-road electric SUV's competition Extreme E. Moreover, it is also FC Barcelona's official automotive and mobility partner and World Padel Tour's premium sponsor. The CUPRA Tribe is made up of a team of ambassadors who share the brand values , such as the German goalkeeper Marc ter Stegen, the football rising star Ansu Fati, Hollywood actor Daniel Bru¨hl, Swedish driver Mattias Ekstr m and four of the best padel players in the world, among others.