The Spanish are flying into the market with their cut-price Cupra Leon V hatch, priced from $43,990 +ORCs, or $47,990 drive-away. Well-equipped, and with a Volkswagen-sourced EA888-series 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine cranking 140kW/320Nm, it is offered exclusively with a seven-speed dual (wet) clutch transmission.

A sporty, rear-drive electric hatch from Spanish VW offshoot available now to order from $59,990 + ORC. Offering up to 511km of range and European-built on VW Group’s MEB architecture, the Born delivers a claimed 0-100km/h time of 7.0 seconds from a 170kW/310Nm electric motor and 82kWh battery.

Cupra dealers open August 1 with a three model line-up: Leon hatch, Formentor coupe SUV and Ateca medium SUV with turbo petrol or hybrid power. Priced from $43,990 to $61,990 +ORC.

Cupra has scheduled July 21 for a “range launch” in Australia, with the pre-sold advance guard comprising flagship VZx specification of the Leon, Formentor and Ateca models.