Cheaper Cupras on the way

CUPRA is adding a number of value-focused models to its range with confirmation of a new base-spec Ateca V and the brand’s Tribe special edition model range expanding to include the Leon V hatch and the just-announced Formentor VZe plug-in hybrid SUV.

Following a slower start to 2024 compared to last year, the brand has also confirmed a number of end-of-financial-year deals for the Leon and Ateca models.

The Leon V Tribe Edition is a $47,888 drive-away proposition - a notable discount over the Leon V’s standard price of $48,490 +ORCs - and it is limited to 150 units.

The Tribe Edition adds copper finishing to its 18-inch wheels, a rear spoiler extension, petrol blue leather trim, heated front seats, power driver’s seat adjustment, dark-finish pedals and Beats audio sound system. A sunroof is optional, and three of the four colour options are offered at no cost.

Leon hatch sees a range of drive-away deals as part of the EOFY event, including the base spec V at $44,888, VZ at $53,888, VZx at $61,888 and the plug-in hybrid VZe with drive-away pricing varying by state.

The Formentor VZe Tribe Edition model adds a value splash to the plug-in hybrid SUV, but it doesn’t come with a drive-away price like the Leon hatch due to different state incentives for electrified models. Instead, Cupra Australia claims the brand will offer a “competitive novated lease offer” for the 300 examples of the Formentor PHEV, which will touch down in July.

The Tribe formula is similar, with copper accents on the black 19-inch wheels but with the addition of a 360-degree camera system and again with an optional sunroof. Interior changes mirror the Leon with petrol blue leather, heated front seats, electric driver’s seat adjustment, and a Beats Audio system. Again, four colours offered, three at no cost.

While there is currently no plan for a Tribe Edition version of the pragmatic Ateca SUV, the range will finally see the addition of a more affordable variant with the V launching as a permanent addition in the third quarter of 2024.

The Ateca V will make use of a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine with 140kW of power, a dual-clutch auto gearbox and all-wheel drive. Exact pricing for the base model Ateca is still to be determined, but you can expect it to possibly slide in under $50K before on-roads, based on statements made by the brand’s local head of product and marketing, Jeff Shafer.

“It replaces the Formentor V as the entry-point to the Cupra SUV range,” Mr Shafer said. “This is a permanent addition, unlike those (Tribe Edition models), and we’ll have more information about the equipment and pricing as we go forward.”

Also on offer in the Ateca range is a sharp deal on the existing sole variant, the performance-oriented VZx, which for the EOFY period is priced at $58,888 drive-away - a significant cut from its $63,490 plus on-roads list price.

The brand will not only aim to grab the attention of buyers on a budget, it will also soon push upmarket with the addition of the larger Terramar plug-in hybrid SUV and Tavascan electric coupe-style crossover, both of which are due here in 2025.