The first fully electric vehicle from the Barcelona-based performance and lifestyle auto brand CUPRA will soon be seen on Australian roads, with three examples freighted to Sydney for local testing.
CUPRA are set to launch in Australia in the middle of this year, with a three model range; the Formentor crossover, Ateca SUV and Leon hatch. The Born will enter the market closer to year end.
Among these models’ combined 12 variants are two Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) in Formentor and Leon form. The Born EV hatch’s arrival marks the first time it’s been driven outside of Europe too.
Each of the three test vehicles will put in 10,000km of testing.
“CUPRA’s conventional and PHEV range will be unique in this country, the perfect line-up for a new brand to challenge the established order,” CUPRA Australia director Ben Wilks said.
“Born is undoubtedly our halo car, one that embodies all of CUPRA’s performance and design allure in a zero emissions package.”
Part of the Volkswagen Group (which includes brands such as Skoda, Audi and Porsche), CUPRA is an unconventional challenger brand based on stimulating style and contemporary performance that inspires the world from Barcelona, with progressive cars and experiences.
It was launched in 2018 as a spin of brand of Spanish carmaker Seat, it has its own corporate headquarters and a race workshop in Martorell. The brand competes in a number of racing series, including TCR.
CUPRA won the first ever electric touring car competition PURE ETCR and participates in the off-road electric SUV competition Extreme E. It is also FC Barcelona’s official automotive and mobility partner and World Padel Tour’s premium sponsor.
