Cupra has sourced a further 450 Formentor and Leon plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) – primarily the former.
The brand says Australian customers continue to respond to Cupra’s two PHEVs and Born battery electric vehicle (BEV).
After a trickle of initial supply last year, Cupra’s Formentor and Leon PHEVs have begun to arrive in numbers to meet the demand, it adds.
The additional 450 Formentor VZe and Leon VZe models landing as PHEVs remain eligible for fringe benefits tax (FBT) exemptions in Australia.
Cupra Australia director Ben Wilks says about one third of Cupra orders are for its battery cars.
“Cupra’s VZe models provide the best of both worlds – E-Mode using just the battery that can be restored from a conventional charger or good old ‘hot hatch’ conventional performance with hybrid.”
Wilks says Australian customers have had limited exposure to genuine hybrids – rather than traditional mild-hybrid vehicles.
“For decades in Australia, hybrids have meant 1990s technology consisting of a battery primarily powered by an outmoded naturally aspirated engine running on high sulphur 91 RON petrol,” he explains.
Cupra says it sells real hybrids – PHEVs – as an alternative to its petrol cars and the fully electric Born.
“Our customers understand that they’re getting contemporary European technology – an efficient direct injection turbo petrol engine with a rechargeable battery good for about 50km independent of the engine, plus hybrid ability if the battery is depleted,” Wilks adds.
“Those intent on making savings at the bowser can do the average daily commute on battery alone with reserves to spare,” he explains.
“Drivers quickly discover that our PHEVs switch seamlessly between its dual means of propulsion and together provide a formidable 180kW and 400Nm.”
The MY24 Leon VZe sells from $61,690 recommended retail price (RRP).
It has a 1.4L turbo four-cylinder petrol engine 110kW/250Nm and electric motor 85kW/300Nm (combined system 180kW/400Nm), a six-speed wet clutch DSG, tyre repair kit, Mode 2 and 3 cables, 19-inch Sport Black and Silver Alloy wheels, aluminium pedals, metallic paint (Nevada White, Magnetic Tech, Midnight Black), tyre pressure warning system, heated power folding mirrors covered in dark chrome, full LED headlights and daytime running lamps, LED tail-lights, fog lamps with cornering function, and light assist (auto high beam).
There are also rear tinted windows, rear roof spoiler, 10.25-inch digital cockpit, 12-inch infotainment and navigation system, digital radio DAB+, wireless phone charging, wired and wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, two front and two rear USB-C ports, leather heated multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters, wraparound ambient interior light (with integrated side assist), black headliner, cloth sports bucket seats, floor mats, driving profile selection, dynamic chassis control, progressive steering, keyless entry and start, auto dimming rear view mirror, and three zone climate control air-conditioning.
A raft of driver assistance features include adaptive cruise control, travel assist, front assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane assist, park assist, side assist with exit assist, driver fatigue monitor, emergency assist, and rear camera.
Options include leather and sound package ($2550), heated front seats, driver power adjustment and memory, mirror memory function, electric sunroof ($1850), premium metallic paint ($490) Desire Red or Graphene Grey.
The MY24 Formentor VZe is priced from $64,990 (RRP).
It has a similar engine set up to the Leon along with a tyre repair kit (no temporary spare), similar cables, paint, wheels, tyre pressure warning and other details.
The Formentor also has towing pre-wire, glossy black roof rails, front and rear parking sensors, cloth sports bucket seats, hands free power tailgate, pre-crash warning, and similar options.
