Car enthusiasts in Australia have plenty to look forward to this year as Cupra prepares to significantly expand its local presence. The Spanish performance brand is set to nearly double its model lineup from four to seven distinct vehicles throughout 2025, bringing a compelling mix of electric power, hybrid technology, and traditional performance.
The Electric Revolution Continues
Tavascan EV: The Long-Awaited Electric SUV
Cupra’s second electric vehicle is finally making its way to Australian showrooms this year. After some delays, the Tavascan will accept orders in March with customer deliveries beginning in April.
What makes the Tavascan interesting is its positioning in the competitive electric SUV space. Starting around $60,000, it’ll offer two variants: the single-motor Endurance with rear-wheel drive and the more powerful dual-motor VZ with all-wheel drive. Both versions pack a substantial 77kWh battery, delivering up to 534 kilometres of range for the Endurance or 499 kilometres for the VZ.
The Tavascan will compete directly with popular models like the Tesla Model Y and Kia EV6, while sharing its platform with the Skoda Enyaq Coupe and upcoming Volkswagen ID.5.
Born VZ: Hot Hatch Gets Hotter
If you found the regular Born EV a bit tame for a performance-focused brand, the new Born VZ should address those concerns. This upgraded version bumps power significantly to 240kW and 545Nm, representing increases of 70kW and 235Nm over the standard Australian Born.
Performance figures are impressive: 0-100km/h in just 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 200km/h. That’s a substantial improvement over the current Born e-Boost, which takes 7.0 seconds to reach 100km/h and maxes out at 170km/h.
Visual changes remain subtle, focusing on 20-inch alloy wheels (either forged or featuring 3D copper inserts), wider tyres, and two new paint options: Midnight Black and Dark Forest green. Inside, you’ll find proper bucket seats made from recycled materials and an upgraded 12.9-inch infotainment display.
Refreshed Favorites Get Major Updates
Leon Hatchback: Efficiency Meets Performance
The Leon receives a comprehensive mid-life update during the second quarter of 2025, introducing new powertrains that emphasize both efficiency and performance.
The entry point will be a new 110kW 1.5 eTSI mild-hybrid engine that achieves impressive fuel economy under 6.0L/100km. Above that sits an upgraded plug-in hybrid system producing 200kW with over 100 kilometres of electric-only range, thanks to a larger 19.7kWh battery pack.
Performance enthusiasts can still opt for the 221kW 2.0 TSI variant that continues as the range-topper.
Formentor: The Best-Seller Gets Better
Cupra’s most popular model receives similar updates to the Leon, arriving around the same time in the second quarter. The Formentor adopts Cupra’s new “shark face” design language with distinctive tri-triangular LED lighting elements.
The powertrain lineup mirrors the Leon’s offerings, but adds an even more powerful 245kW 2.0 TSI flagship equipped with a torque-vectoring rear differential borrowed from the Volkswagen Golf R and Audi RS3.
Both the Leon and Formentor feature upgraded interiors with a new 12.9-inch touchscreen, backlit touch sliders for easier operation, and a premium Sennheiser audio system replacing the previous Beats setup.
New Additions to the Range
Leon Sportstourer: The Wagon Returns
Australian buyers have long missed practical performance wagons, and Cupra is addressing this gap with the Leon Sportstourer, arriving in the third quarter of 2025.
Unlike the hatchback, the wagon focuses on higher-performance variants. Expect the same 245kW 2.0 TSI with all-wheel drive and torque vectoring that’s designed to fill the void left by the discontinued Volkswagen Golf R Wagon. The 200kW plug-in hybrid should also be available for those wanting electric capability.
Terramar: Taking on the Big Players
Perhaps the most significant addition is the Terramar SUV, arriving in the third quarter as Cupra’s flagship alongside the Tavascan EV. This model represents a serious attempt to crack Australia’s competitive mid-size SUV segment.
Built on the same platform as the new Volkswagen Tiguan, the Terramar offers similar dimensions (4519mm long, 1863mm wide, 1584mm tall) but with a sportier character thanks to standard sports suspension and distinctive styling.
Cupra Australia plans to offer three or four powertrain options, including the 200kW plug-in hybrid and a new 195kW 2.0 TSI shared with the Volkswagen Golf GTI. A base 110kW mild-hybrid variant should allow pricing to start around $50,000, positioning it competitively against segment leaders like the Toyota RAV4 and Mitsubishi Outlander.
Cupra 2025 Model Launch Timeline
| Model | Launch Quarter |
|---|---|
| Tavascan EV | Q1 2025 (March orders, April deliveries) |
| Born VZ | Q2 2025 |
| Leon Hatchback (Updated) | Q2 2025 |
| Formentor (Updated) | Q2 2025 |
| Leon Sportstourer | Q3 2025 |
| Terramar SUV | Q3 2025 |
What This Means for Buyers
Cupra’s 2025 expansion represents a significant commitment to the Australian market. The brand is covering more segments while maintaining its performance-focused identity across electric, hybrid, and traditional powertrains.
For buyers, this creates more choice within the Cupra ecosystem. Whether you want an electric SUV, a hot hatch, a practical wagon, or a family-friendly SUV with sporting credentials, there should be a Cupra model that fits your needs.
The timing also suggests Cupra is serious about building market share beyond its current niche position. With competitive pricing and strong specifications across the range, these new models could help establish Cupra as a genuine alternative to mainstream European rivals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will the Cupra Tavascan be available for purchase?
A: Orders open in March 2025 with deliveries starting in April. Pricing begins around $60,000.
Q: Will the new Leon and Formentor be more fuel efficient?
A: Yes, both models introduce new mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, with the mild-hybrid achieving under 6.0L/100km.
Q: How does the Terramar compare to other mid-size SUVs?
A: It’s similarly sized to the Volkswagen Tiguan but sportier, with expected pricing from around $50,000 to compete with Toyota RAV4 and Mitsubishi Outlander.
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