Cupra passes 1000 plug-in hybrid car sales

Cupra has passed a milestone 1000 sales of new plug-in hybrid electric vehicles in Australia, with PHEVs currently accounting for almost a third of the Spanish brand’s total sales in 2024.

The marker comes 13 months after Cupra chalked up its 1000th electrified vehicle sale – including EVs – and represents a claimed 300 per cent year-on-year increase for PHEV models, despite the tech currently offered only in the Leon hatch and Formentor SUV.

That won’t be the case for too much longer: the incoming 2025 Cupra Terramar small SUV is tipped to prioritise PHEV (VZe) powertrains when it arrives next year as an indirect replacement for the Tiguan-based Cupra Ateca.

The all-new Tavascan battery-electric mid-size SUV is also due in December, bolstering Cupra’s range further.

Despite the growing popularity of its PHEV models, Cupra’s total sales across the first half of 2024 – 1150 units – represent a 27.5 per cent downturn, with double-digit declines for the Ateca (121, -49.4%), Formentor (606, -36.1%) and Leon (164, -26.8%).

Only the Born EV hatch is in positive territory (259, +48.9%).

Whereas initial customer interest focused on the top-flight VZx versions of the Leon, Formentor and Ateca, Cupra says improved supply of electrified models and the appeal of government incentives has seen a shift towards the PHEVs.

“Although Leon VZe and Formentor VZe plug-in hybrids did not come into full supply until well into last year, Cupra has seen an exceptional spike in interest in vehicles that can do the daily commute on battery while retaining an efficient turbo-petrol engine,” a spokesperson said.

“With a strong supply of PHEVs now secured ahead of anticipated changes to the FBT benefits in early 2025, Cupra expects to see the popularity of VZe-grade vehicles continue to grow.”

The next 12 months or so will be a busy time for Cupra Australia as it gears up to introduce not only the new Terramar and Tavascan SUVs, but a new halo variant of the Born and updates for the Leon and Formentor.

An electric large SUV has also been confirmed for our market further down the line, possibly sourced out of the US.

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