Cupra, the Spanish high-performance and electric marque, a standalone brand in the Volkswagen Group empire, has given CompleteCar.ie a sneak peek as to what it will be up to in 2024. And there's lots to look forward to.
More power, longer range
Chief amongst these new model additions will be the hottest variant of the Born electric hatchback yet. So far, the most powerful version of the Born has used a 231hp rear-mounted electric motor. Now though, in 2024 we'll see the launch of the Born VZ (think of VZ as the Cupra equivalent to GTI or RS) which will get a 325hp electric motor on the back axle with a whopping 545Nm of torque. However, owners won't be sacrificing range for the extra performance, as Cupra plans to fit the Born VZ with the 77kWh battery (entry-level models get a 58kWh battery) for a total range of 560km. This VZ model will arrive towards the back end of the year, and will come with a 12.9-inch touchscreen, 20-inch forged alloy wheels and Cup bucket seats as standard. Spy shots of it under test also suggest it might come in for a light design refresh.
Affordable Ateca
Also for 2024 is a model that we've already been told a little about - the Cupra Ateca Impulse Limited Edition. This is essentially a way of creating a more affordable Ateca model within the Cupra lineup that does away with the expensive 300hp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and instead uses the 150hp 1.5-litre TSI unit. Standard equipment includes a full digital instrument panel, 9.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, rear camera, heated 'Dinamica' (that's a soft, synthetic suede-type material) bucket seats, park assist, 19-inch alloy wheels in silver or copper finishes, black leather trim, a panoramic sunroof and a hands-free electric tailgate.
Cupra will also be launching its first seven-seat model, the Terramar SUV. Cupra Ireland confirms that this model won't be fully-electric, but will "focus on petrol, mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants and will have the 'PHEV2' technology with 100km+ electric only range and 50kW DC fast charging."
340hp Tavascan EV
Finally, we'll get Cupra's second fully-electric model, the Tavascan SUV. That, says Cupra, will come with "a uniquely dynamic and performance-orientated experience with the highest quality of materials." Two versions will be offered - the Endurance and VZ models. The Endurance will have a range of up to 549km, while the VZ will have a maximum power output of 340hp, which will make it the most powerful Cupra model yet.
Both the Tavascan and Terramar should arrive in Ireland by the very end of the year and as if that's not all enough there are also significant updates planned for the existing Cupra Leon hatchback and Formentor crossover.