Cupra Australia isn’t afraid of offering a niche model, and now it’s given its most niche model an even more niche configuration.
The Cupra Leon VZe Sportstourer plug-in hybrid (PHEV) wagon – priced at $69,990 before on-road costs – is now available with the Extreme Package previously reserved for the Leon Hatch.
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For an extra $7600, the Extreme Package adds:
Aerodynamic upgrades incl. side skirts, extended rear spoilerPerformance brakes with Brembo four-piston front calipersCUP Bucket front seats with Enceladus Grey Seaqual and Dinamica upholsteryMatrix ultra high-beam headlightsDark gloss interior accents
Don’t expect to see Cupra Garages filled with these, however – the company says this is exclusively a build-to-order option, and a “direct response to strong customer demand” for the recently launched (in Australia) Leon Sportstourer.
The Spanish brand has also hinted at the return of a plug-in hybrid Leon Hatch to Australia – featuring its new-generation PHEV powertrain – as it expands its local electrified model lineup.
The Leon VZe Sportstourer mates a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 130kW of power and 250Nm of torque with an 85kW/330Nm electric motor, a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and a 20kWh lithium-ion battery.
Total system outputs are 200kW and 400Nm, with 121km of electric range under the stricter WLTP cycle and combined fuel consumption of 0.4L/100km.
The battery has a maximum AC charge rate of 11kW and a maximum DC fast-charge rate of 50kW.
Standard equipment for the Leon VZe Sportstourer includes:
19-inch alloy wheels in black and copperQuad exhaust outletsDynamic Chassis Control (DCC) adaptive suspensionHeated, power-folding exterior mirrorsHands-free power tailgateRain-sensing wipers10.25-inch digital instrument cluster12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment systemWireless Apple CarPlay and Android AutoWireless phone chargerHeated, leather-wrapped steering wheelTilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment12-speaker 390W Sennheiser sound system3-zone climate controlAmbient interior lightingSemi-autonomous parking assistAdaptive cruise controlAutonomous emergency brakingPedestrian and cyclist detectionTurn assistSwerve supportBlind-spot monitoringLane-keep assistRear cross-traffic alertSpeed sign recognitionReversing camera with front and rear parking sensors
In addition to the Leon Sportstourer, the Terramar mid-size SUV can also be had as a PHEV, with a refreshed Formentor PHEV due on sale here this year.
Cupra says that by offering the Extreme Package for the Leon VZe Sportstourer, it’s sending a message that electrified performance doesn’t mean there’s a compromise, with its new-generation PHEV technology “designed not only for efficiency, but for emotional, dynamic driving”.
“As a challenger brand, Cupra is built on listening to our Tribe,” said Cupra Australia brand director Jerome Figuiere in a press release. “Customers and media told us they wanted the most extreme version of the VZe Sportstourer, so we made it happen.
“This package proves that our PHEVs can be just as sporty, emotional and engaging as their ICE counterparts.”
The Cupra Leon VZe Sportstourer is Australia’s most affordable PHEV wagon.
Not only that, but with the Peugeot 508 and Volvo V60 gone, it’s the only PHEV wagon now available in Australia besides the recently introduced Audi A5 e-Hybrid and BMW M5 Touring.
PHEVs may be increasing in popularity, but wagons themselves are a dying breed here.
There are only a handful left in our market. Wagon fans may need to look to China to get their fix, with BYD expected to bring its Seal 06 Touring here, plus the Porsche Taycan-rivalling Z9 GT under its premium Denza brand. Even more wagons have debuted in China as the body style enjoys a surge in popularity there.