Cupra News

Cupra has officially confirmed it will be introducing a fire-breathing, purely petrol-powered version of the Leon Sportstourer wagon in Australia in September. The Leon Sportstourer VZx will complement the existing VZe plug-in hybrid (PHEV) trim. Examples are in production now and order books will be opening shortly. Pricing will start from $67,490 before on-road costs, making it $2500 less than the VZe PHEV trim and $2500 more than the equivalent Leon VZx hatchback. This car is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 245kW and 420Nm, which is 24kW and 20Nm more than the equivalent Leon VZx hatch. It’s mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with drive sent through an all-wheel drive system. Cupra claims the Leon Sportstourer VZx can do the 0-100km/h sprint in just 4.8 seconds. This car essentially revives the Golf R Wagon in Australia under the Cupra brand as it’s powered by the same EA888 engine and has the wagon body style. The hi-po Golf wagon was axed locally back in 2023. The Leon Sportstourer VZx receives 19-inch black and copper forged alloy wheels, LED headlights, a hands-free power tailgate, adaptive dampers, Sennheiser sound system, leather-appointed upholstery, as well as heated front seats with memory function as standard. There's also a panoramic glass sunroof for an extra $2000, as well as the $7600 Extreme package which adds larger Akebono six-piston front brakes, Sabelt front bucket seats and matrix LED headlights, among other minor tweaks. Cupra is soon set to celebrate its fourth anniversary in Australia and its line-up is currently going through a refresh. The Leon hatchback and wagon, as well as the Formentor small SUV have now received mid-life updates, plus the Terramar and Tavascan mid-size SUVs launched over the last 18 months. The Born electric hatchback and Ateca small SUV have both been axed in Australia, but the Raval small electric hatchback is set to launch locally during 2027. Until the end of May, Cupra has sold a total of 975 cars, which is down 22.2 per cent year-on-year. Its best-seller has always been the Formentor, but it’s keenly followed by the Terramar and Tavascan mid-size SUVs.

Audi RS5: Ready to enter the German ‘Big Three’ performance octagon with the BMW M4 and Mercedes-AMG C63S, the new Audi RS5, offered as a sedan and ‘Avant’ wagon, is a plug-in hybrid combining a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine with a powerful single electric motor for outputs of 470kW/825Nm. Pricing is already confirmed from $179,900, before on-road costs.  Read more Bentley Bentayga Speed: Swapping out the British brand’s epic (but emissions constrained) 6.0L W12 for a fearsome 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 has made this luxurious SUV even faster and louder. How about 478kW/850Nm and $525,000, before on-road costs, when it arrives here in the next couple of months? Read more BMW iX3: Arriving in early July, BMW’s much-anticipated 'Neue Klasse' iX3 is an ultra-modern mid-size five-door SUV with a pure-electric powertrain initially launching with one model, the 345kW/645Nm 50 xDrive (109,900, before on-road costs). The 235kW/500Nm iX3 40 ($89,900, BOC), which slips under the Luxury Car Tax threshold, will follow in Q4.   Read more BMW M2 xDrive: New compact muscle coupe variant picks up all-wheel drive to put the 353kW/600Nm produced by its 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline six-cylinder on the ground. Zero to 100km/h in 3.7sec with cost-of-entry at $172,900, before on-road costs when it arrives in Q4. Read more BYD Atto 3 Evo: Prior to the all-new next-gen Atto 3 likely hitting Aussie showrooms sometime in 2027, the Evo version of the current model gives it rear-wheel drive. There’s also an all-wheel-drive flagship with 330kW available. Likely local touchdown in Q3. Read more Chery KP31: And you thought there wasn’t room for another ute in the Aussie market. The subject of a local naming contest (Orca is looking likely, as it tops BYD Shark) the Chery ‘KP31’ is scheduled for a Q4 launch, featuring a ladder chassis and a segment-first 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel and electric motor hybrid powertrain. A petrol-electric hybrid will arrive in 2027. Read more Cupra VZ5: Fire-breathing mid-size SUV variant powered by an Audi RS3-sourced 2.5-litre turbo-petrol five-cylinder engine sending 287kW/480Nm to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch auto transmission. Zero to 100km/h comes up in 4.2 seconds – 0.7 seconds quicker than the 228kW VZx, making it one of the fastest combustion-powered SUVs out there.  Read more Deepal S05: The Deepal S05 small-medium SUV joins the S07 mid-size SUV, likely offered in range-extender hybrid and/or pure-electric form. ADR compliance is locked in and pre-orders are open on the brand’s Aussie website. Read more Ferrari 849 Testarossa: Okay, the shopping list - milk, bread, eggs and a $932,648 Ferrari 849 Testarossa. Not for everyone, then. But what a car! Zero to 100km/h in 2.3sec courtesy of a twin-turbo V8 plug-in hybrid powertrain sending 611kW/842Nm to all four wheels. Coupe in Q4, with the roofless Spider arring in early ‘27.   Read more Geely EX2: Set to arrive in the third quarter, this budget-focused electric compact SUV could start under $30K, before on-road costs. It has a single motor driving the rear wheels and two battery sizes are offered in China, providing 310km or 410km of range, respectively.  Read more Genesis GV60 Magma: Part of the upcoming next-gen GV60 line-up, the Magma is a performance-focused pure-electric powerhouse SUV riding on the same ‘E-GMP’ platform as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. Dual electric motors for 478kW/790Nm, 0-200km/h in 10.9sec and maximum velocity of 264km/h. Arrives in July. Read more GWM Wey G9: The Wey G9 (name yet to be confirmed for Australia) is a luxury plug-in hybrid people mover scheduled for Q4 with the V9X PHEV SUV spilling over into 2027. Its chunky 44.2 kWh battery provides a claimed pure-electric driving range of up to 170 km with a combined range of more than 1000km.  Read more Honda Super One: Super by name, super by nature, this pure-electric ‘kei’ car is guaranteed to put a smile on your face with a likely Aussie starting price around $35,000. A front-mounted electric motor produces 70kW/162Nm and Honda claims up to 274km of range.   Read more Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro: A tough looking Toyota LandCruiser rival with twin, chassis-mounted tow hooks as well as more ground clearance for useful approach, departure and breakover angles. Add a rear electronic limited-slip differential for better off-road capability as well as downhill brake control and new terrain modes for mud, sand and snow.  Read more Isuzu D-Max EV: One of the most popular utes in the county could get a pure-electric option powered by front- and rear-mounted electric motors, producing 140kW, with front motor torque at 108Nm and rear motor torque at 217Nm for a maximum 325Nm and full-time 4WD. A 67kWh battery offers a driving range of 263km (WLTP). No launch confirmation yet, but Isuzu Ute Australia says “it will continue to monitor local needs and evaluate the reception of BEVs”.  Read more Jeep Compass: Potentially a Q4 arrival, the new Compass rides on the same ‘STLA Medium’ platform as Stellantis stablemates such as the Peugeot E-3008 and E-5008. It will join the smaller Avenger in Jeep’s electrified line-up. There should be a choice of 106kW 48V eHybrid and 145kW plug-in hybrid powertrains, both likely based on the 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine carried over from the current-generation.  Read more KGM Musso Q300: Dual-cab only, powered by a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 150kW/441Nm mated to a six-speed torque-converter auto transmission with 4WD and a locking rear differential. Coil- or leaf-spring rear suspension options with a payload of 500kg for the former and 700kg for the latter. Features a 12.3-inch digital dash and matching multimedia touchscreen.    Read more Kia Seltos: Coming in Q4, We’re expecting a front-wheel drive version with outputs to be approximately 113kW/265Nm, plus an all-wheel drive with 131kW, though its rear wheels will be powered by an electric motor and not mechanically connected to the front wheels. The all-new Seltos should start around $30K, before on-road costs. A specific Australian suspension tune is already in the works.   Read more Leapmotor B05: Lobbing in Q4, the Leapmotor B05 is a five-door, electric, rear-wheel drive, hot-ish hatch with 180kW/320Nm in the flagship Ultra variant. A choice of 56.2kWh or 67.1kWh battery, delivers a range of 500km or 600km (CLTC) and we’d be shocked if it wasn't among the cheapest warmed-over hatch offerings in the local market.    Read more Lexus ES: Electric versions of the striking all-new Lexus ES have been approved for Australian sale, the dual-motor, all-wheel drive ES500e flagship producing 252kW. The ES350e is powered by a single front-mounted electric motor delivering 170kW. However, the brand has confirmed hybrid powertrains will eventually be offered locally.   Read more Mazda CX-6e: Set to challenge the Tesla Model Y on price, the Mazda CX-6e is likely to land with a starting price around $54K. A 78kWh battery delivers a 450km (WLTP) range, the rear-mounted 190kW/290Nm electric motor drives the rear wheels and 0-100km/h comes up in 7.9sec. Its 195kW DC charging capacity is good for a 10-80 per cent top-up in under 25 minutes. Read more Mercedes-Benz GLB: Launch line-up of the pure-electric small SUV will be single-motor rear-wheel drive (200kW/335Nm) GLB250+ or dual-motor all-wheel drive (260kW/515Nm) GLB350. Its 800-volt architecture allows an ultra-rapid DC charging rate of up to 320kW. Three hybrid powertrains will be added later in front- or all-wheel drive all using a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 48-volt assistance.  Read more MG QS PHEV: Launched in plug-in hybrid form in the UK with an Aussie introduction likely this year. Plug-in hybrid uses a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine paired to an electric motor for around 220kW combined. A 24.7kWh battery pack grants it a WLTP-certified electric range of 100km. Read more Mitsubishi Pajero: One of the year’s most significant arrivals comes with the return of the Mitsubishi Pajero, with sights set on the upcoming Y63 Nissan Patrol and current Toyota LandCruiser 300. Most likely powertrain is an updated version of the 2.4-litre turbo-diesel powering the current Triton range (150kW/470Nm). Looking like a Q4 launch. Read more Nissan Patrol: Nissan Australia has confirmed orders for the new ‘Y63’ Patrol will “open in coming months” with vehicles on the ground at the end of the year or very early next. Its 3.5-litre V6 turbo-petrol engine is derived from GT-R’s and produces 317kW/700Nm, dwarfing the 298kW/560Nm outputs of the soon-to-be-defunct V8 of the Y62 Patrol.  Read more Omoda 4: New entry-level model for the brand with edgy, angular looks and a choice of internal-combustion, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure-electric power in the domestic Chinese market. Riding on Chery’s ‘T1X’ platform, the Omoda 4 is a likely Toyota Corolla Cross competitor. Read more Polestar 5: Headed our way in Q3, the 5.1m long ultra-slippery (Cd 0.24) Polestar 5 offers the performance, comfort and touring ability of the Porsche Taycan and its Audi e-tron GT sibling at an appreciably lower price. Two versions coming, both powered by dual motors - the Dual Motor (550kW/812Nm) at $171,100 and the Performance (650kW/1015Nm) at $193,100 (both before on-road costs). Read more Porsche Cayenne Electric: Dropping in Q3, as the name implies, this is a pure-electric beast with even the entry-grade (of three) Cayenne Electric ($167,800, before on-road costs) featuring dual motors, all-wheel drive and producing 325kW. The flagship Turbo accelerates from 0-100km/h in hypercar-equalling 2.5sec thanks to its stonking 850kW/1500Nm outputs.   Read more Renault Symbioz: On course for a July touchdown, the Symbioz is a Hyundai Kona and Toyota Corolla Cross rival with an entry-level mild-hybrid 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine powertrain producing 104kW/245Nm. A 1.8L full-hybrid boosts that to 116kW/265Nm. Pricing starts from $36,990.  Read more Smart #5: It’s been a long time in the offing but the Smart #5 plug-in hybrid SUV is a likely Aussie arrival in the second half of the year. It offers up to 252km of pure-electric range and up to 320kW of total power from its 1.5-litre turbo-petrol, four-cylinder engine and three-speed hybrid transaxle motor powertrain. Claimed fuel economy is as low as 4.4L/100km (when its battery is depleted).  Read more Toyota RAV4 PHEV: Another significant new entry. FWD variants of the RAV4 PHEV will be powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and front-mounted electric motor, producing 201kW. AWD variants add a rear-mounted motor, increasing power to 227kW. Pricing will start from $58,840, before on-road costs, making it roughly $15K more expensive than the car's base standard hybrid variant ($45,990).   Read more Volkswagen T-Roc: Sleeker looking and bigger, with a more premium vibe, VW’s small SUV also features new powertrains. A 1.5-litre turbo-petrol mild-hybrid in two states of tune (85kW and 110kW) for FWD versions and a more powerful 2.0L mild-hybrid arriving later. A T-Roc R is confirmed to follow, too.   Read more XPeng G9: As the legal cage fight between previous XPeng importer True EV and the XPeng factory continues, the priority is getting G6s back into showrooms. But the luxury G9 electric SUV is a possible addition. Rear- or all-wheel drive with two battery options, a driving range of up to 680km and loads of included features for an estimated starting price in the region of $70K. Read more Zeekr 8X: Upper mid-sized, plug-in hybrid luxury SUV to sit above the mid-size fully electric 7X and below the flagship three-row 9X. Pairs a 2.0-litre, turbo-petrol, four-cylinder engine (205kW/410Nm) with dual electric motors for a combined 660kW/935Nm and a 0-100km/h sprint in 3.7 seconds. A 55kWh or 70kWh battery pack with a 900-volt architecture allows ultra-fast charging and either a 320km or 410km EV driving range. Probable starting price in the $80K band. Read more Zeekr 9X: Ultra-luxury, upper-large, three-row SUV offering a dual- or tri-motor plug-in hybrid system, backed by a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine and a massive battery pack. The result is either 660kW/935Nm of combined power for the two lower variants, or 1030kW/1410Nm for the top-spec car, as well as between 300 and 380km of fully electric driving range. Standard equipment and features are suitably extensive. Expect a starting price just over $100K. Read more

Cupra has revealed it is secretly developing an all-wheel drive version of its Cupra Raval that bags a pioneering quad-motor all-electric powertrain, which will produce epic power that blows Tesla out of the water. Primed to be twinned with a white-hot Volkswagen ID. Polo R, the new Cupra Raval Racing will be the quickest and most powerful hot hatch of all time, with Volkswagen's Spanish performance brand leading its development. Cupra's global product boss Toni Gallego told CarsGuide his brand was pushing ahead to develop the four in-hub motor concept that made its debut on the VW ID. Cross, which is key to unlocking near supercar levels of performance. Expected to be capable of producing around 100kW, despite weighing around 39kg apiece, the state-of-the-art in-hub motors will see the Raval Racing come with at least 300kW. Combined with an uprated battery pack, the 4.1m-long Raval Racing should be able to rocket from 0-100km/h in less than 3.0 seconds – much quicker than the 3.8 seconds a BYD Seal Performance or Audi RS 3 takes, and even quicker than the 3.1 seconds a Tesla Model 3 Performance can achieve. As well quick in a straight line, according to the senior Cupra exec the in-hub units, which package their own power inverter, offers unbeatable torque vectoring and by being able to manage how much force is applied to each wheel on a millisecond-by-millisecond basis can neutralise any understeer or oversteer. Brake regeneration will also be class-leading with the Raval Racing able to claw back more energy than any of its rivals, boosting efficiency and real-world range. Traction will be unbeatable over all road surfaces and conditions, while packaging the motors within the wheels means the Raval's large 441-litre boot carries over unchanged. Aside from adding unsprung weight the biggest disadvantage of the new tech is cost, says Gallego. "We requested four-wheel drive from the beginning, but it requires a huge investment. "It's crazy. I cannot say the final figures, but the good thing is we can manage the production mix across our four plants to balance out the high development costs." The latter is a reference to both the Volkswagen ID. Polo R and potentially faster versions of the VW ID. Cross SUV sharing the same in-hub high-tech quad-motors. Later on, less powerful all-wheel drive VW Group models could also come with a detuned version of the same powertrain. Gallego was careful not to reveal an exact power figure for the mules already undergoing testing, nor did he provide a timeline for when the faster Raval Racing and ID. Polo R will arrive, but it's thought the pair of fast all-electric hot hatches should land in 2028. "Some figures cannot be communicated right now. It is a concept and we are exploring how the performance works. It's a massive investment from the technical centre." According to Gallego, work has not finished on the core Raval as feedback from media and potential owners have requested some changes that will see both virtual gearshifts and a higher 190km/h top speed (up from 175km/h) rolled out via over-the-air updates once the Cupra small hatch is launched.

Volkswagen sporty Cupra brand has confirmed its new Tindaya electric SUV concept will become a reality soon. There is no news yet on the mid-size SUV’s potential future in Australia, but it would give Cupra another EV in its increasingly electrified line-up Down Under. It would be direct competition for the BMW iX3 and the incoming Volvo EX60, which are launching later this year. Cupra Australia has been contacted to comment to see if the car will arrive in Australia.  Production of the Tindaya was confirmed by Cupra Chief Executive Officer Markus Haupt in an overseas interview.  “It looks fantastic - why should we not build the Tindaya?,” Markus Haupt told AutoCar.  “We are indeed looking at our plans for when we could build the Tindaya, but it’s something I can promise: this car will see the streets in some years.” The car was first revealed as a sporty SUV concept in September 2025, showing off a sharply-creased body and standout sloping roofline.  This latest information confirms the car will be built and put on sale, but technical details remain scarce.  The car will ride on Volkswagen Group’s new EV-specific SSP platform, which will also form the basis of many of VW's future electric cars. It has previously been reported the Tindaya would be available in fully-electric and range-extender set-ups, offering substantial driving range. Haupt could not confirm the powertrains being considered, with it still being established, according to the CEO, but it will be something already available in the VW group.  “But which powertrains will we have in the end? It’s a decision we have not taken now, and we want to stay flexible as long as possible, because when the car hits the streets, we need to ensure that it has the right powertrains for our markets, for our customers,” Haupt told AutoCar. The Tindaya concept measures up at 4.72m long, making it the biggest car in Cupra’s lineup, complimenting the smaller Tavascan electric mid-size SUV.  It is likely to be the brand’s fourth fully-electric model on sale, after the budget-focused Raval arrives in Australia next year.

A new SUV alternative has just broken cover in Australia, with Cupra releasing a cheaper plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant of its Leon wagon. The new Leon Ve will start from $62,990 (before on-road costs), making it $7000 cheaper than the range-topping VZe PHEV variant. It is $16,000 more expensive than the base mild hybrid petrol unit.  This new PHEV model will also compliment the Volkswagen Golf R related VZx, which has 221kW and 400Nm of petrol power on tap. Its 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine and single electric motor, produce a combined system output of 150kW and 350Nm, with a 0-100km/h time of under eight seconds. This is 50kW and 50Nm less than the range-topping PHEV variant of the car.  It has a 20kWh lithium-ion battery, which delivers an electric-only driving range of up to 123km. Fuel efficiency is just 1.4L/100km when the battery is charged, according to WLTP standards.  The interior features a 10.25-inch digital driver display and 12.9-inch central touchscreen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included as standard.  Other standard equipment includes a power adjustable driver seat with massage function, along with a heated steering wheel and tri-zone climate control.   The new Leon Ve will arrive in showrooms next month, with deliveries also beginning in June.  It comes after Cupra announced a consolidated range for its Formentor SUV, which included offering a more affordable entry-level mild hybrid. This means a PHEV set-up is now offered across all models in Cupra's Australian range. 2026 Cupra Leon pricing Australia  

Cupra has officially unveiled the updated range for its sweet-steering Formentor small SUV in Australia, ahead of the start of deliveries late next month.  The range has been consolidated for 2026, with a new mild hybrid variant starting the range off from $53,990 (drive-away).  This means it is $7000 cheaper to buy into the Formentor range (before on-road costs), but elsewhere there have been some substantial price increases, particularly for internal combustion examples. The cheapest petrol-powered Formentor now retails from $57,490 (before on-road costs), which is up from $51,990, but it will be available with a drive-away offer of $61,990.  The Formentor takes on other small SUV rivals across different powertrain choices, such as the petrol powered BMW X2 and up-spec versions of the Mazda CX-30.  Plug-in hybrid variants of the Formentor have also experienced a decent price jump, starting from $68,990 (before on-road costs), up from $64,990, although it also has a drive-away offer of $74,490.  The updated petrol version of the Formentor still features a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, which produces 150kW, up from 140kW. The juiced up petrol version has seen a slight power increase of 17kW and now produced 245kW, while getting other performance upgrades like a torque vectoring rear differential for added handling boosts. To compensate for the extra cost, the PHEV set-up has seen a more substantial increase in power, now producing 200kW - an increase of 90kW.  It has also been given DC fast charging capabilities, as well as a boosted electric-only range up to more than 100km, according to Cupra. On the inside, there is a 12.9-inch central touchscreen, along with synthetic suede upholstery and a power operated and massaging driver seat.  Cupra has introduced an optional ‘Extreme’ package which costs $6500 on the plug-in hybrid and $7000 on the more powerful ICE variant.  This unlocks features such as carbon fibre-backed bucket seats in a grey upholstery as well as performance Akebono brakes on the ICE and Brembo ones on the PHEV. These variants complete the Formentor range for 2026, following the announcement of the high-performance variant of the car, which was announced last month.  2026 Cupra Formentor pricing Australia    

The Cupra Raval has been created to be the small electric car you'll actually love to drive when it arrives in Australia in 2027. The first of four battery-powered small cars developed by the Volkswagen Group, the pint-sized Cupra Raval shares its MEB+ platform with the Volkswagen ID. Polo, ID. Cross and Skoda Epiq, with all four to be manufactured in plants in Spain. Built to battle the Mini Cooper Electric and Renault 5 EV available in Europe and coming Chinese small EVs such as the Geely EX2 and Nio Firefly, Cupra has priced the unashamedly sporty Raval from €26,000 (A$43,400), which means it will command a big five-figure premium over some of the cheapest Chinese EVs Down Under. The Spanish brand hopes you'll think it will be a price worth paying, with the small EV adopting features and levels of personalisation normally associated with more expensive premium offerings.  Most will be attracted by the baby Cupra's striking looks, which were previewed by the 2021 UrbanRebel concept. Matching the show car's muscular proportions, the small Cupra's trademark shark nose front end, along with hidden door handles, front air curtains, active grille shutters and a rear spoiler and diffuser, all bless the Raval with best-in-class aerodynamics. Measuring in at 4046mm long, 1784mm wide and 1518mm tall with a 2600mm wheelbase, despite its small footprint, space is impressive within, with rear adults able to squeeze themselves behind the driver in the second row although the 430-litre boot is only average for a highly competitive segment. Behind the wheel, Cupra says the Raval will drive like nothing else in the segment and, to ensure it has the edge over the pair of Volkswagen and Skoda stablemates, the Raval comes with the firm's 'progressive' variable ratio steering, special wheel carriers, front and rear brake discs, and a wider front axle, for a sharper, grippier drive more akin to a hot hatch. Driving the front wheels is the choice of either an 85kW or 98kW e-motor that is combined with a modest 37kWh battery for a 300km range. Faster versions bag 155kW and a larger 52kWh battery that boosts the range to 400km, while the most powerful 166kW motor is reserved for the sportiest Raval VZ that gets large 19-inch alloy wheels electronic limited-slip differential and adaptive dampers and is claimed to launch from 0-100km/h in less than seven seconds. The sportiest suspension set-up sees the Raval sit 15mm lower, with a further 10mm wider front and rear track, while the adaptive dampers sharpen up handling further. New tech includes a brake-by-wire e-brake system that is said to herald improved feel and enhanced regeneration when slowing. If that doesn't sound sporty enough, an insider told Carsguide that the MEB+ has been engineered to swap out its rear torsion beam suspension for a multi-link set-up that makes room for a second motor, adding extra power and all-wheel drive. Expect the more powerful Raval to pump out more than 250kW and share its dual-motor powertrain with the rumoured ID. Polo R, which means it should sprint from 0-100km/h in less than five seconds. Relying on 400-volt electrics means charging speeds for the 37kWh power pack is limited to 90kW, with a 10 to 80 per cent top-up taking 27 minutes. The bigger battery, meanwhile, accepts a 130kW charge for a brisker 23-minute 10-80 per cent refill. Vehicle-to-load (V2L) is available allowing you to power small domestic appliances on the move. The first Cupra to come with an Android-powered operating system, the Raval combines a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster with a larger 12.9-inch infotainment that launches with apps for YouTube, Spotify and other streaming services. As standard, the Raval comes with seven speakers, with the option of a more powerful 475W 12-speaker premium Sennheiser sound system. Elsewhere equipment levels are high. All models come with a 15W wireless phone charger and high-speed USB-C chargers, including in the rear, that top up at up to 90W. Dual-zone climate control, trick ambient lighting, remote park assist, rear traffic alert, 360-degree surround view and loads of standard safety kit, that includes seven airbags, adaptive seatbelts and interior cameras monitoring driver fatigue, should ensure a full five-star ANCAP rating. New safety tech includes a pre-crash function, that prepares the car for impact by closing windows and sunroof while activating hazard warning lights and tensioning the front seatbelts will also be offered for the first time. There's even onboard tech that can detect if you confuse the accelerator with the brake pedal at low speed and prevent a nasty impact. More big car tech includes adaptive cruise that works without painted roads, that slow the cars for speed bumps and even detects traffic lights. Available in seven exterior colours, including matte finishes, as well as a new iridescent paint finish, along with the option of a black or grey roof and up to eight different alloy wheel choices, Cupra says the Raval will get levels of personalisation well beyond any of its rivals. Lowering insurance costs is an ECU and data recorder that can estimate the severity of damage and make a workshop call to streamline the repair process, while deformable elements in the front and rear bumpers lower the cost of repair. Confirmed for an arrival in Australia, full timings and specification of the Cupra Raval we'll get will be locked in closer to its expected 2027 introduction in our market.

The Nissan Qashqai is among several models to learn their safety fate as part of the latest batch of Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) ratings. The updated Qashqai family SUV has received a four-star rating, down from the five-star rating awarded in 2017. The Qashqai maintained a high child protection rating of 91 per cent, but it saw substantial drops in the Adult Protection, Vulnerable User Protection as well as Safety Assist categories. The 78 per cent Adult Protection rating was in significant part due the front structure of the car presenting a moderate risk to occupants of oncoming vehicles in the frontal offset test. Its Vulnerable Road User Protection rating was at 68 per cent, while its Safety Assist rating was 62 per cent. The incoming Suzuki e-Vitara was also hit with a four-star rating. The e-Vitara was the first Suzuki to be tested by ANCAP since the Fronx compact SUV. The Fronx was subject to a major recall following its one-star rating, with ANCAP urging people to not travel in the rear seats of the car. With a 77 per cent Adult Protection rating, the e-Vitara had marginal protection for the driver’s chest and adequate protection for the passenger’s chest, with good protection elsewhere. The car was also marked down due to the lack of a centre airbag, according to ANCAP. The safety regulator’s Chief Executive Officer Carla Hoorweg acknowledged the safety improvement from Suzuki. “It’s encouraging to see improvements in safety performance across the market, this latest rating achieved by the e-Vitara is evidence Suzuki can produce a model that offers sound levels of safety performance,” Hoorweg said. There were new five-star ratings for the revamped Audi A3 hatchback and the Q3 compact SUV. The A3 was awarded 86 per cent for Adult Protection and 80 per cent for Child Occupant Protection, while the Q3 got 87 per cent and 86 per cent, respectively. The other car to earn a five-star rating was the updated Cupra Leon hatchback. It received 88 per cent for Adult Protection and 86 per cent for Child Protection, with 82 per cent each for Vulnerable Road User Protection and Safety Assist.

China is dominating Australian new-car sales, but it’s also not alone, with a handful of legacy brands bucking the trend to somehow grow their sales in the face of BYD, Chery and GWM’s continued ascent.

Cupra Australia has confirmed the arrival of the VZ5 performance flagship version of its new Formentor SUV in the fourth quarter of this year. Powered by a retuned version of the Audi RS3’s 2.5-litre, turbo-petrol, five-cylinder engine, it sends 287kW and 480Nm (Audi RS3 294kW/500Nm) to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and sophisticated all-wheel drive system. With ever-tighter (EU7) emissions regulations in the background, a limited run of just 4000 units (in left and right-hand drive) will likely see the final showing of its exotic in-line five. Scheduled to enter production this quarter, fewer than 100 units are currently allocated for the Australian market and cost-of-entry just under $95K means the hot SUV will go up against some heavyweight Euro competition like the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Intensa, Audi SQ5, BMW X4 M40i and Mercedes-AMG GLC43. Cupra Australia said it will "continue working with global teams to explore additional volume should early customer demand exceed expectations". 2026 Cupra Formentor pricing 2026 Cupra Formentor VZ5 engine/powertrain and efficiency Power comes from a 2.5-litre, in-line five-cylinder turbo-petrol engine sending 287kW and 480Nm to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch auto transmission and all-wheel drive system with ‘integrated torque splitter’ diff tech. Official combined-cycle (urban/extra-urban) fuel efficiency is 10.1L/100km. 2026 Cupra Formentor VZ5 standard features Aside from included safety tech, standard feature highlights are: 20-inch alloy wheels (in ‘Copper’) Aero body kit elements (extended front splitter, tweaked bumpers, wider arches) Sabelt 'Cup' bucket seats DCC adaptive suspension Akebona six-piston performance front brakes Quad diagonal copper exhaust tips Ambient interior lighting Premium Sennheiser audio Panoramic sunroof Options: Premium paint ($790) Matte paint ($3300) 2026 Cupra Formentor VZ5 colours Exterior colour options include:   ‘Midnight Black’, ‘Dark Void’, ‘Magnetic Tech Matt’, ‘Century Bronze Matt’ and ‘Enceladus Grey Matt’ Interior colour: Black leather/synthetic suede upholstery with copper stitching and accents   2026 Cupra Formentor VZ5 safety The current Cupra Formentor range received a maximum five-star ANCAP assessment from testing in 2022: Adult occupant protection - 93 per cent Child occupant protection - 88 per cent Vulnerable road user protection - 68 per cent Safety assist - 80 per cent 2026 Cupra Formentor VZ5 warranty and servicing Service interval - 12 months / 15,000 km Warranty - Five years / unlimited km Five-year roadside assist Five-year paint warranty 12-year corrosion warranty   2026 Cupra Formentor VZ5 dimensions Length - 4451mm Width - 1839mm Height - 1505mm Wheelbase - 2681mm