What is Cupra ? Let’s know about it in details.
We felt it was a good idea to take a brief look at the brand that not many Americans may be aware with, especially in light of VW’s news that its Cupra subsidiary will be arriving in the United States by the end of this decade. Furthermore, Cupra has a very little history as a stand-alone brand in Europe despite having none at all in America. The brand was first introduced in 2018 and was once the performance line of Spanish automaker SEAT, another Volkswagen affiliate. But even as its own brand, it continues to prioritize performance. Its portfolio is a little unique, though, since it offers high-performance SEAT versions in addition to its own Cupra models.
This takes us nicely to our next query: what is cupra?What precisely does Cupra sell?
There are five primary versions in the current range; two are Cupra-only vehicles while the other two are SEAT variations. Those SEATs include the Ateca and the Leon, including the wagon variant. With the identical base and drivetrains as the VWs, the Leon is essentially SEAT’s and Cupra’s version of the VW Golf, while the Ateca is their VW Tiguan.
Regarding the Cupra-only variants, the Formentor was the first to go on sale. Although it has the same MQB architecture as the Tiguan, it is further distinguished from the Ateca and VW by its more aggressive and curved design. Like the Ateca, the Formentor (and Leon, for that matter) offers optional hybrid powertrains in addition to internal combustion engines.
The Born was the next Cupra-only vehicle to go on sale. This is modeled on the VW ID.3 EV, and it even looks a lot like it. Its sharp, scowly nose, side skirts, rear diffuser, and significantly altered interior are what set it apart most. It does have greater power than the ID.3, with a rear-mounted motor that produces 223 horsepower compared to the ID.3’s 201 horsepower.
The newest Cupra, an EV called the Tavascan (shown above and below), completes the roster. It’s a Cupra version of the VW ID.4 and ID.5, bigger than the Born. Its fastback roofline is closer to that of the ID.5. However, with significantly sharper curves, a larger rear spoiler, and dazzling lighting with accents in the shape of triangles,
So Will any of these thus reach the United States?
VW and Cupra announced that two electric crossovers would be joining the American market. That instantly eliminates the Formentor and the SEAT-based vehicles, at least as they exist now. Only the Born and the Tavascan remain. Given that VW does not even sell the ID.3 in the United States and there are no indications that this would change, the Born appears to be rather implausible. However, the Tavascan appears plausible, given that it is based on the ID.4. It wouldn’t be too hard to certify, and it could even be possible to construct some of them at VW’s ID.4 facility in Tennessee so that they qualify for certain tax breaks. Furthermore, despite being a fastback model, it is a crossover.
Since there is only one model, there must be another one to occupy. We believe that an unreleased Cupra model is the most likely option for this. It may be something bigger and possibly more powerful than the Tavascan. All we can do is wait a few years to see whether our guesses are correct and what more information the brand has to reveal.
