Cupra NZ is in the middle of a brand re-set here as it establishes a larger retail foot print and introduces new models. It’s also re-positioning itself slightly up the market as a more premium offering, which also comes with price rises. More on that later.
In its infancy, there was but one Cupra outlet in Auckland and the brand operated on the agency model (one price for all, set in stone). But now that it has six stores around the country in prime metro locations (and nine service centres) it has reverted to the franchise model (so RRPs are up for negotiation again). It’s also in the stages of rolling out swish new fitouts for its dealerships, and like the new premises on Auckland’s North Shore, these are strategically placed right next to Audi, setting the premium vibe.
As such, Cupra isn’t too interested in chasing volume but rather setting about ‘challenging the idea as to what premium means’ in the market. Its existing customers like that Cupra is rare, but it’s not exclusive. But of course, Cupra NZ does have growth aspirations and hopes to raise brand awareness too, recently aligning itself with football and Auckland FC in particular. Lucky then they are top of the table, though Cupra will happily welcome Phoenix fans into the fold too.
Being a niche player, it is focusing on four key models going forward with the new (or rather majorly revised) Formentor and Leon SportsTourer, the upcoming Terramar SUV and the electric Tavascan SUV. Born by the way, is done once current stock is sold.
The range is now effectively two models, the V being $65,500, and the VZ in at $87,500. You can special order a V hybrid but at $90,500, we don’t suspect many will. When we last drove a Formentor V in 2022, it was under $50k, while the VZ Tribe Edition we trialled in 2023 was $71k.
Read more 2023 Cupra Formentor VZ Tribe Edition review
The V is still powered by a mild-hybrid 1.5T with 110kW and 250Nm, which drives the front wheels via a seven-speed twin-clutch. It hits 100 in nine seconds, with fuel consumption of 5.5L/100km. The VZ gets a bit more squirt from its 2.0T, now up to 245kW with 420Nm. It retains its AWD but new is the torque splitting rear diff, which also means you have a Drift mode. There’s a seven-speed twin-clutch and it hits 100 in a claimed 4.8sec with consumption rated at 8.3L/100km. You can also spec your VZ with items like Akebono front brakes (upgraded rotors and calipers) for $4500 and there’s an Akrapovic exhaust for $7400 to accentuate the pop and bangs in Cupra mode. Matt paint jobs look great but also add a further $4000 to the bottom line.
Along with the new look front and rear, the interior gets a makeover. The seat trims make more use of recycled materials, there is a bigger 12.9-inch touchscreen which uses an improved operating system. Standard items that were once optional include the likes of the satellite controls on the steering wheel (handy for changing drive modes and the like), aluminium pedal finishing, illuminated door panels and other little details.
The Leon is now only offered as the Sports Tourer (five-door hatch dropped) with the V at $62,900 and the VZ, which comes along later this year, at $84,900. These two have the same powertrains as their Formentor cousins with similar performance and consumption figures.
Leon too has a completely redesigned front end and new rear look. The light treatments look great both front and rear. There’s a similar interior makeover too. Like Formentor, there are new trim colours, new layouts for the digital dials, an improved charge pad (cooled with a 15W output) and other features.
