Cupra celebrates PHEV milestone

CUPRA Australia is celebrating its 1000th plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) sale in Australia as the brand marks its second year in market.

PHEV sales have comprised a full third of all Cupra sales in 2024 (YTD June 30), marking a 300 per cent increase over the same time last year.

“At two years in the country, Cupra is committed to growing our sales and service network to accommodate an expanding line-up that from next year will include ICE, PHEV, BEV, and mild hybrids,” said Cupra Australia director Ben Wilks.

Although Leon VZe and Formentor VZe plug-in hybrid models did not come into full supply until “well into last year”, Cupra Australia says it has seen an “exceptional spike in interest in vehicles that can do the daily commute on battery while retaining an efficient turbo-petrol engine”.

Mr Wilks said that with a strong supply of PHEVs now secured ahead of anticipated changes to the Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) scheme in early 2025, Cupra expects to see the popularity of its VZe grade vehicles grow. He said customer interest was beginning to shift toward Cupra’s VZe range, following initial fervour for VZx performance variants.

“The availability of true hybrids has seen that balance shift,” he explained.

“That is why the new limited-run Formentor – the Tribe Edition – is a VZe (plug-in hybrid). The convenience of dual forms of drive capability aside, the plug-in hybrids benefit from significant government incentives.

“This means a fully equipped Tribe Edition can cost less on a novated lease than the entry Formentor V,” he concluded.