Cupra launches Australia's hottest small plug-in hybrid wagon

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 spoiler
• Performance brakes with Brembo four-piston front calipers
• CUP Bucket front seats with Enceladus Grey Seaqual and Dinamica upholstery
• Matrix ultra high-beam headlights
• Dark 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 copper
• Quad exhaust outlets
• Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) adaptive suspension
• Heated, power-folding exterior mirrors
• Hands-free power tailgate
• Rain-sensing wipers
• 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
• 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wireless phone charger
• Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment
• 12-speaker 390W Sennheiser sound system
• 3-zone climate control
• Ambient interior lighting
• Semi-autonomous parking assist
• Adaptive cruise control
• Autonomous emergency braking
  • Pedestrian and cyclist detection
  • Turn assist
  • Swerve support
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Lane-keep assist
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Speed sign recognition
• Reversing 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.

MORE: Explore the Cupra Leon showroom