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Cupra Australia secures 450 additional Formentor VZe, Leon VZe PHEVs

Cupra Australia has confirmed it has secured more stock, specifically, of the Formentor and Leon plug-in hybrid models, ready for customers.

With stock levels low for many car brands at the moment, it’s refreshing to see the incoming tray get some attention. Cupra, a division of Volkswagen Group, is sending 450 additional units of the Formentor VZe and Leon VZe plug-in hybrid models for Australian customers.

2023 Cupra Leon VZe - 2

The VZe features a 1.4-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine that produces 110kW and 250Nm on its own. That’s matched to an 85kW/300Nm electric motor to provide an impressive combined output of 180kW and 400Nm. And, even more impressively, this package is connected to a six-speed dual-clutch auto transmission.

Both are front-wheel drive, with the Formentor VZe offering a 0-100km/h sprint time of 7.0 seconds, while on the combined cycle fuel economy test it scores just 1.9L/100km. The Leon VZe offers slightly better credentials, with 0-100km/h clocked in 6.7 seconds and fuel economy measured at 1.8L/100km.

Being plug-in hybrids, these can be driven on electric power alone, making them the ideal package for commuters. The Leon is rated at 67km and the Formentor is rated at 58km. Both use a 12.8kWh battery and come with a Mode 2 and 3 charging cable. Speaking about the models, Cupra Australia director Ben Wilks said:

“Cupra’s VZe models provide the best of both worlds – E-Mode using just the battery that can be restored from a conventional charger or good, old ‘hot hatch’ conventional performance with hybrid.”

2023 Cupra Formentor VZe - interior

Cupra presents its own distinct design, inside and out, while being based on VW’s MQB Evo platform. Inside, you’ll find a 10.25-inch instrument cluster and 12-inch touch-screen system, along with digital radio, wireless phone charging, and three-zone climate control.

The local arm says the majority of the 450 units will be made up of the Formentor VZe. These follow an initial supply last year during their launch. Both are eligible for the fridge benefits tax (FBT) exemptions, which should go down well with lease owners. Prices start from the following (excluding on-roads):

2023 Cupra Leon VZe: $61,690
2023 Cupra Formentor VZe: $64,990

Brett Davis

Brett started out as a motor mechanic but eventually became frustrated working on cars that weren't his. He then earned a degree in journalism and scored a job at Top Gear Australia back in 2008, and then worked at Zoom/Extreme Performance magazines, CarAdvice, and started PerformanceDrive/PDriveTV in 2011 with Josh Bennis, and ran it for 12 years. He's now the owner and managing editor here at Driving Enthusiast.

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