New allocation of 2023 Cupra Leon VZe and Formentor VZe plug-in hybrid now available

UPDATE: Fresh stock of 2023 Cupra Leon VZe and Formentor VZe PHEV

The 2023 Cupra the Leon VZe and Formentor VZe plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are available for online order today ahead of delivery in the second half of this year after the initial allocation of just over 100 sold out.

The fresh PHEV supply follows the increase of Born electric vehicles (EVs) for pre-order from 400 to 600 after the first batch, that were released in late December, were sold.

"Australia is in hot competition with other markets for Cupra's EVs and PHEVs," said Cupra Australia Director Ben Wilks. "The response to Born, Leon and Formentor VZes demonstrates the desire for cutting edge zero- and low-emission vehicles."

The Leon PHEV starts from $59,990, while the Formentor PHEV range begins at $62,990 – both before on-road costs.

Our original story continues below unchanged.

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The story to here

February 10: Cupra models in stock for delivery within weeks

Despite the car industry still grappling with global supply and shipping delays, Cupra Australia says it has more than 395 Formentor and Ateca SUVs in stock for delivery within a month.

Most of the stock consists of the Cupra Formentor in base ‘V’, mid-spec ‘VZ’ and popular flagship ‘VZx’ variants, and the Cupra Ateca in its sole VZx trim.

According to the Cupra Australia page, there’s also the Cupra Leon hatchback VZ and VZx variants available. A total of 245 examples are currently listed as in stock with varying exterior paint and option packages fitted (at the time of writing).

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2023 Cupra Formentor VZ

Estimated delivery times range from three to 11 weeks from ordering, depending on the model and pick-up location.

Notably missing is the Formentor VZe plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) model, which is currently unavailable in Australia. But, the local division says it is in talks to secure further production from the Spanish factory.

Unlike traditional car brands, Cupra bypasses franchise dealers to sell vehicles directly online with non-negotiable fixed drive-away pricing and a shared nationwide stock pool.

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2023 Cupra Born VZe

This direct-to-consumer business model is echoed by Tesla, Polestar, Honda and Mercedes-Benz, too.

The Volkswagen Group’s mainstream performance brand launched locally last year with three models and, uniquely, a different powertrain offering on each trim level.

The Cupra Born electric hatch will join the lineup when it lands in March or April to directly compete against the best-selling Tesla Model 3 sedan, and incoming cheaper EV hatches such as the MG 4, GWM Ora and BYD Dolphin.

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2023 MG 4

Mainstream enthusiast sporty car models are currently facing a difficult climate.

This week, Volkswagen stopped taking new orders for the Golf R hot hatch and Tiguan R SUV due to component shortages – despite the T-Roc R getting a stock boost – whereas pre-orders for the new Honda Civic Type R today stretch to late 2024.

Similarly, the Hyundai i20 N, i30 N Hatch and Toyota GR Yaris have shut their order books amid high demand and as strict Euro 7 emissions regulations loom overseas, which pushes for the shift to zero-emission electric vehicles.