Used Cupra cars buying guide
Cupra cars started off as sporty variants of Seat hatchbacks. Examples included the Ibiza Cupra and Leon Cupra. In 2018, Cupra became a brand in its own right, building high-performance variants of existing Seat models – the Cupra Ateca, for example, is an upgraded version of the Seat Ateca.
Today Cupra also offers entirely new performance and pure-electric cars that are sold purely as Cupra models – there’s no equivalent Seat model. The name is a blend of the words ‘Cup Racing’, while the logo is a tribal tattoo.
Which used Cupra cars are for sale?
The Cupra Leon is a high-performance version of the Seat Leon five-door hatchback and estate, giving you a choice of petrol engines. The Leon is also available as a fuel-efficient plug-in hybrid.
The Cupra Ateca is a sporty SUV based on the Seat of the same name. As well as sportier styling, the Cupra version has more powerful engines and several cosmetic upgrades on the inside.
The Formentor SUV is offered with a choice of petrol or plug-in hybrid power, along with a wide range of trim levels. Finally, the Born is a pure-electric five-door hatchback. The Cupra Tavascan – a pure-electric SUV that will be its largest model yet – is set to go on sale in late 2024.
Are there any hybrid or electric Cupra models?
Until the arrival of the Tavascan, the Born is the only pure-electric Cupra you can buy. Every version of the Born will do at least 260 miles when fully charged, according to official figures, but up to 342 miles with high-spec versions.
Both the Leon and Formentor are available with plug-in hybrid power (badged e-Hybrid). The Leon offers an official 36 miles of pure-electric range and the Formentor gives up to 37m miles.
What are the most popular Cupra models?
Cupra Leon
The Cupra Leon is a sportier version of the Seat Leon five-door hatchback and estate. As well as different bumpers and wheels, the Cupra Leon has a smarter interior, more equipment included as standard and a range of powerful engines.
Cupra Ateca
The Cupra Ateca is a sportier alternative to the Seat Ateca mid-size family SUV. As well as a choice of 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre petrol engines, the Ateca features sharper styling, a plush interior and a wide range of trim levels.
Cupra Formentor
The Cupra Formentor was the first Cupra to be introduced without a Seat equivalent. It’s more fun to drive than many of its SUV rivals, especially if you choose one of the high-performance engines. Four-wheel-drive versions are also available.
Cupra Born
The Born is currently Cupra’s only pure-electric model. It shares many parts with the Volkswagen ID.3 and is very similar in size and shape. The Cupra Born gives you up to 342 miles of range when fully charged, with the performance to rival a modern hot hatchback. Even the most affordable V1 version feels more upmarket than many pure-electric cars.
Which Cupra models are SUVs?
The current Cupra SUV models are the Ateca and Formentor.
The Ateca is a mid-size family SUV and, as the name suggests, it’s based on the Seat of the same name. Rivals include the Volkswagen T-Roc R, Audi SQ2 and the more affordable Seat version. The sportier styling, upmarket interior and wide range of trim levels are three reasons to choose the Cupra version over the Seat.
The Formentor is one of Cupra’s most popular models. As well as high-performance and plug-in hybrid variants, the Formentor is available with smaller petrol engines, which are perfect if you want the styling without the performance. Trim levels include the V1, V2, VZ1, VZ2, VZ3 and VZN.
