Cupra confirmed as standalone performance sub-brand of Seat

Hot Ateca to lead new sub-brand’s launch line-up, which will kick-start with an unveiling next month
James Attwood, digital editor
31 January 2018

Seat has confirmed that it will turn its Cupra performance line into a stand-alone brand – and it has revealed the final version of the new logo.

The first Cupra-badged models, including a hot version of the Ateca SUV, will be unveiled next month.

Car sub-brands: the biggest hits and misses

The move was first reported by Autocar last year when a draft of the new logo was shown in trademark filings. According to a short press release presenting the new copper-coloured logo, the move will give Cupra "its own soul, its own DNA, its own identity by becoming a new entity.” It is understood that Seat branding won’t appear on Cupra models.

Talking to Autocar at the Frankfurt motor show in September last year, Seat boss Luca de Meo said turning Cupra into a stand-alone brand would give the firm the opportunity to “add another dimension”.

Our Verdict

Seat Leon Cupra

Seat Leon Cupra

New hot hatch promises to outgun its rivals, including the Volkswagen Golf GTI

Find an Autocar car review

Driven this week

Opinion: why spinning off Cupra can help give Seat focus

The only Cupra model currently available is the limited-run 306bhp Seat Leon Cupra R. The Cupra range will be expanded in the coming years and using a stand-alone brand will give the freedom to diverge more from Seat’s regular line-up, drawing on the expertise of motorsport division Seat Sport.

It also allows for the prospect of limited-run Cupra-only models. Last year, Seat additionally filed trademark requests for the Bolero, Salsa and Tango nameplates, which have previously been used on concept cars.

Seat has long been positioned as the Volkswagen Group’s ‘youth’ brand and for years represented that with a focus on performance and emotion. But in recent years, that focus on smartphone- savvy younger buyers has prompted Seat to shift its attention to design, in-car technology and connectivity. It has also greatly expanded its model line-up with the launch of the Ateca and Arona SUVs.

Seat introduced the Cupra (a portmanteau of Cup Racing) badge in 1996 with a hot version of the Ibiza to celebrate the car’s victory in the 2.0-litre category of that year’s World Rally Championship. Since then, the Cupra name has been used sparingly. 

Read more

Opinion: why spinning off Cupra can help give Seat focus

Seat Leon Cupra review

Seat Ibiza Cupra review

Seat Ateca review

Join the debate

Comments
20

Deputy

31 January 2018

It's not just the limited run Cupra R currently available.  The 2WD Cupra hatch/estate and 4WD DSG ST are available.  90% of an Audi RS4 for 60% of the money (and less likely to get nicked!)

 

 

 

Brewstere

25 September 2018
I am a big jewellery lover, and I buy anything I see at the first sight. The only jewellery I don’t like is ion bracelet. I don’t know why but they don’t attract me at all and they don’t look so good.

Brewstere

1 November 2018
Christmas Wishes
Let the spirit of Christmas warm your home with joy, peace, and love. Have a blessed Merry Christmas!

xxxx

31 January 2018

But it's that last 10% that's the hardest to achieve, ask any athlete.

typos1 - Just can’t respect opinion

Brewstere

30 September 2018
We’ve earned a great reputation for quality work, fast service and good value for any budget.
dvd duplication service

Garsone

8 October 2018
Always create to inspire, create with love for efficiency, dependability, reliability & loyalty. Do everything with complete commitment, consistency, honesty and passion. Live to be remarkable, remember to be empathetic as this is a Human Business with an open mind to plan and build for the long term. digital marketing services

Brewstere

10 October 2018
The information that I found on https://phreesite.com/ was really fascinating. I also really liked the new logo of the merged company, it is attractive. I hope they florish in they future.

Samantha12

13 November 2018
If you guys want to know about the way that proxies work and the countries that you can use, then you need to see https://proxy-seller.com/. It's because of this that a lot of people are already working on it.

Brewstere

26 November 2018
This is where the alters can begin feeling overpowering abilogic.com. You have so write my research paper stuff rolling in from each course. Concur with a recommendation? At that point record it in your lord list.

405line

31 January 2018

"In a panic they tried to pull the plug"

Pages

Add your comment

Log in or register to post comments

Find an Autocar car review

Driven this week