Petrolheads can breathe a sigh of relief! CUPRA Singapore launches three ICE models

Singapore – When the CUPRA brand was launched in Singapore earlier, it unveiled two electric models, the hatchback Born and the SUV Tavascan, to kick things off for the Spanish performance brand. 

However, in this current time, the word “performance” still doesn’t feel right with some good’ol petrol power to fuel (literally and metaphorically) a brand’s appeal to the market.

Thankfully, CUPRA has fixed that in Singapore by introducing a lineup of new ICE models, spanning a Leon hatchback, a Terramar SUV, and a Formentor crossover, thus entering more market segments, offering choices for different lifestyles, and has become a brand that is more well-rounded. 

The CUPRA Leon, designed, developed and produced straight out of Barcelona, continues its legacy that was born on the racetrack and carried on to the road. Bringing with it is the brand’s new exterior design, with a shark-nose front end, an integrated and illuminated CUPRA badge on the bonnet, triangular LED headlights, and another illuminated CUPRA logo positioned at the centre of signature “coast-to-coast” LED taillights. All of which sits on 18-inch ‘GARBI’ alloy wheels to accentuate the Leon’s sporty character. 

The interior also offers newly designed elements including the centre console, door panels, dashboard and upholstery, with recycled microfibre wrapping bucket seats to embrace a sustainable approach. Digitalisation and practicality lies at the Leon’s heart as well, with a new and improved Human Machine Interface in the digital cockpit and a 12.9-inch infotainment system, as well as up to 1210 litres of luggage space with the rear seats folded down. 

Powered by a 1.5 litre turbocharged 4-cylinder mild hybrid engine, the Leon puts out 150hp with 250Nm of torque through a 7-speed DSG transmission. Driver handing is enhanced with an XDS Electronic differential lock and dynamic traction support for road holding.

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With the CUPRA Terramar, CUPRA pays homage to the historic racing circuit, Terramar, where the brand was born. ‘Terramar’ also means ‘land and sea’, taking inspiration from the Mediterranean Sea, and Barcelona itself. This inspiration is visible on the SUV’s C-Pillar that is modelled after a sailing boat’s keel. Similarly to the Leon, the Terramar combines driver-oriented cockpit design while blending sportiness and sustainability. 

With new digital interface and a 12.9-inch infotainment system, the Terramar adds on immersive ambient lighting and spacious rear seats to empower it to be a welcoming, accommodating family hauler as much as it is a driver’s car. The Terramar has the same 1.5 litre, turbocharged 4-cylinder mild hybrid engine, and 7-speed DSG as the Leon, and with the same output figures.

In CUPRA speak, ‘VZ’ means Veloz, Spanish for ‘fast’. Safe to say, the Formentor VZ has earned that badge. By mixing performance in a practical crossover body style, drivers are offered fun without forsaking functionality. Once again, the new design language is seen in the shark-nose front end, triangular matrix LED headlights and more. 

The interior matches the Formentor VZ’s performance credentials, with Sabelt Extreme bucket seats, and a high-fidelity 12-speaker Sennheiser audio system. 

Powered by a 2 litre 4-cylinder turbocharged TSI engine, the Formentor VZ stands ready to deliver 333hp and 420Nm. It comes additionally armed with all-wheel drive, torque splitter technology, and premium equipment including Akebono brakes and an Akrapovič exhaust system. It completes the 0-100km/h dash in 4.8 seconds on the way to an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h. A sportier chassis and engine setup guarantees thrilling driving dynamics as well.

From a non-petrolhead: What’s the big deal?

CUPRA Singapore introduces the new Leon, Terramar and Formentor VZ from SGD213,900, SGD233,900 and SGD303,900 (inclusive of COE) respectively. All cars come with 5 years of free servicing, vehicle warranty and 24-hour roadside assistance. The special offer is valid until 31 August 2025, with prospective customers invited to learn more at CUPRA Centre Singapore at 247 Alexandra Road, 159934.

Text: Titus Tang
Photos: Cupra Singapore