Spanish brand Cupra has announced a range of end-of-financial-year offers for its line-up of hatches and SUVs.

The relatively young Volkswagen Group brand has a relatively quiet product year ahead before a major new-car assault in 2025.

In addition to facelifted versions of the Leon hatch and Formentor crossover, Cupra will introduce the Tavascan electric midsize SUV, Terramar petrol and hybrid SUV, and the wagon version of the Leon.

Here’s the lowdown on the deals for current showroom models, with the offer running from 1st May 2024 to 30 June 2024.

Cupra Formentor

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A simple, 1 per cent finance offer has been applied to the full range of the brand’s best-selling model. The Formentor compact crossover is available with a good choice of drivetrains, which include plug-in hybrid and performance variants. Cupra has revealed a facelifted Formentor this week, though the updated model isn’t due in Australia until April 2025.

Cupra Ateca

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A $58,888 drive-away deal is offered for the Ateca VZx, the only variant offered locally of the small SUV. That’s a saving of about $8000 (based on a Sydney postcode) for the 221kW, all-wheel-drive model.

Cupra Born

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The electric hatchback is available with a free Interior Package worth $2900. The cabin upgrade (pictured above) adds ‘Blue Dinamica’ fabric upholstery, front seats with heating and massage functions, and a Beats audio system.

Cupra Leon

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Cupra’s answer to the VW Golf is offering savings of several thousand dollars across the four-variant, front-wheel-drive range with EOFY drive-away pricing. The base Leon V is available for $44,888, the VZ for $53,888, and the range-topping VZx hot-hatch costs $61,888 with on-road charges included. The plug-in hybrid VZe drive-away price varies from $61,325 to $64,325 depending on state.

April 2024: Polestar & partner claim 370kW+ EV charging speed achieved

Polestar says it has successfully demonstrated Extreme Fast Charging (XFC) with a prototype of its upcoming Polestar 5 sedan, achieving a 10-80% charge at rates ranging from 310kW to “in excess of” 370kW.

Using a 77kWh battery pack, Polestar says the successful test – carried out with technology partner StoreDot – proves the potential for adding an impressive 320 kilometres of driving range in just 10 minutes.

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The fastest-charging EVs currently on sale right now are the 800V models sold by the Hyundai-Kia group – such as the Ioniq 5 and EV6 – with MY23 77.4kWh models claiming a 10-80% charge time of 18 minutes.

Those models are designed for best speeds on a 350kW ‘ultra fast charger’, although their actual charging power will typically peak at around 220kW as a battery management requirement.

Polestar says: “StoreDot’s revolutionary XFC technology utilises silicon-dominant cells with an energy density on par with state-of-the-art NMC cells, and does not require specialist cooling systems in the vehicle.

“The experimental XFC battery’s modules have a structural function which, improves mechanical properties and cooling ability while maintaining or reducing weight levels, with high recyclability and serviceability also paramount in the design of the pack.”

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Importantly, the XFC system is on-board and thus requires no special upgrades to charging stations – meaning the ~310kW rate would be achievable with any of today’s 350kW ultra-fast DC chargers.

Polestar and StoreDot say their special XFC-capable battery pack can be increased in capacity to “at least” 100kWh.

Although not yet published at the time of scheduling this story, Polestar says a video of the test can be watched here. We’ll update this story with an embedded video as one becomes available.

? Continue reading our previous story below for further comments and insight on StoreDot’s XFC charging claims.

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November 2023: 160km of range added in just 10 minutes? Polestar says yes

Swedish-ish EV maker Polestar says it’s preparing to showcase an “extreme fast charge” technology, or ‘XFC’, in a prototype of the upcoming Polestar 5 sports sedan.

How does 160km (100 miles) of range from 5 minutes of charging, sound?

Polestar, the popular sports-luxury spinoff of Volvo and Chinese parent Geely, has confirmed an investment with Israeli battery developer StoreDot to utilise its XFC system – which, Polestar claims, can achieve its extreme charging speeds with existing lithium-ion EV battery designs.

Last week’s Polestar Day in Los Angeles was the scene of the announcement, but for now, the companies are offering no details on how the XFC system works and what sort of power outputs it will deliver.

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It’ll be sometime in 2024 before we actually see the technology demonstrated with the upcoming Polestar 5 – and even then, only in prototype form.

The brand has yet to say if it will integrated StoreDot’s tech into the production Polestar 5, but determining that is of course part of the prototyping process. Polestar is a StoreDot investor, however, so it will undoubtedly be planning to drive the XFC system to production in time for the 5’s launch.

How the XFC tech will be integrated into public charging stations is still to be seen, and with North America rapidly moving towards Tesla’s Supercharger network as a new standard (NACS) – including Polestar [↗] – it’ll be interesting to see if Tesla will need to come on board with XFC.

“StoreDot is making huge strides forward in the development of their extreme fast charging technology and we are a proud investor and partner in its evolution,” Polestar boss and former Volvo design chief Thomas Ingenlath said.

“StoreDot’s pioneering extreme fast charging batteries, combined with our upcoming top-of-the-line electric powertrain, can revolutionise the ownership experience for EV owners with the ability to recharge in minutes.”

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StoreDot CEO Dr Doron Myersdorf said: “Charging anxiety will soon be a thing of the past.”

That’ll be music to EV buyers’ ears. StoreDot has emphasised that the main benefit of its XFC system is that it will enable ‘next generation’ charging speeds without waiting for anticipated revolutions in battery design – although it intends to be part of that revolution, too.

First, it plans to get its XFC charging speed down to three minutes for 160km of driving by 2028, and two minutes by 2032 – about as long as it takes to fuel a petrol car (albeit without the same amount of range).

StoreDot’s ‘100inX’ roadmap, announced in 2021, will then call for advancing its battery designs to a semi-solid state, and then a post-lithium design.

“We still have lots of work to do to fully integrate our systems into a production car, but our teams are already fully engaged, and we will be demonstrating those results in the coming months,” Dr Myersdorf said.

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The Mitsubishi ASX small SUV has been discontinued in its Japanese domestic market, but production will continue for Australia “until further notice”.

“[ASX] production continues for Australia and other markets until further notice,” said a Mitsubishi Australia spokesperson.

The Japanese motoring media reports production ended this month for the domestic market, with one outlet – Response [↗️] – claiming an all-electric successor to the ASX will debut in 2025.

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According to the report, the electric ASX successor will be based on the same Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi ‘AmpR Medium’ platform as the Nissan Ariya, Renault Megane E-Tech and Scenic E-Tech.

It will reportedly measure 4380mm long, 1810mm wide and 1650mm tall, with a 2670mm wheelbase – making it 15mm longer and 10mm taller than the current ASX, with an identical width and wheelbase.

Excluding the tiny Mitsubishi I-MIEV – sold in Australia between 2010 and 2012 with now-outdated technology – the rumoured small SUV would be the first Mitsubishi electric car available globally.

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“As for what happens next, we are still working towards the most appropriate solution that will satisfy our safety, emissions and other requirements,” added the Mitsubishi Australia spokesperson.

Also known as the RVR in Japan and Canada and Outlander Sport in the United States, the current Mitsubishi ASX launched in 2010, making the 14-year-old small SUV one of the oldest cars still in production.

It has received several updates over the years, including four facelifts, as it faces competition from the newer Mazda CX-30, Toyota Corolla Cross, Hyundai Kona and GWM Haval Jolion.

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In December 2023, Mitsubishi Australia CEO Shaun Westcott told Wheels the ASX was approaching the “end of its life” but it remains “one of Australia’s best-selling light SUVs” despite its age.

“There’s still a place for it. It’s still selling strong, and the demand for that product far exceeds our supply so it’s still got some legs in it, but it is getting towards the end of its lifecycle. A replacement is intensively under study at the moment,” he said.

“Watch this space,” added Mitsubishi Australia’s marketing and product strategy boss Oliver Mann.

Mitsubishi’s European division unveiled its own replacement for the ASX in late 2022 as a rebadged Renault Captur. A facelifted version of the Renault-based European ASX debuted last week.

However, Mitsubishi Australia has no current plans to offer the Renault-based version here, while another small SUV contender – the Southeast Asian-focused Mitsubishi XForce – won’t be sold in Australia due to our stricter safety and emissions regulations.

UPDATE: Tesla Cybertruck showroom tour confirmed

Well, it was always a long shot…

Tesla has quashed speculation that the recent appearance of a Cybertruck on Sydney roads meant it was reconsidering plans to sell its controversial pick-up Down Under.

Instead, Tesla has now confirmed the left-hand drive Cybertruck will tour showrooms across Australia and New Zealand to help drive sales of the Model 3 and Model Y.

The first appearances will be in Sydney with other locations set to be confirmed at a later date. Here’s where you can get up close and personal with the Cybertruck.

• Tesla Sydney: April 26 – May 5
• Tesla Chatswood: May 6-12
• Tesla Parramatta: May 13-19
• Tesla Miranda: May 20-26

April 26: A Tesla Cybertruck has been spotted cruising the streets of Sydney, fuelling speculation that the EV pick-up could be added to Aussie showrooms.

The Cybertruck, which is arguably the world’s most controversial vehicle, has been pictured in a carpark at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach where it was parked next to a Model 3 and Model Y.

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The Cybertruck in question is wearing temporary Aussie numberplates and was later spotted in Coogee and North Sydney. The images in the gallery below were snapped by Kevin Ngo and shared on Facebook [↗]

It seems this Cybertruck is owned by Tesla, with today’s appearance following an Instagram post on the Tesla Australia New Zealand account that showed a teaser photo of a shipping container.

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For now it’s unclear why the Cybertruck has been imported to Australia given it’s broadly understood that Tesla won’t make the electric pick-up in right-hand drive, effectively ruling it out for Aussie showrooms.

It could be that the Cybertruck’s arrival is an extension of its recent world tour where Tesla has visited other key right-hand-drive markets like Japan, Malaysia and Thailand.

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Elon Musk infamously unveiled the Cybertruck to a global audience of millions back in 2019, with that reveal culminating in the pick-up’s ‘armour glass’ side window being smashed with a metal ball.

The Cybertruck then appeared on the company’s Australian website, where it still remains today, and Aussie customers were able to place a $150 deposit. Since the, Tesla has removed the ability to place a deposit and offered existing despot holders a credit towards a Model Y or Model 3.

Currently the Cybertruck is available for sale only in the United States and Musk has previously indicated it’s unlikely to be offered in Europe as its angular exterior design won’t meet European regulations. Australia also has strict vehicle design rules that the Cybertruck is unlikely to pass.

Furthermore, Tesla recently changed plans to offer right-hand-drive versions of the facelifted Model S and Model X, both of which are no longer on sale in Australia.

So the chances of the Cybertruck being built in right-hand drive are slim but keep your peepers peeled if you’re in Sydney today!

And there’s always the upcoming Kia Tasman if you’re keen on an electric pick-up…

The 2025 Omoda C9 – a midsize SUV from Chery similar in size to a Mitsubishi Outlander, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and Honda CR-V – has been homologated for Australia, but it’s not locked in, officials say.

Available in China since 2023 as the Exeed Yaoguang, the vehicle is rebranded for other markets, including New Zealand and South Africa, as the Omoda C9 – joining the Omoda C5 small SUV, which is sold in Australia as the Chery Omoda 5.

The Omoda C9 also has similar dimensions to the soon-to-launch 2024 Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max – but unlike the seven-seat Tiggo 8 Pro Max, the Omoda C9 has been approved for sale with five seats.

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If Chery decides to launch the Omoda C9 in Australia, it is unclear if it’d be marketed as a Chery – like the Omoda 5 – or if Omoda would become another sub-brand like Jaecoo.

Another larger SUV built by Chery – the Jaecoo J8, based on the Chinese-market Chery Tiggo 9 – is also likely for Australia, following confirmation the RAV4 and CX-5-sized Jaecoo J7 will arrive in the second half of 2024.

Omoda and Jaecoo are export-focused sub-brands of Chery Motor, which re-launched in Australia in early 2023 with the Chery Omoda 5 small SUV, followed by the Tiggo 7 Pro, Tiggo 8 Pro Max, and the all-electric Omoda E5.

“‘[Omoda C9] is under consideration for the Australian market, but no [launch] plans at this stage,” said a Chery Australia spokesperson.

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The Omoda C9 has been approved with a 193kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol similar to the Tiggo 8 Pro Max, matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission and front- or all-wheel-drive.

A plug-in hybrid version, the Omoda E9 PHEV, is not listed in the current approval documents for Australia, but it will become available in New Zealand later this year – opening the door for a local launch.

Available equipment in the Omoda C9 includes curved dual screens, pop-out door handles, heated, ventilated and massaging front and rear seats, a panoramic sunroof, a 50-watt wireless phone charger, a nine-speaker Sony audio system, augmented-reality satellite navigation, and facial recognition.

The Volkswagen ID.Code concept has debuted at the 2024 Beijing Motor Show, previewing a new look for the brand’s EVs in China.

Breaking away from the rounded and cab-forward designs of Volkswagen’s ID-branded electric cars so far, the ID.Code concept sports fluid, rounded lines with sharp wheel arches and shoulder definition.

While the exterior looks almost showroom-ready, the interior of the ID.Code features ridiculously slim seats, an aircraft yoke style steering wheel, and provision for Level 4 autonomous driving.

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The development has been overseen by design director Andreas Mindt, who became Volkswagen’s styling chief at the beginning of 2023, moving on from his previous role in Bentley’s design department.

Mindt commented that the current ID line-up was developed with early adopters in mind, but future EVs would be designed to look like regular cars, with a more mainstream appearance.

Volkswagen says that the ID.Code is a preview of the upcoming design language that will be used across a range of EVs and the design of the ID.Code is “developed specifically for customers in China”.

The EVs will be marketed under Volkswagen’s ID.UX sub-brand, with the first model – the Cupra Tavascan-based ID.Unyx – set to debut later this year.

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Volkswagen plans to launch five EVs under the ID. UX branding by 2027, as part of an overall plan to have 16 ID all-electric vehicle models on sale in China by 2030.

The company also plans to develop “step by step” electric versions of their existing petrol vehicles, and a launch of PHEVs with an electric driving range of over 100km.

Volkswagen China Technology Company is developing a China Main Platform (CMP), which four entry-level models from 2026 will be based upon.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE coupe has launched in Australia to replace the discontinued C-Class and E-Class two-door models.

It is available in two variants – the rear-drive CLE 200 and all-wheel-drive CLE 300 4MATIC – powered by turbocharged mild-hybrid four-cylinder engines identical to the heavily related C-Class sedan.

A “second-generation” integrated starter generator (ISG) provides a boost at lower engine speeds, and a 48-volt electrical system is utilised to support functions such as coasting, boost or recuperation, reducing fuel consumption.

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The electric motor can add 17kW and 205Nm, with total outputs of 150kW/320Nm and 190kW/400Nm in the CLE 200 and CLE 300, respectively.

Both CLE models feature a nine-speed automatic transmission adapted for use with the ISG. The electric motor, the power electronics and the transmission cooler are moved into or onto the transmission, offering advantages in installation space and weight.

Features common to both the CLE 200 and CLE 300 include:

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Both CLE Coupe models ride on sports suspension that is 15mm lower than the C-Class and E-Class sedans.

The CLE’s springs are stiffer and damping firmer than those sedans for reduced body roll, while “sports direct steering” is claimed to provide more direct handling and agility and amplitude-selective damping aims to maintain a balance between control and passenger comfort.

The Mercedes-Benz CLE 200 Coupe is priced from $103,900 before on-road costs while the Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4MATIC Coupe is priced from $124,900 before on-road costs.

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The GWM Haval H9 large SUV could be rolling back onto Australian roads in as little as 12 months if the model is given the green light for a local relaunch.

Until this week, it was thought the Haval H9 would tread on the recently arrived GWM Tank 500’s toes and was “on the radar” but not a serious consideration for Australia.

However, after a close look at the second-generation H9 at Haval’s home ground in Beijing and Baoding, the Australian team has its hand high in the air for an H9 return.

Speaking at the Auto China 2024 motor show in Beijing, GWM Australia and New Zealand marketing boss Steve Maciver said face-to-face contact with dealers and the executive team generated renewed enthusiasm for the H9.

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“We’ve had some time to spend with H9 and it’s safe to say we’re pretty impressed with the quality of that product,” he said.

“It was certainly on the radar beforehand but we’re having a good look at it now to see if it might be viable to add a second seven-seat option to the model line-up.”

While the all-new model has the technology, styling and safety package it needs to roll into local showrooms, Maciver explained that there were still two key elements to finalise before the H9 can be confirmed.

Firstly, how much Australians will be charged to put an example on their driveway will be critical, and the H9 would need to come in under the GWM Tank 500’s entry price of $66,490.

“Obviously, pricing and technology positioning is going to be key because we have to be sure it’s going to work with the existing line-up and doesn’t cannibalise too much from the Tank 500,” said Maciver.

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While the original H9 launched with a circa-$42,000 asking price, inflation – along with the significantly increased level of technology offered in the 2024 model – would likely boost the price into the $50,000s.

That said, MacIver said there was the possibility of revising the H9’s equipment and off-road capability to both lower its price as well as distancing it from the Tank 500 all-terrain hero.

“There could be some price differential when you take into account the amount of off-road technology, for example, the Tank 500 has. An H9 can still be capable off-road but doesn’t need to have that level of professional technology. There might be some scope for getting it in at a lower price.”

Secondly, drivetrain configurations would need to be carefully considered to introduce a vehicle that is both suitable for an Australian audience but also compliant with emerging regulations.

Two engines are available – a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder or a four-cylinder diesel bolted to nine-speed automatic transmission and, at this stage, petrol is the favourite.

“Diesel would be a tough argument given everything that’s happening with emissions standards.”

“Australians like flexibility and if there is an option for a different style of seven-seat SUV that we think has appeal, we’ll sell what we can.

“It’s something we’re looking at, we’ll continue to build the business case and we’ll see what happens”.

Below: The first-generation Haval H9, sold in Australia between 2015 and 2021

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The limited-run 2024 Cupra Leon V Tribe has launched with a sharper drive-away price as the brand celebrates 5000 sales in Australia since its 2022 debut.

The Leon V Tribe Edition retails for $47,888 drive-away – $1302 less than the Leon V, which is priced from $49,190 drive-away.

Despite costing less than the Leon V, the Tribe Edition includes additional design-focused additions” and additional equipment as standard.

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New additions include black and copper 18-inch alloys complemented by a black rear spoiler extension and a dark aluminium finish for the side skirts.

Petrol blue Nappa leather seats are installed inside, featuring front seat heating and driver’s seat power adjustment with memory settings as standard.

The soft-touch upper dashboard is also trimmed in petrol blue with stitching – the same treatment applied to the flagship Leon VZx hot hatch.

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The interior upgrades also include dark alloy pedals and a nine-speaker premium Beats audio system.

The Leon V Tribe Edition retains the 140kW/320Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, progressive steering and dynamic chassis control.

Standard equipment shared with the Leon V includes automatic LED headlights, a 12-inch infotainment system, built-in satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, keyless entry, a heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, three-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Ever noticed a billboard or an Instagram post where your favourite celebrity poses with a new car and wondered, “I didn’t know they drove that”? Chances are, you’re looking at a sponsorship deal.

For years, car manufacturers have been tapping into pop stars, social media influencers and celebrities to endorse their products. This strategy isn’t limited to just cars; it spans across various products on social media, from mattresses to beauty products.

And whether you realise it or not, these endorsements are also subtly influencing your car-buying desires.

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Gone are the days of simple brand placements in sports events or on jerseys.

Modern car companies often engage brand ambassadors (individuals who maintain a long-term relationship with the brand) or influencers (those with short-term collaborations) to enhance their brand’s lifestyle appeal online.

When you see these cars presented in dreamy settings or with celebrities you admire, your brain begins to associate your fondness for these personalities with the car brands they endorse. It’s fascinating stuff.

So we’ve put together some notable automotive partnerships we’ve seen to show you how car companies are using ambassadors and influencers to build their brand identity… and get you walking into a dealership.

Porsche x Dua Lipa

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A post shared by DUA LIPA (@dualipa)

What happens when you take one of the world’s hottest icons, and pair it with, well, another of the world’s hottest icons?

Dua Lipa, a celebrated pop star, has gained fame for her chart-topping hits such as Don’t Start Now and Levitating. Porsche, with its 75 years of history, mirrors this allure. Their vehicles blend timeless design and craftsmanship with contemporary innovation and excellence, creating an irresistible charm similar to Dua Lipa’s artistic appeal.

Both household names in their respective fields, the partnership has been teased on Instagram for what is to come, and fans are already loving the pairing with one even calling it their “dream collab”.

MG x MAFS

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A post shared by Tahnee Cook (@itstahnee)

Unlike those of us who are car obsessed, there are plenty of people who see their vehicle as more of a style choice.

They want a car that expresses how they feel on the inside (within budget of course, because the Lamborghini Urus you may feel like on the inside is out of financial reach on the outside).

Recognising this, MG has adapted by targeting younger consumers through lifestyle-oriented campaigns such as their “Drive Your Style” ads, focusing on fashion and expression rather than the the technical specifications. “82kW 1.5L 4-cylinder engine” on a billboard doesn’t scream ‘sexy’.

MG’s partnership with MAFS Season ten winners Tahnee Cook and Ollie Skelton to promote their new electric hatch, the MG4, is a prime example of this strategy.

Hyundai’s strategy as the official automotive sponsor of The Bachelor Australia in 2017 mirrored this approach. By showcasing the new Kona, Hyundai effectively reached its target demographic who were tuning in to watch hot young singles cruising in these stylish cars.

Nissan x Margot Robbie

Nissan Australia frequently partners with local influencers, such as Alice Bennett, famously known as Miss Trixie Drinks Tea (a.k.a Cake Queen in my household) to promote the Qashqai.

However, their 2017 global collaboration with Margot Robbie marked a significant step. Serving as their electric vehicle and sustainability ambassador, Robbie starred in Nissan’s EcoSystem campaign, prominently featuring the Nissan Leaf, albeit in a bit of a confusing commercial.

Lexus x Kate Freedman

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A post shared by Kate Waterhouse (@katewaterhouse7)

As a local ambassador for Lexus, Kate is frequently seen on Instagram with her ever-changing array of Lexus vehicles.

Her unique blend of interests in the racing world and fashion make her an ideal representative for the luxury brand.

Lexus Australia describes their partnership with Kate as a “natural, symbiotic fit,” highlighting their shared standards of excellence both on and off the track.

Kate joins the ranks of Corey Brown and Melissa Leong in Lexus’ esteemed lineup of ambassadors.

Kia x Rafael Nadal

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By partnering with tennis royalty Rafael Nadal, Kia continues its long-time Australian Open sponsorship that started back in 2002– making the Korean brand the longest-running major sponsor of the tournament.

Their latest campaign, which featured alongside the Australian Open earlier this year, focused on the electric Kia EV6 as “an ideal companion for Nadal’s journey towards sustainability”.