Seat Launches Cupra Brand, Announces First Models For The Geneva Show

Seat is the latest automaker to have launched its own performance sub-brand, called simply Cupra.

The first models under the now standalone sub-brand will be introduced at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, in March, and will wear the new Cupra logo.

Prior to that, the Spanish automaker will host a special international media event on February 22, to mark the debut of the brand, during which we’ll probably get to see the new models for the first time.

“Cupra has always been the sportiest expression of Seat. Now the time has come for it to gain its own soul, its own DNA, its own identity, by becoming a new entity”, the company said.

The only Cupra-branded car at the time is the Leon, a compact hot hatch based on the Golf, which shares its engine with the ‘R’. This means a 2.0-liter TSI four-cylinder unit, rated at 300PS (296hp). The limited edition Leon Cupra R, on the other hand, has 10PS (10hp) more.

In the near future the Cupra brand is expected to welcome the Ateca as well, which could to be powered by the same engine as its hatchback sibling.

Further down the road, a Coupe SUV is another possible candidate for the Cupra family, said to go into production by 2020.

Don’t look for a new Seat Ibiza Cupra, though, because the company reportedly believes there isn’t much demand in the segment for subcompact hot hatches.

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