Cupra Could Adopt Electrification Before Main Seat Brand

The Cupra performance brand could adopt hybrid and full-electric technology before the wider Seat family.

Shortly after announcing the brand, Seat boss Luca de Meo told Autocar that pricier Cupra models could allow them to use different forms of electrification.

“We’re in a phase where we will have to integrate a lot of technologies into the product because they are available, from engine technology to connectivity, driver assistance systems, everything,” he confirmed.

“When you do it on a car supposed to be sold at, say, £11,000, it’s something, but do it on a car two to three times the price you have some space to integrate that technology. We will use Cupra as a gate to bring technology that will cascade to the rest of the Seat range.”

Seat research and development boss Matthias Rabe went one step further, revealing that alternative powertrains for Cupra models are indeed on the horizon.

“In the future, we’ll look at alternative powertrains in the Cupra division. There will be more electrification in Cupra, and we’re thinking about battery electric vehicles. We’re also looking at the digital world, both inside the car and how it connects outside it.”

So far, only one model has been announced for the Cupra range, the 296 hp version of the Ateca. However, a plethora of other Cupra models are just around the corner, including hatchbacks and other SUVs.