Volkswagen Group Singapore (VGS) has officially brought back Cupra, the Spanish performance brand, with a grand relaunch event at Orchard Road on March 14. The brand’s re-entry into the Singaporean market is marked by the introduction of two new electric vehicles (EVs) and the opening of a new showroom along Alexandra Road.

Cupra originated as the performance motorsport division of the Spanish carmaker Seat, with its name derived from "Cup Racing." Initially, this division was responsible for modifying Seat’s vehicles for competitive racing. However, by the late 1990s, it expanded its role by producing high-performance road cars under the Seat brand. In 2018, Seat’s parent company, the Volkswagen Group, decided to establish Cupra as an independent brand. The first models under this new identity were high-performance versions of existing Seat cars, but in 2020, Cupra introduced its first exclusive model, the Formentor.

In Singapore, Cupra was previously represented by Vertex Automobile, which had also been responsible for Seat's distribution since 2017. However, in mid-2023, Cupra's distributorship was transferred to VGS, leading to the discontinuation of Seat’s sales in Singapore. VGS has spent more than a year preparing for Cupra’s relaunch, dedicating a new showroom space within its facility at 247 Alexandra Road, alongside existing Volkswagen and Skoda showrooms.

For its return to Singapore, Cupra has introduced two new EVs that showcase the brand’s commitment to high-performance electric mobility. The first model, the Cupra Born, has finally made its way to Singapore after its global debut four years ago. Due to the delay, the version arriving in Singapore is the mid-life facelift model unveiled in 2024. The Born is based on the Volkswagen ID.3 electric hatchback, utilizing Volkswagen’s MEB modular electric drive platform designed for compact EVs.

The Cupra Born comes in two variants. The standard e-Boost version delivers 231 horsepower and 310Nm of torque, offering an electric driving range of up to 428km with its 59kWh battery. Additionally, a unit with a larger 77kWh battery has been introduced, providing an extended range of up to 560km, primarily to gauge customer interest. For those looking for more power, the Born VZ variant offers an impressive 326 horsepower and 545Nm of torque. Equipped with a 79kWh battery, it boasts a driving range of up to 599km on a full charge. However, Cupra Singapore has only brought in three units of the Born VZ, making it a limited-edition model.

The second model introduced is the Cupra Tavascan, a sleek crossover SUV designed to compete with models like the BYD Sealion 7, Xpeng G6, and BMW iX2. Similar to the Born, the Tavascan is available in two variants. The base Endurance model features 286 horsepower and 545Nm of torque, with power delivered to the rear wheels. Its 77kWh battery enables a driving range of 568km on a full charge. For those seeking a more dynamic experience, the high-performance Tavascan VZ increases power output to 340 horsepower while maintaining 545Nm of torque. Unlike the Endurance variant, the Tavascan VZ features an all-wheel-drive system, ensuring enhanced traction and control. Despite using the same 77kWh battery, this variant offers a slightly lower range of 521km per charge.

Cupra’s new models have been priced competitively, reflecting their high-performance capabilities. The standard Cupra Born e-Boost is priced at $195,900, inclusive of COE as of March 2025, while the Born VZ variant is available for $225,900 with COE. Meanwhile, the Cupra Tavascan Endurance is priced at $209,900 with COE, putting it in direct competition with the BYD Sealion 7. The Tavascan VZ, positioned as a high-performance electric crossover, is priced at $229,900 with COE, making it one of the most attractive options in its segment. With its strong performance-oriented lineup, dedicated showroom, and strategic market positioning, Cupra’s return to Singapore signals an exciting new chapter for electric mobility enthusiasts seeking both style and power in their vehicles.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Cupra Singapore.