2023 Cupra Formentor and Ateca supply improves, but there's a wait for the plug-in hybrid SUV

If you’re after a European semi-premium SUV, but don’t want to wait months, you might be in luck - unless you’re after a plug-in hybrid.

Recently launched Volkswagen Group brand Cupra has announced that, despite ongoing delays due to parts supply issues and port congestion in Australia, it can “ensure delivery to customers of its performance SUVs within a few weeks”, if they are ordered online.

The models that are ready to ship include the mid-size Ateca in sporty VZx guise, which is powered by a 221kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, driving all four wheels, and capable of completing 0-100km/h in less than five seconds.

This is the only Ateca grade available in Australia and it costs $66,750 drive-away. Rivals range from top-spec versions of mainstream models like the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5, as well as more premium fare like the BMW X3 and Audi Q5.

The other model with plenty of availability according to Cupra Australia is the sleek Formentor SUV in V, VZ and VZx grades. The all-wheel-drive VZx also uses a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine pumping out 228kW/400Nm.

The company says there are just under 400 Cupra SUVs showing up as available on the Cupra website.

However, anyone after the Formentor VZe plug-in hybrid will have to wait.

While the initial allocation had already sold out, Cupra says the Formentor VZe is currently unavailable to order. There are demonstrator vehicles in dealerships for test drive purposes but the next allocation likely won’t arrive until mid-year.

The Ateca VZx grade costs $66,750 drive-away.

Cupra introduced a pricing adjustment late last month, with the prices of some models dropping, while other higher grades went up.

Cupra’s sister brand Volkswagen announced earlier this week that sales of some all-wheel-drive versions of its top-selling Tiguan family SUV have been paused due to demand far outstripping supply.

After only launching last year, Cupra managed to sell 1111 vehicles in Australia in 2022, exceeding the year-end totals of established brands like Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Jaguar and Citroen.

Of that total, the Formentor was the most popular Cupra by some margin, with 690 units, followed by the Ateca (234) and the Leon hatchback (186).

Cupra is likely to get a further boost with the arrival in the coming months of its first battery electric vehicle, the Born.