Currently reading: Cupra confirmed as standalone performance sub-brand of Seat
Hot Ateca to lead new sub-brand’s launch line-up, which will kick-start with an unveiling next month

Seat has confirmed that it will turn its Cupra performance line into a stand-alone brand – and it has revealed the final version of the new logo.

The first Cupra-badged models, including a hot version of the Seat Ateca SUV, will be unveiled next month.

Car sub-brands: the biggest hits and misses

The move was first reported by Autocar last year when a draft of the new logo was shown in trademark filings. According to a short press release presenting the new copper-coloured logo, the move will give Cupra "its own soul, its own DNA, its own identity by becoming a new entity.” It is understood that Seat branding won’t appear on Cupra models.

Seat cupra 3231

Talking to Autocar at the Frankfurt motor show in September last year, Seat boss Luca de Meo said turning Cupra into a stand-alone brand would give the firm the opportunity to “add another dimension”.

Opinion: why spinning off Cupra can help give Seat focus

The only Cupra model currently available is the limited-run 306bhp Seat Leon Cupra R. The Cupra range will be expanded in the coming years and using a stand-alone brand will give the freedom to diverge more from Seat’s regular line-up, drawing on the expertise of motorsport division Seat Sport.

It also allows for the prospect of limited-run Cupra-only models. Last year, Seat additionally filed trademark requests for the Bolero, Salsa and Tango nameplates, which have previously been used on concept cars.

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Seat has long been positioned as the Volkswagen Group’s ‘youth’ brand and for years represented that with a focus on performance and emotion. But in recent years, that focus on smartphone- savvy younger buyers has prompted Seat to shift its attention to design, in-car technology and connectivity. It has also greatly expanded its model line-up with the launch of the Seat Ateca and Seat Arona SUVs.

Seat introduced the Cupra (a portmanteau of Cup Racing) badge in 1996 with a hot version of the Ibiza to celebrate the car’s victory in the 2.0-litre category of that year’s World Rally Championship. Since then, the Cupra name has been used sparingly. 

Read more

Opinion: why spinning off Cupra can help give Seat focus

Seat Leon Cupra review

Seat Ibiza Cupra review

Seat Ateca review

James Attwood

James Attwood, digital editor
Title: Acting magazine editor

James is Autocar's acting magazine editor. Having served in that role since June 2023, he is in charge of the day-to-day running of the world's oldest car magazine, and regularly interviews some of the biggest names in the industry to secure news and features, such as his world exclusive look into production of Volkswagen currywurst. Really.

Before first joining Autocar in 2017, James spent more than a decade in motorsport journalist, working on Autosport, autosport.com, F1 Racing and Motorsport News, covering everything from club rallying to top-level international events. He also spent 18 months running Move Electric, Haymarket's e-mobility title, where he developed knowledge of the e-bike and e-scooter markets. 

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Aarti123 19 April 2020

Read Shiva Chalisa

Read Shiva Chalisa in Hindi and English with Lyrics and Meaning.

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xxxx 1 February 2018

Separate Brands

This isn't a Lexus Toyota or Infinity Nissan spin off where differnet models are designed and sold  this is a 'add plastic' and 'chip' existing Leon's and Ibitza's 

AndyT 31 January 2018

Doesn't VAG have enough

Doesn't VAG have enough brands? I can't say Abarth has worked for Fiat, DS for Citroen or previoulsy Maybach for Mercedes, so stop messing with brands. Not sure it serves any purpose.

scotty5 31 January 2018

AndyT wrote:

AndyT wrote:

Doesn't VAG have enough brands? I can't say Abarth has worked for Fiat, DS for Citroen or previoulsy Maybach for Mercedes, so stop messing with brands. Not sure it serves any purpose.

Lexus worked for Toyota, as does Infinity for Nissan and Acura for Honda. Dacia has be a runaway success story for Renault!