We already knew Seat’s newly-established Cupra performance brand planned to launch a dedicated crossover. However, we didn’t expect to catch a glimpse of it so quickly.



Spain’s Autofacil has posted a photo said to originate from a VW Group document that might give us our first look at Cupra’s new performance SUV. In the snapshot, the unknown Cupra model sits alongside the track-focused Cupra e-Racer prototype.

The mysterious vehicle might be Cupra’s first standalone model that will add to the Cupra Ateca, Cupra Ibiza and Cupra Arona in the performance brand’s lineup. As you can see, it looks quite production-ready, even sporting a Spanish license plate.

The as-yet-unnamed model features a very aggressive front end that looks like nothing from Seat’s current lineup. It boasts a hexagonal grille similar to the one seen on Tarraco test prototypes, a sharp bumper with large air intakes, and sleek-looking LED headlights assisted by round fog lights placed quite high.

Other distinctive elements include the sculpted bonnet, muscular rear haunches, and large two-tone alloy wheels. Quite possibly, this Cupra SUV might shape the brand’s design language for all of the models to come after it.

The sloping roofline suggests Cupra might market this model as an SUV-coupe, which would fit the model’s dynamic characteristics. Speaking of dynamics, expect this hot SUV to pack a high-performance engine, possibly as part of a hybrid system.

We have no reason to believe Cupra’s first standalone model won’t use the MQB platform, but it remains to be seen whether or not it will be all-wheel drive. Rumor has it Cupra plans to launch it in 2020.

Hat tip to Mark!