17 March 2026
Who Makes CUPRA Cars?
If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, you might be wondering about CUPRA. As a name you may not have heard of before, it’s understandable if you’re unsure of who they are as a brand and who makes CUPRA cars.
Below, we’re going to run through everything about CUPRA, answering any questions that you may have about the brand.
Who is the CUPRA car manufacturer?
CUPRA is part of the Volkswagen Group, meaning the history of Skoda, Audi, and VW are intertwined as they’re all under the same umbrella.
The name CUPRA is part of SEAT’s history, as it was previously a label for their more premium models. Now it’s separated into its own brand, though, it focuses more on making stylish and sporty vehicles with modern technology included.
By making this change, CUPRA has enabled itself to break out of the SEAT mould and increase the range of vehicles it offers, with more designs and innovative features.
Where are CUPRA cars made?
Spain is the primary hub for CUPRA vehicles to be manufactured, with the majority of the production process occurring near Barcelona at SEAT’s Martorell plant.
However, as a part of the Volkswagen Group, there’s also a heavy German influence. They’re the biggest importer of CUPRA cars, though the brand is expanding globally after growing demand across different markets.
What is CUPRA about?
CUPRA’s aim is to be at the forefront of innovation and engineering, intending to make every vehicle with effective skill and originality.
Shaped by the city of Barcelona, CUPRA’s identity mirrors the exciting culture and style, taking inspiration for its design philosophy too.
They want all their vehicles to have stimulating style, electrifying performance, and to be an unconventional challenger to the status quo.
They separate themselves by mixing elegance and sportiness, bringing top performance levels with modern technology, premium materials, and a distinct look.
CUPRA is also firm in its beliefs that electrification can lead to a sustainable future but without compromising powerful vehicles. This has led to them already being given critical acclaim globally, as they’ve received the Red Dot Design Award and What Car? Awards.
Are CUPRA and SEAT the same?
Though they’re part of the same company, CUPRA and SEAT are completely separate brands.
They coexist and both offer different things to customers, with each having its own target audience. CUPRA is more centred on affordability and high performance, whereas SEAT focuses on vehicles with wider appeal and making more conventional cars.
The history of CUPRA cars
Prior to 2018, CUPRA was part of SEAT and represented the more performance-focused sector of the manufacturer.
CUPRA is an abbreviation of ‘Cup Racing’, and has existed since the mid-1990s, showing up on models such as the SEAT Leon and SEAT Ibiza.
CUPRA then became its own brand in 2018, with the CUPRA Ateca being the first vehicle to launch. This was then followed by the CUPRA Leon two years later, and the CUPRA Formentor in 2021, which was the brand’s first unique model. Now, they’ve released models such as the CUPRA Terramar at the end of 2024, developing more unique and tailored vehicles to reflect the brand’s mission of innovation and creativity.
Leasing a CUPRA car with Leasing Options
If you’re in the market to lease a CUPRA, why should you go with Leasing Options? Not only can you access a top-class vehicle without having to commit, but we also simplify the leasing process, making it both direct and affordable for every customer:
- We’re award-winning, one of the UK's most trusted leasing brokers, have over 35 years in the industry, and are rated Excellent on Trustpilot with a 4.9-star rating from over 20,000 reviews.
- You’ll receive jargon-free advice, personalised quotes, and continuous support from our team that wants to find the perfect deal for you, not just any deal, and we back that up with our Price Match Promise (if you find a cheaper price elsewhere, we’ll either match it or give you £50).
- We also make managing your motoring costs effortless. Not only will your vehicle be delivered to your door for free, but you can also choose to include maintenance and insurance within your monthly payment (which already covers your road tax).
Get yourself a CUPRA car lease today
Now that you’re more aware of who makes CUPRA cars, where they’re made, and the history of the brand, you might be keen to lease a car from CUPRA. Here are some guides on the different specs we offer for CUPRA models here at Leasing Options, giving you the full run-down of all the features incorporated into each trim:
At Leasing Options, we make the leasing process easy and affordable, allowing you to find vehicles from top manufacturers such as CUPRA, VW, Skoda, Audi, and many more. So, have a look at our range or chat with our team to get more information.
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