What are these new cars all about then?
It's not often you see green alloy wheels. But in this case they go with the green exterior paint (sorry, Manganese Matt), green seats and green cabin architecture.
Tribe Edition is a brand Cupra rolls out every so often for limited-run models. You might remember the company went on about its buyers being part of a "tribe" quite a bit when it launched as a standalone brand back in 2018 (it was formerly just a model designation for Seat). So it's an ongoing thing.
This time around, a Tribe Edition package is being applied quite widely to the Cupra model range for Europe, but for New Zealand the local importer is keeping it high-end. It's only being offered on the high-performance VZ versions of the Formentor compact-SUV, Leon Sportstourer and Terramar. There will only be five of each.
The Tribe Editions represent the "rebellious spirit" of the brand says Cupra, which is possibly another way of saying it's not easy being green.
But green doesn't just mean, um, mean, it's also more sustainable. For example, the Sulphur Green alloys (19-inch for the Formentor/Leon, 20in for Terramar) are made from 20% recycled material.
Inside, the seats and some other fabric inserts feature a new 3D knitted technology. The upholstery is made with 100% recycled material and trimmed using a computer-controlled knitting machine that eliminates the need for cutting and sewing, resulting in "zero material waste", says Cupra.
That knitted upholstery is another Tribe-exclusive, although we'll soon see it on the small, sporty Raval EV.
The cabin architecture is quite a subtle shade of green. But it's definitely green. Bio-based paint is used for some trim, including the dashboard and air vents.
These cars are also partly about absence of colour. Cupra is synonymous for its striking copper badges and detailing, but these new Tribe Editions go dark chrome with their exterior badging and some interior features, like the steering wheel logo. That's going to be a thing going forward for special editions, apparently, but the regular range will keep its copper.
How much are they?
The Tribe Edition adds $3500 to the price of the Formentor and Leon Sportstourer VZ models, and $3800 to the Terramar VZ. So that's $91,000, $88,400 and $95,700.
Oh, hang on - forgot the paint. Manganese Matt is exclusive to the Tribe Editions (at least for now, these things seldom last), but it's also extra-cost. So add another $4000. It's technically anoption, but it's also compulsary if you want one of these 15 cars.
Tribe Edition grand totals: Formentor $95,900, Leon Sportstourer $92,400 and the Terramar nudges the $100k barrier at $99,700.
What are they like to drive?
Close your eyes and they're the same as the non-green versions. Actually, don't do that.
As we already know, the smaller Formentor VZ (not driven here) and Leon Sportstourer VZ models have the full-phat 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with 245kW, an extra Sport+ calibration for the gearbox and a rear torque splitter that can offer up a full drift mode.
The Terramar sticks with a still-healthy 195kW/265Nm and isn't configured with quite the same level of transmission and chassis antics in mind, but it's still a very spirited drive. More rorty Audi than RAV4, if you know what we mean.
In synch with the introduction of the Tribe Editions, Cupra has tweaked the Progressive Steering and adaptive suspension of its VZ models. The Formentor/Leon VZ have always been pretty firm anyway, but there's definitely a bit more aggression in the way the Terramar goes down the road.
No need to panic if that's not you. Cupra's suspension tech comes with an adjustable digital toggle that allows you to set the firmness to any of 15 different levels, while the Individual drive mode is also available to lock in your favourite combo of powertrain, chassis and even enhanced soundtrack settings.
A fruitier drive probably is you if you've chosen any of these cars, though. Cupra makes PHEVs and BEVs too (including VZ-versions), but these particular models are unashamedly showcases for pure-combustion engines and perky dual-clutch gearchanges.
Even though you're sitting and riding on all kinds of sustainable stuff. It's complicated.
What’s the pick of the range?
They're two very different models from two different market segments. Although oddly, there's quite a bit of crossover (no pun intended) between the two we have here, because the Leon is such a spacious wagon.
Anyway, purely practical concerns are probably not at the forefront of the Tribe discussion. Assuming you're on board with being green, Leon VZ is the lighter, more powerful, faster and slightly unhinged option (and cheaper than the smaller Formentor, just saying). Terramar VZ is still pretty edgy for a mid-sized family SUV, but it's a lot more measured.
What other cars should I consider?
Cupra Formentor, Leon Sportstourer or Terramar VZ models in colours that aren't green.
Or perhaps other family cars, likely quite fancy German ones, that are a bit sporty and may or may not come in green. It's a really popular colour at the moment.
