New spy shots obtained by SEATCUPRA.NET have caught a CUPRA Leon VZ3 hatchback and Formentor VZ testing parts from the new CUSTOM CUPRA by ABT programme.
Photographed in Germany, the two white development cars are not wearing the complete production packages previously revealed by CUPRA. Instead, they appear to be running a mixture of standard components and individual ABT parts, giving us an interesting look at the ongoing development and validation work behind the new accessories.
That is particularly notable because UK availability of the CUSTOM CUPRA by ABT range remains unclear. The packages still aren’t showing as configurable options in the UK, despite having already appeared in some other European markets.
CUPRA Leon VZ3 testing ABT aero parts
The Leon VZ3 is perhaps the easier of the two cars to identify as an ABT development mule.
At the front, it is fitted with a noticeably extended black splitter beneath the standard VZ3 bumper. It gives the Leon a considerably lower-looking nose and is one of the most obvious elements of the finished CUSTOM CUPRA by ABT package.
The biggest change at the back is the much larger roof spoiler. It projects noticeably further from the tailgate than the standard item and gives the rear of the Leon a much stronger profile when viewed from the side or three-quarter angle.
There also appears to be additional lower aero treatment around the rear bumper, although the car isn’t displaying every element of the complete package.
One obvious difference from CUPRA’s finished show cars is the wheel choice. This test car is running conventional black alloys rather than the distinctive 19-inch CUSTOM Sport Black Matt wheels included with the production package.
That mix of parts strongly suggests this is a validation car rather than an attempt to disguise a previously unseen version of the Leon.
Formentor VZ also caught testing
The Formentor VZ photographed at the same time follows a similar pattern.
At the front, the additional black splitter is clearly visible underneath the bumper, extending further out than the standard lower section.
There is also extra aero detailing around the outer front air intakes, corresponding with the air curtain frames included as part of CUPRA’s announced Formentor package.
From the side, unlike the Leon, the car has the side fins fitted. It is also running regular wheels rather than the 19-inch CUSTOM Sport Black Matt alloys shown as part of the finished package.
At the rear, the familiar VZ quad exhaust outlets remain in place. Some of the more obvious finished-package details are less apparent on this development car, again suggesting CUPRA and ABT are evaluating individual components rather than running the complete showroom configuration.
What does the full package include?
CUPRA officially revealed the CUSTOM CUPRA by ABT programme for the Leon and Formentor earlier this year.
On the Leon, the finished package includes a front splitter, side skirts, rear splitter, rear winglets and roof spoiler, together with Dark Chrome CUPRA badging and specific 19-inch wheels.
The Formentor package uses a slightly different combination, including a front splitter, front air curtain frames, side door mouldings, rear splitter, rear C-flaps and roof spoiler, again accompanied by Dark Chrome branding and dedicated wheels.
These spy shots therefore shouldn’t be viewed as showing exactly how either finished car will look. Instead, they provide a useful glimpse of the individual components being tested on the road before reaching customers.
UK availability remains confusing
What remains considerably less clear is exactly how UK buyers will be able to get hold of the packages.
At the time of writing, there is still no obvious option to add the CUSTOM CUPRA by ABT package to a Leon or Formentor through the UK configurator. We expect them to be coming soon.
Elsewhere in Europe, the situation is different, with the accessories already appearing in selected markets.
There has also been some mixed messaging around whether CUSTOM CUPRA by ABT is primarily a factory-order option or can be fitted retrospectively.
CUPRA’s official communications around the programme have referred to cars being prepared with the components as part of a new vehicle order, while dealer-fit availability has also been referenced for customers wanting to add the parts after purchasing their car.
Development appears to be continuing
The fact that both a Leon VZ3 and Formentor VZ have now been caught running ABT components suggests development and validation of the programme is continuing even after the packages were officially announced.
It also explains why neither car perfectly matches the polished examples CUPRA has already shown.
For existing owners in particular, the prospect of dealer-fit availability could make CUSTOM CUPRA by ABT considerably more interesting. But until CUPRA confirms UK pricing, availability, and exactly if and how retrofit orders will work, some questions remain unanswered.
For now, these latest images give us our first close look at the ABT parts being put through real-world testing on both models.
