Cupra will be among the first Volkswagen Group brands in Australia to introduce factory-backed connected-car technology, though the exact timeline remains uncertain.
Jeff Shafer, head of product for Cupra Australia, confirmed the rollout but did not provide a firm launch date. “Connected services for Australia have been confirmed, and we’re working closely with our global and Volkswagen Group colleagues to bring the technology to market,” he told CarExpert.
Localization delays push back launch
Shafer explained that engineering and localization requirements are causing the delay. “There are a number of engineering and localisation requirements that need to be completed to ensure the system delivers the experience our customers expect, and that work will ultimately determine the rollout timing. While we can’t provide a firm date today, we’re encouraged by the progress being made and look forward to sharing more details as the program advances,” he added.
The brand is prioritizing the technology ahead of the 2027 launch of its compact Raval electric vehicle. The new model will debut a next-generation infotainment system powered by Google’s Android software. It’s understood the updated Tavascan, arriving soon, will include the same interface but without connectivity.
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Mr Shafer’s latest comments follow his remarks to CarExpert last year that Cupra Australia was “pushing really hard” for an embedded factory-backed connectivity solution, rather than opting for a third-party app with limited functionality like the Volkswagen brand has done with Goconnect in Australia. “It’s a really hot topic. It’s an issue that exists at a Group level, not just a Cupra level, but we’re pushing really hard,” he said in August 2025.
Volkswagen Group’s broader connectivity gap
The delay affects more than just Cupra. Volkswagen Group Australia has been unable to implement a factory-backed connected services feature set, something that has also impacted the specification of its products – particularly, its range of EVs based on the dedicated electric MEB platform. Without the necessary module, Australian models lack features like satellite navigation (with online routing and traffic updates), digital key and emergency call functions, as well as over-the-air software updates.
The first Cupra Born, for instance, did not include the Group’s Travel Assist semi-autonomous highway mode due to the missing connectivity. It’s understood the Skoda Elroq and Enyaq will soon add the Czech brand’s version of the same Android-based infotainment system for model year 2027 without connected features.
Last year, Volkswagen Australia introduced Goconnect as a third-party solution in lieu of proprietary services. Via the Goconnect phone app, owners can view their parking position, visualise the vehicle’s most recent trips, interact and book appointments with their dealer, view important errors and warnings, check their high-voltage battery status, and see their vehicle’s driving speed.
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At the launch of the ID. Buzz electric van range, Volkswagen Group Australia director of commercial vehicles, Ryan Davies, said: “Australia is currently one of those [markets] we don’t have a true picture of when the connectivity that’s available in Europe will make its way into Australia”.
Despite also falling under the VW Group banner locally, Audi Australia has long offered its own connected vehicle solutions via the Audi connect plus system, which offers a range of online features and remote functions.
For Cupra, the priority is ensuring the technology works well before the Raval arrives. Australian customers will have to wait, though recent progress suggests the delay may be short.
Shafer expressed confidence in the timeline. “We’re encouraged by the progress being made and look forward to sharing more details as the program advances,” he said.
