Though Cupra might be best-known for being Seat’s sporty brand, since 2018 this firm has actually been its own entity.
Up until now, though, it has continued to just produce hot versions of existing Seats despite being a standalone brand. Though that is set to continue, the introduction of the Formentor represents a significant shift for Cupra. That’s because it’s the firm’s first bespoke car, with this sporty-looking crossover appealing with its sharp design and fun driving experience.
So if you’re considering a new Cupra Formentor, here’s what you need to know…
What powertrains are available?
Though you might think of Cupra solely as a performance firm, the brand has introduced smaller and more affordable engines on the Formentor to help it appeal to more buyers.
Kicking off the range is a 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol, which comes with a six-speed manual transmission (it’s the only manual Formentor available), though a seven-speed automatic is also available. The latter is the default gearbox across the rest of the line-up. A 0-60mph time of 8.7 seconds means it’s no slouch, while a claimed 44.8mpg fuel economy figure makes it the most efficient petrol option available.
Next up is the 2.0-litre turbocharged TSI unit, which is available with outputs of 187bhp, 242bhp and a hot 306bhp guide. The 187bhp comes with four-wheel-drive and can manage the sprint to 60mph in under seven seconds. Following this is the 242bhp version, which reverts to front-wheel-drive and is much the same setup as that found in the Volkswagen Golf GTI hot hatch. It’s capable of a 0-60mph time of 6.6 seconds. The flagship option for the time being is the 306bhp four-wheel-drive model, which is capable of sprinting from 0-60mph in just 4.7 seconds.
But it’s not all petrol options as Cupra also offers a choice of two plug-in hybrids. These pair a 1.4-litre petrol engine with an electric motor for a combined output of either 201bhp or 242bhp. A 13kWh battery pack is also used, which when charged (this takes 3.5 hours using a 3.6kW AC charger), enables an electric range of up to 34 miles. With Cupra promising a fuel economy figure of up to 235.4mpg and CO2 emissions as low as 27g/km, it could be an impressively cheap to run model.
What trim levels are offered?
Five trims are available on the Formentor, with equipment highlights and pricing as follows.
V1 – from £27,400
Even entry-level Formentors get a very generous amount of equipment, including 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, rear parking sensors and three-zone climate control. Inside, it benefits from a digital dial system and a large 12-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone mirroring and phone charging.
V2 – from £29,230
Upgrading to the V2 brings a more menacing look thanks to larger 19-inch silver and matte black alloy wheels, akong with Nappa leather bucket seats, electric and heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Park assist and a reversing camera are also included.
VZ1 – from £34,155
Next up is the VZ1, which builds on the V1 with a range of performance changes, including dynamic chassis control that can change the suspension setup and throttle response, along with speed sensitive power steering and sports suspension. It also comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, black bucket seats and sportier styling thanks to a rear diffuser. An electric boot is also included, along with blind spot monitoring and traffic sign recognition.
VZ2 – from £39,870
VZ2 versions are limited to the sportier hybrid and top-spec petrol model, featuring black leather bucket seats from the V2 grade, which are also electric and heated. Lane change assist and emergency assist are also included.
VZ3 – from £42,240
The flagship VZ3 trim is only available with the 306bhp petrol version, and comes with cool 19-inch black and copper alloy wheels, along with Brembo brakes for increased stopping power.
What about personalisation?
Each trim level offers a slightly different look to the next, which helps the model to stand out, as does the fancy LED lighting – particularly a full-width light bar at the rear.
Elsewhere, Cupra offers a choice of nine predominantly darker colours, though a Desire Red does offer something a bit older. Matte shades of Petrol Blue and Magnetic Grey help the model to stand out, though.
Inside, the bucket seats can come in Petrol Blue with copper stitching as a no-cost option (only on higher-spec trims, though), while a panoramic sunroof and extended safety technology are some of the only extras you can add.
Enquire on a new Cupra Formentor
