To many, Cupra will be known as Seat’s performance division but since 2018 it’s been establishing its own path as a separate entity from the wider Spanish brand.
So far we’ve seen the Ateca and Leon, but in 2021, buyers now have a third option in the form of the Formentor – a model that Cupra is hoping will see its sales increase quite significantly. It’s already impressed us behind the wheel, and is one of our favourite compact SUVs too.
Here are five things you need to know about it.
It’s Cupra’s first standalone model
While Cupra might have officially split from Seat in 2018, so far its only models have been those that are also available as Seats – the Ateca and Leon.
The Formentor is therefore hugely important as its Cupra’s first chance to go it alone, with this model being an SUV that this brand had a clear slate to design and engineer. That said, it still is able to draw upon the Volkswagen Group’s extensive technology, which is a big asset here.
Broad range of powertrain options – including hybrid
Though Cupra might be a performance brand, the Formentor is actually available with a huge range of powertrain options to suit plenty of buyers.
So the start of the range begins with a more affordable 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol model, while a 187bhp 2.0-litre petrol is available with four-wheel-drive. A 242bhp 2.0-litre version is also available, with this being the exact same engine as you get in the Volkswagen Golf GTI. A 306bhp 2.0-litre model currently heads up the range, with this being capable of reaching 0-60mph in just 4.7 seconds.
We also can’t forget about the e-Hybrid, which is one of Cupra’s first electrified models. Combining a 1.4-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, it produces 242bhp in all and can also travel for an impressive 37 miles on electricity, which gives scope for some very low running costs.
400bhp performance model on the way
That 306bhp 2.0-litre model isn’t where the Formentor range will end, though. Oh no, as the firm is soon launching a monstrous 385bhp five-cylinder petrol engine – broadly similar to that of the Audi RSQ3 – that enables a 0-60mph time of just four seconds, which is incredible performance for a car of this time.
Called the VZ5, models will also come equipped with exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels and huge 18-inch Akebono brake callipers. Just 7,000 examples are set to be made, though they will all be limited to left-hand-drive.
Impressive range of technology
Though the Formentor might seem a model that’s obsessed with performance, this is a car that’s actually just as much about technology.
That’s because the interior is brimmed with the latest features, with even entry-level cars coming with a large 12-inch touchscreen system and a configurable digital instrument cluster. Models further up the line-up also benefit from all manner of safety assists, including ‘exit assist’ that stops you opening doors into any passing traffic and also ‘Emergency Assist’ that can safely bring the car to a stop in an emergency, such as a driver falling asleep, for example.
Stand-out styling
With Cupra being able to start from scratch, one of the key advantages to this is its designers having freedom over the model's styling.
The Formentor is a properly striking-looking SUv as a result, with a sleek ‘coupe-like’ profile, along with sharp LED headlights and a cool LED light bar that runs across the full width at the rear. Models also still come with plenty of copper-coloured accents – Cupra’s trademark colour – that helps to bring further street cred.
Enquire on a new Cupra Formentor
