Cupra Formentor test drive: A newcomer to the sporty SUV market
Under Seat's impetus, Cupra has gone from being the name of a sports finish to a brand in its own right. The young Iberian entity was freely inspired by the approach taken by Citroën with DS. Its first real model, designed and built independently of its parent company, is called "Formentor". To test its sporting abilities, the Motors Inside team put its 310hp engine to the test for a few days in the Haute-Savoie region of France.
Table of contents
Just 3 years ago, in 2018, Seat followed in the footsteps of some of its rivals and took the plunge by launching a new entity. This one will be dedicated to “racing enthusiasts”. Like Toyota with Lexus, Nissan with Infiniti, FIAT, Citroën, and Volvo who respectively launched the brands: Abarth, DS Automobiles, and Polestar, the Iberian manufacturer simplifies its range by separating its “politically correct” models from those that leave more rubber on the road: Cupra was born.
The emergence of the sports counterpart of Seat was supported and ensured by Luca de Meo, before he took up his position at Renault as Chief Executive Officer. As is customary, we also owe him the revival of Abarth, back when he was working on behalf of FIAT in Turin.
If the Ateca (sporty SUV) and the Leon (compact sedan and estate) can now display the copper logo, the Formentor remains the first true model of the young Spanish brand. This one claims a coupe SUV line but at first glance, it appears to us as a raised estate with tense lines and a sporty profile.
The Cupra Formentor takes its name from the Formentor cape on the Spanish island of Majorca, one of the most beautiful and wild areas of the Balearic Islands. It is these attributes that give the high-performance SUV its character and personality.
This impression is confirmed when you board, which we will detail later.
Conception
The Formentor, while keeping similar lines to the brand’s previous models, brings a real change from an aesthetic point of view. Of course, we are talking about an SUV, which “for purists” does not rhyme with sportiness. However, Cupra has not skimped on standard equipment, offering efficiency worthy of a sporty compact: The MQB Evo platform allows easy integration of a wide range of technologies to offer a compromise-free experience.
The 4Drive system is designed to enhance the driving experience. This electro-hydraulic multi-disc transmission system analyzes the road condition in real time and can provide the necessary power to maximize traction. The torque can even be controlled at the wheels on each side of the vehicle. Indeed, an electronic EDS locks the wheel that is slipping compared to the opposite side to prevent the loss of transverse torque.
A reinforced ventilated 4-piston 18-inch BREMBO sports braking system was featured on our test model.
The 2.0-liter TSI turbo petrol engine block is paired with the 4Drive all-wheel drive technology and the 7-speed DSG gearbox. This promising setup delivers a power of 310 hp (228 kW) and a torque of 400Nm.
Exterior Design
The production version of the CUPRA Formentor remains faithful to the concept car presented at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. It is full of character. Its curves highlight its various attributes. By combining sophistication and dynamism, we truly feel the slogan “Auto Emocion”!
The front face of the CUPRA Formentor displays a powerful and determined style, combining elegance and refinement. The imposing grille houses the new copper CUPRA logo while the Full LED lights feature a distinctive and unique lighting signature. We can once again find fog lights which are placed separately in the lower part of the bumper.
Under the front headlights, we notice two air intakes that highlight the vehicle’s face. These allow to direct the airflow to the braking system when driving becomes more sustained.
At the hood level, the sculpted lines start from the Cupra logo and stretch towards the windshield directing our gaze towards the rear of the vehicle. Regarding this, the Motors Inside team is unanimous: we found it beautiful. The dynamic turn signals integrate perfectly into the continuous LED strip which visually emphasizes the width of the vehicle. The latter now displays a characteristic look and clearly stands out from the old Seats.
The 4 exhaust outlets allow anyone approaching the SUV to understand that the Cupra Formentor is a sporty vehicle. This feeling is reinforced by the presence of specific bumpers, a spoiler, a rear diffuser, and exclusive 19-inch alloy wheels revealing Brembo brakes.
In terms of shades, we had the opportunity to walk our streets in Petroleum Blue, which does not go unnoticed and really enhances the curves and overall elegance of the vehicle. For those who prefer more discretion, there is a Matte Magnetic Gray. For other versions, a wide range of colors is still available, consisting of four metallic paints (Urban Gray, Midnight Black, Magnetic Gray, or Candy White) and three special paints (Graphene Gray, Caiman Gray, and Desire Red).
The boot capacity of our test Formentor reaches 420 litres (450L for the standard version and 345L for the e-HYBRID version).
Life on board
The interior of the Cupra Formentor really stands out from the other entities of the Volkswagen group. The SUV offers very high-quality interior features. Once on board, the overall ambiance seduces its occupants by cleverly combining modernity and sportiness.
We can say that the engineers of the brand did not do things by halves: As soon as the doors open, the ceremony begins: the Cupra logo is projected on the ground, the front door sills light up, and your gaze falls on the superb bucket seats adorned with blue leather. Once seated, the quality of most materials, the precision of the adjustments and the finishings continue to impress.
The dashboard, covered in blue leather with copper-colored stitching, seems to float in the air. We can notice the illuminated strip, integrated into it, running the entire width of the dashboard and fitting into the two front doors. Interestingly, Cupra engineers have integrated safety functions related to onboard driving assistance systems. For example, the lighting flashes in orange when the blind-spot detector is activated (no more LEDs in the mirrors) or in red to indicate that the door is open.
The steering wheel of the Formentor blends perfectly with the rest of the dashboard. Its lower right side hosts the start button while its opposite is reserved for the driving mode selector (Comfort, Sport, CUPRA, and Individual. A long press activates the CUPRA mode directly). The other satellite elements provide access to the settings of the digital cockpit, cruise control, and music management.
The two report selection paddles are housed on either side of the steering wheel and follow its movement. These are larger than on the previous Cupra, thus facilitating gear changes through easier handling.
Very convenient to use, the system allows the driver to gather the information that will be essential to him in one place, thus not forcing him to look away from the road too much. In this way, the driver will be able to choose to display only the speedometer, the tachometer, or the GPS, for example.
The ventilation adjustment is done exclusively through this system, which in practice is not necessarily practical because it requires taking your eyes off the road to adjust the temperature or the intensity of the ventilation.
The system incorporates a voice recognition (which in our opinion leaves something to be desired). You can pronounce the keywords « Hola, Hola » and choose the temperature, initiate a route, or adjust the volume of the music.
We find a total of 6 physical buttons located under the screen, allowing to adjust the volume and temperature. Finally, regarding the infotainment system, it should be noted that Cupra allows the owner to subscribe to online services through a SIM card integrated into the car and a dedicated mobile application. You will thus have the opportunity to access all the information of your Formentor (driving data, geolocation, etc.), but also to manage the air conditioning and charging information (e-HYBRID only). An important note, in case of an accident, the system allows to directly contact emergency services by communicating information about the vehicle and the number of passengers on board.
Finally, in terms of connectivity, there is a wireless mobile charging system (very convenient) and 4 USB-C ports (2 in the front and 2 in the back).
Something incomprehensible (probably for budget reasons), only the driver’s seat has an electric memory adjustment (3 sets) while the passenger seat has to be adjusted manually. This is at odds with the brand’s claimed prestige.
Engine and Road Behavior
Cupra has developed a wide range of engines for its Formentor, including two hybrids.
Our test model (Formentor VZ) is equipped with the 2.0 TSI 310hp 4Drive engine, paired with the 7-speed DSG gearbox. The engine offers very good performance, delivering 400 Nm of torque, allowing it to reach 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds with a top speed of 250 km/h – electronically limited.
Cupra has equipped the Formentor with shift-by-wire technology, which integrates electronic gearbox management.
The 4Drive system perfectly complements the Engine – Gearbox duo, with electronic monitoring of many parameters such as steering angle, wheel speed, etc., allowing to provide the right power at the right time. In terms of consumption, the reported figures are met at 8.2 – 9.0 liters / 100 km (Journey Paris – Annecy 8.8 L / 523 Km – 97 km/h average).
Here is a summary of all the available engines:
The VZ family (VZ comes from Veloz which means fast or quick in Spanish / Engine with over 245HP) offers for sale:
- CUPRA Formentor VZ 2.0 TSI with 245 hp (180 kW) in DSG and front-wheel drive;
- CUPRA Formentor VZ e-HYBRID 1.4 TSI with 245 hp (180 kW) in DSG and front-wheel drive;
- CUPRA Formentor VZ 2.0 TSI with 310 hp (228 kW) in DSG and 4Drive.
The lower power variations of the range include:
- CUPRA Formentor diesel 2.0 TDI with 150 hp (110 kW), available in manual or DSG 4Drive;
- CUPRA Formentor petrol 1.5 TSI with 150 hp (110 kW) which is available in manual or DSG;
- CUPRA Formentor 2.0 TSI with 190 hp (140 kW) in DSG and 4Drive;
- Plug-in hybrid CUPRA Formentor e-HYBRID 1.4 TSI with 204 hp (150 kW) also available in DSG.
On the chassis side, the MQB Evo platform integrates a wide range of technologies. At the front, the Cupra is equipped with MacPherson strut legs and a multi-link rear setup. Very well balanced, you have the ability to use the Formentor for daily driving or for a much more dynamic use. Thanks to the DCC (adaptive damping supplied as standard), you have the ability to choose different driving modes: Comfort, Sport, Individual, CUPRA, and Off-road (allowing for precise adjustment at each wheel).
In addition, the multi-disc electro-hydraulic 4Drive transmission system analyzes the road condition in real time and can provide the necessary power to maximize traction. The torque can even be controlled at the wheels on each side of the vehicle. Indeed, an electronic EDS (electronic differential lock) locks the wheel that is spinning compared to the opposite side to prevent loss of transverse torque. The system is integrated into the rear axle, at the end of the drive shaft, in front of the rear differential. A location that improves weight distribution and reduces inertia and reaction time.
It is in our High-Savoyard mountain passes that we were able to test the effectiveness of the chassis and the engine.
With Cupra mode activated, the Formentor tackles corners with surprising precision despite its SUV size. The 4Drive system provides impressive handling, allowing for strong accelerations at each corner exit with the pedal to the metal. At the next turn, the Brembo brakes stop our desire to push the chassis to its limits effortlessly and are extremely efficient. We had a lot of fun linking the curves of our winding roads.
Bridgestone tires in 245/40 ZR19 offer excellent grip, but in some cases, they may provide a slight feeling of fuzziness during pronounced braking phases.
The very well-tuned suspensions allow the SUV to turn flat without any roll, we felt like we were driving a compact sports car and not an SUV.
In Cupra mode – Sport gearbox, the engine never runs out of steam. It always responds, regardless of the engine speed range we are in. Torque is fully accessible from 1500 rpm, allowing for smooth acceleration phases and strong recoveries. However, we noted a delay in the accelerator pedal (Comfort / Sport mode – when the gearbox is not in sport mode), the engine does not respond directly to our request.
On the gearbox side, in manual mode, the paddles are very responsive when shifting up but surprisingly slower when downshifting. By the way, it is impossible to reach any redline by venturing into the red zone of the tachometer. In automatic mode, the responsiveness is good and there are no jerks to be deplored.
The differences between the Sport and Cupra modes are hardly noticeable. We do not see the point of the Sport mode, which we believe will be used less than the others.
The only regret, expressed unanimously by the editorial team, concerns the artificial noise of the engine, broadcast through the speakers… This trick completely spoils the driving pleasure and that of the ears. It masks the explosions, yet clearly present during downshifting phases, which the engine delights us with.
Conclusion
The Formentor, the firstborn of the Cupra era, is a success in every way. It allows the new brand to integrate into a segment that is gaining more and more importance, that of Sporty SUVs. A very successful design, an efficient powertrain, and a dynamic chassis allow the Formentor to establish itself in the big leagues from the beginning of the Cupra adventure.
His discovery was a real nice surprise.
His singular and assertive personality, his exemplary finish, his range of technological options, but above all, the impressive work that the engineers of the brand have dedicated to it, reinforce this feeling of success.
We will have to wait a little longer to see how the brand positions itself in the very competitive world of “affordable sports cars”, but one thing is certain, Cupra is making a strong impact for its arrival.
We really enjoyed these 5 days and we thank the Cupra France teams for their trust. Thank you also to the teams of the Grand Medieval festival of Andilly for providing access to the site, and especially to Mr. Vincent Humbert.
Numbers
| Modèle | CUPRA Formentor 310 ch 2020 |
|---|---|
| Prix / à partir de: | 33 050 € |
| Price of the model tested: | €52,815 |
| Engine | |
| Engine: | 2.0 TSI Petrol
4 cylinders – 16 valves 1 984 cm3 16 valves Direct Injection |
| Engine architecture: | Mid-front position |
| Power: | 310 hp |
| Torque: | 400 Nm at 2500 rpm |
| Transmission: | Dual-clutch automatic
7 reports |
| Transmission type: | 4×4 |
| Characteristics | |
| Front / rear suspensions: | Independent front suspension, McPherson type with coil springs. Hydraulic shock absorbers with DCC adaptive suspension / Rear multilink axle with coil springs. Hydraulic shock absorbers with DCC adaptive suspension |
| Front brakes: | 4-piston closed monobloc aluminum fixed calipers, 340 × 30 (370 x 32 with BREMBO braking system) |
| Rear brakes: | 4-piston closed monobloc aluminum fixed calipers, 310 x 22 |
| Front / rear tires: | 245/40 R19 |
| Performance | |
| 0-100 Km/h: | 4.9 seconds |
| Max speed: | 250 km/h |
| Urban cycle: | 11.2 L /100 km |
| Extra-urban cycle: | 8.2 L/100 km |
| Mixed cycle: | 9.0 L/100 km |
| Weight and size | |
| Dimensions: | 4,450mm (L)
1 839 mm (w) 1 511 mm (H) 2 680 mm |
| Volume of the trunk(s): | 420 L |
| Tank: | 55 L |
| Empty weight: | 1,644 kg |
| Number of seats: | 5 |
Positive points:
- Bold and evocative exterior/interior design
- An efficient engine and 4Drive system
- A very well-balanced chassis
- Responsive braking
- Remarkable comfort and spaciousness
- A rather generous standard equipment with options and driver assistance
Negative points:
- Some hard plastics in the cabin leaving something to be desired
- Some finishes – manual adjustments for the passenger seat
- A lack of responsiveness in the engine in comfort mode
- A gearbox that is sometimes capricious
- Fragile paint that is difficult to maintain
- High price and expensive options
- Simply exorbitant penalties (!)
The photos of our review of the Cupra Formentor
