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New Cupra Formentor video review
Rory reviews the Cupra Formentor, a new performance-focused SUV and the first standalone release from Cupra.
Words by: Andrew Woodhouse
Published on 21 April 2021 | 0 min read
The new Formentor is Cupra’s first standalone car, a compact SUV that should prove popular with families.
In years past, a Cupra was mostly a Seat with a different badge on it, but the times have changed and they’re now going it alone. Well, not entirely. The Cupra Formentor shares a lot with the Seat Ateca and has a few similarities with the Volkswagen Golf too. They’re about the same size, they’ve got the same chassis and the Cupra also uses VW’s seven speed dual clutch gearbox. But let’s take a closer look at how the Cupra is carving its own lane.
In years past, a Cupra was mostly a Seat with a different badge on it, but the times have changed and they’re now going it alone. Well, not entirely. The Cupra Formentor shares a lot with the Seat Ateca and has a few similarities with the Volkswagen Golf too. They’re about the same size, they’ve got the same chassis and the Cupra also uses VW’s seven speed dual clutch gearbox. But let’s take a closer look at how the Cupra is carving its own lane.
Cupra Formentor engine
The Cupra Formentor offers a variety of engines; from a 1.4 litre petrol with 150 hp, up to a two-litre petrol with 310 hp.
The Formentor’s engine is essentially the same the one found in the Golf R, but with slightly less horsepower. It’s capable of reaching 155 mph flat out, and 0-62 in 4.9 seconds.
The Formentor’s engine is essentially the same the one found in the Golf R, but with slightly less horsepower. It’s capable of reaching 155 mph flat out, and 0-62 in 4.9 seconds.
Cupra Formentor: what’s it like to drive?
Ultimately, the Cupra Formentor is a family car. It’s easy to live with and easy to drive, and honestly feels more like a big hatchback than an SUV at times.
Steering is light and accurate with a good turning circle. There’s huge traction, the brakes are easy to modulate and strong, without being snatchy or grabby like they are in some performance cars. On the road, the Formentor feels strong: torque is 400 Nm and it pulls from around 2,000 rpm to around 6,000 rpm. There’s a fancy suspension system too, a Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) that lets you choose from 14 levels of suspension comfort and, in the most comfortable setting, rides beautifully over imperfections in the road. Further to this, the driving modes (Comfort, Sport and Supra) offer increasing levels of responsivity. The Formentor has its flaws and annoyances, sure, but overall it drives really well.
Steering is light and accurate with a good turning circle. There’s huge traction, the brakes are easy to modulate and strong, without being snatchy or grabby like they are in some performance cars. On the road, the Formentor feels strong: torque is 400 Nm and it pulls from around 2,000 rpm to around 6,000 rpm. There’s a fancy suspension system too, a Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) that lets you choose from 14 levels of suspension comfort and, in the most comfortable setting, rides beautifully over imperfections in the road. Further to this, the driving modes (Comfort, Sport and Supra) offer increasing levels of responsivity. The Formentor has its flaws and annoyances, sure, but overall it drives really well.
Cupra Formentor interior
The seating position is excellent, the steering wheel is well-centred, and the pedals are perfectly positioned and spaced.
The Cupra Formentor’s cabin looks and feels surprisingly upmarket. Premium touches like leather on the dashboard and ambient lighting running from the doors around the dashboard (which also work as part of the blindspot indicator) lend a touch of class. The sport bucket seats are electrically adjustable and have memory settings for different drivers, and there’s a massive infotainment display up front. In the back seats, there’s plenty of head- and leg-room. There’s also a massive boot; the entry level model offers 450 litres, though you’ll go down to 420 litres if you opt for the all-wheel-drive model.
The Cupra Formentor’s cabin looks and feels surprisingly upmarket. Premium touches like leather on the dashboard and ambient lighting running from the doors around the dashboard (which also work as part of the blindspot indicator) lend a touch of class. The sport bucket seats are electrically adjustable and have memory settings for different drivers, and there’s a massive infotainment display up front. In the back seats, there’s plenty of head- and leg-room. There’s also a massive boot; the entry level model offers 450 litres, though you’ll go down to 420 litres if you opt for the all-wheel-drive model.