This site uses cookies and related technologies for site operation, analytics and third party advertising purposes as described in our Privacy and Data Processing Policy. You may choose to consent to our use of these technologies, or further manage your preferences. To opt-out of sharing with third parties information related to these technologies, select "Manage Settings" or submit a Do Not Sell My Personal Information request.
The CUPRA Formentor is a crossover SUV first launched by CUPRA in March 2020 after being previewed as a near-production concept vehicle the previous year at the Geneva Motor Show. As with other models in the SEAT/CUPRA line up, it takes its name from its Spanish roots and is named after the Formentor peninsula in Majorca.
The Formentor already has several accolades to its name including winning Best Coupe SUV at the What Car? Car of the Year Awards in both 2022 and 2023, which cements it as a
Read through our CUPRA Formentor review for information about the current model to help you choose which version of the Formentor is the right one for your next car.
The Formentor was the first model to be unique to CUPRA and not be shared with the SEAT brand, such as the SEAT Ateca becoming the CUPRA Ateca. It's built on the Volkswagen Group MQB Evo platform which is also used for the SEAT Leon, VW Golf, and the Audi A3.
Whilst it does share certain characteristics with SEAT models, see for example the front headlight and front grille shapes, it's undeniable that the CUPRA branding moulds it into entirely it's own thing. This is particularly evident with the sloping roofline and sharp creases along the body make it a much sportier looking SUV than the CUPRA Ateca.
The copper accents used throughout the car set it obviously apart from SEAT models, especially as you upgrade to the VZ3 trim which integrates it into the alloy wheels as well as across the interior.
Alongside the expected metallic and solid paint options, CUPRA also offer two matte paint choices which gives the Formentor a sleek and elegant finish that exudes luxury and style.
The CUPRA brand is very distinctively different from the SEAT brand. It's got sportier styling, for one, and uses its signature copper colour extensively to contrast throughout the interior which gives a totally different feeling to the car.
The centre console is dominated by a large 12 inch touchscreen which houses not only the infotainment system but the climate controls, sat nav, and connected services. Models with a rear view camera will also display the live feed here when in use making the screen a one stop for much of the car's functionality.
This is paired with the 10.2 inch digital cockpit which displays all of your driving and media information so that you can check in with the car at a simple glance. The Formentor also works with natural voice commands which means that rather than saying "turn on the heating" it should respond to phrases such as "I'm cold" which then triggers the heat settings. However, as with all voice control systems, it's most likely not 100% effective at picking up your requests.
Entry level trims come with part cloth and part PVC seats whilst upgrading to higher spec models will give you genuine Nappa leather paired with heated functionality and electrical adjustment for ultimate comfort and personalisation to your preferred driving position.
The Formentor is a great option as a small family SUV as it's very roomy for all passengers with 1075mm of headroom for front passengers and 986mm for those in the back seats. For comparison, the VW Golf offers 1018mm in the front and 968mm in the back and the SEAT Leon offers 1045mm in the front and 969mm in the back seats.
It offers copious amounts of boot space too with 450 litres in standard two wheel drive engines, 420 litres in all wheel drive models, and 345 litres for plug in hybrid models. The latter requires additional space to accommodate the electric motor and battery pack, which is taken from the available boot space.
The Formentor has more room than a standard family hatchback, the Leon offers 380 litres and the VW Golf is only a litre more, but isn't quite as large as some SUVs such as the Ateca at 510 litres.
The new CUPRA Formentor SUV has seven engines for you to choose from which makes it really flexible depending on what you want to get out of your model.
As standard the CUPRA Formentor comes with the TSI 150, a 1.5 litre petrol engine with a six speed manual gearbox. You'll be able to expect a combined mpg of 44.8 and CO2 emissions of 143 g/km with 150PS as you drive. It's also available as a seven speed automatic gearbox which will reduce the performance slightly to 42.2 combined mpg and 151 g/km.
For a little more power you can opt for the TSI DSG-auto 245. This 2.0 litre petrol engine offers 245PS with only a seven speed automatic gearbox option. It will deliver a combined mpg of 37.2 with CO2 emissions of 173, placing it in the middle of the petrol options available on the new CUPRA Formentor performance wise.
CUPRA then offers two all wheel drive options offering different power outputs at 190PS and 310PS, which is the most powerful engine available on the Formentor. These 2.0 litre petrol engines TSI DSG 4Drive 190 offers 37.7 combined mpg and 171 g/km CO2 emissions whilst the more powerful TSI DSG 4Drive will see a combined mpg of 33.2 and CO2 emissions of 192 g/km.
Finally, CUPRA offers two plug in hybrid models which give you the best of both electric and petrol engines in one. These are both 1.4 petrol engines supported by an electric motor to improve performance, fuel efficiency, and reduce CO2 emissions drastically.
The first option is the e-HYBRID DSG-auto capable of 204PS is the most economical option that the CUPRA Formentor offers. It's fuel economy is fantastic with up to 235.4 combined mpg whilst CO2 emissions are much lower than full petrol engines at just 27 g/km.
Likewise, the e-HYBRID DSG-auto which is capable of 245PS is much more efficient and green than its petrol counterparts. However the increase in power to 245PS does mean that it's not quite as efficient as the other hybrid engine option with a combined mpg of 188.3 and CO2 missions raised slightly to 33 g/km.
The new CUPRA Formentor has five trim levels available for you to choose from: V1, V2, VZ1, VZ2, and VZ3.
The entry level V1 brings a lot of great equipment, meaning that a standard CUPRA Formentor is still excellent quality. You can expect 18 inch black and silver alloy wheels, tinted windows, LED headlights and tail lights, dynamic indicator and dynamic range control, rain sensing wipers, rear diffuser with black simulated exhaust pipes, and rear parking sensors on the exterior.
Inside the Formentor is equally as stylish with copper and aluminium detailing, black adjustable sports seats with copper stitching, a leather multi-function steering wheel, a digital cockpit with configurable dashboard, 12 inch navigation system with voice control, wireless Apple Carplay, wired Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, CUPRA Connect, an electronic parking brake, driving profile selection, and interior ambient lighting. There's also a heated steering wheel with gear shift paddles for DSG auto models.
Stepping up to the V2 adds on 19 inch matte black and silver alloy wheels, Black Nappa leather bucket seats, heated front seats, electric adjustable driver seat with memory function, a leather dashboard trim, black headlining, smart wraparound interior lighting, park assist, a rear view camera, and electrically adjustable and folding door mirrors with heating and memory functions.
Upgrading again to VZ1 takes you further into the performance of the CUPRA Formentor by building on the V1 trim with a rear diffuser with single exhaust pipe, virtual pedal, electric tailgate, dynamic chassis control, speed sensitive power steering, sports suspension with front shock absorption, and the Safety and Driving Pack L. This adds dynamic road sign display, high beam assist, blind spot monitoring, and exit assist which gives an audible warning when traffic is approaching as you open the doors.
The VZ2 trim adds heated front seats, electrically adjustable driver seat with memory function, a leather dashboard, leather multi-function steering wheel with start stop, CUPRA mode button, gear shift paddles, a heated steering wheel, rear diffuser with twin exhaust pipes, and the Safety and Security Pack XL. This includes all of the features of the L pack that you receive on the VZ1 trim and adds lane change assist, and emergency assist which is semi-autonomous vehicle control in an emergency.
The top trim VZ3 is really special with all features of the VZ2 and 19 inch Exclusive copper and black alloy wheels, performance brakes with front Brembo calipers, and matrix LED headlights with multi-function camera functionality.
The CUPRA Formentor received a 5 star safety rating from Euro NCAP when it was tested in 2021. This puts it on par with other luxury cars in the Small Off-Road category such as the Mercedes GLA and the Porsche Macan (although this rating is overdue for a retest).
Euro NCAP have highlighted that the CUPRA Formentor shares its active safety technology with the SEAT Leon hatchback which was tested in 2020. As a result, they conducted validation tests to confirm that these systems performed in the same way on the Formentor.
Standard safety equipment on the CUPRA Formentor includes predictive adaptive cruise control with speed limiter, keyless entry and start, forward collision warning with automatic braking, driver alert system, lane assist, and the Safety and Driving Pack M which includes dynamic road sign display and high beam assist.
You'll also have a three year manufacturing warranty on your new CUPRA Formentor. This has no mileage restriction for the first two years but a cap at 60,000 miles in its third year. There's also the option to extend this further than three years which you can discuss with our CUPRA team at any time.
The CUPRA Formentor is priced lower than similar models from other brands. An entry level V1 trimmed model will start at £30,205 which is much cheaper than the Mercedes GLA at £37,645 or the BMW X2 which starts at £34,250.
The price obviously increases as you upgrade your trim level; the V2 starts at £32,270, the VZ1 starts at £36,960, the VZ2 follows at £38,735, and the top trim VZ3 starts at £46,210.
These prices are subject to change and if you begin to look at alternative paint colours or adding on any of the great options that CUPRA offer then these prices will be increased further. Opting for a different engine, such as choosing one of the two plug in hybrids over a petrol, will also add to these prices so is well worth remembering when configuring and ordering your car.
If you're looking for a sporty SUV with plenty of room for the family, stylish looks, and lots of great equipment then the CUPRA Formentor should be at the top of your list. With both petrol and plug in hybrids matched with excellent driving assistance equipment, the CUPRA Formentor is also able to be put directly in tune with how you want to drive.
For more information about the CUPRA Formentor, or to book your test drive, please don't hesitate to contact our knowledgeable and friendly teams at John Clark CUPRA Aberdeen or John Clark CUPRA Dundee today.
