CUPRA Formentor: new design and more power – new experiences and more emotions?
At one time, the CUPRA Formentor car became the "face of the brand": it was first released with the CUPRA designation, without any connection to any SEAT model. The time has come for an update, and the CUPRA Formentor crossover has received noticeable design changes and even more technical changes. What do we have in the end? Now I'll tell you everything - in the format of five main questions and answers!
Is the updated CUPRA Formentor easy to recognize?
Yes, very easily. Although the overall body format of the CUPRA Formentor has remained unchanged – I call it a cross-hatchback – almost all the details that immediately attract attention have changed. For example, the front end is now made in the Shark Nose style: this is when there is a pointed bar between the headlights, and the radiator grille is lowered down. By the way, the headlights have also changed – now a triangle reigns everywhere, which can be seen both in the general shape of the optics and in individual elements of the direction indicators. There are also new lights (with triangles, of course!) and new wheel rim options, the shape of the rear bumper is different, the body color palette has been updated, including a new matte color. Here is the result: be sure that you will immediately recognize the updated CUPRA Formentor crossover – there are enough differences!
The CUPRA Formentor car remained in the usual cross-hatchback format and with familiar overall dimensions: length - 4.45 meters; width - 1.84 meters; height - 1.51 meters; wheelbase - 2.68 meters. The clearance was previously announced at 16 cm and is unlikely to have changed significantly. But the details have changed: a completely new front end, headlights with triangles, wheel rims in an updated design, modified lights that are connected to each other. Paired exhaust pipes on the right/left are in place.
Are the changes only on the outside? Has anything been updated in the interior as well?
Frankly speaking, compared to the exterior of the CUPRA Formentor, its interior is no longer impressive in terms of the number of changes. However, certain updates are still present. The most important of them are the enlarged 12.9-inch display for controlling the multimedia system (also new) and the satellite buttons on the steering wheel. If a large display is a requirement of the time, and a new multimedia system with an advanced menu is a requirement for ease of control, then the button for changing driving modes on the steering wheel is a requirement of enthusiastic drivers: finally!
After all, the CUPRA Formentor has a lot of technology and a very versatile character. And to fully express it, it is very desirable to have various driving modes. However, previously they were changed by switching on the touch screen in one of the sections of the car settings menu, which was long and not very convenient. And now - all the pleasure is literally at your fingertips!
There are no special changes in the back and in the trunk. However, for the class and format of the CUPRA Formentor, everything was done quite well from the beginning. For example, there are no adjustments to the sofa in the back, but there is more or less sufficient space (I will give the measurements below) and there is not only an armrest, but also a separate remote control for adjusting the climate control temperature. The trunk offers sufficient volume (420 liters), various hooks and fasteners for small items; there is even a household socket, although not very powerful.
The interior of the updated CUPRA Formentor crossover still prefers straight lines and sharp turns at angles, which makes it similar to the CUPRA Leon interior; unlike the CUPRA Terramar interior, which is made in a completely different design and prefers smooth lines. Although the details – for example, the digital instrument panel and the new multimedia system with a large 12.9-inch touch display – are familiar from any of these cars. I would like to note the sports seats with integrated headrest, leather and Alcantara trim, the appearance of Sennheiser audio, background contour lighting, as well as copper decor – this has already become one of the signature features of CUPRA Formentor cars. A full-fledged sofa for passengers is provided at the back, and the 420-liter trunk looks considerable.
What about the exact dimensions and headroom? Let's start measuring from the front of the cabin. So, the length of the driver's seat cushion is 51 cm; the distance from the edge of the cushion to the accelerator pedal varies in the range of 44-67 cm, depending on the longitudinal adjustment of the seat. The height of the trunk/headroom is 103 cm (measured from the base of the driver's seat to the ceiling, measured along the backrest/headrest, the backrest is set at an angle of 105-110 degrees).
Now a few words about the rear of the cabin and the trunk. The legroom/kneeroom of the rear passengers is 60-83 cm depending on the front seat adjustments (measured from the base of the rear sofa to the stop in the back of the front seat). The height of the trunk/headroom is 99 cm (measured along the backrest and headrest from the base of the sofa and further to the ceiling). And finally, about the trunk. The width of the trunk between the wheel arches is 100 cm, although taking into account the side niches it will be even 123 cm; however, these side niches are not very large. The depth of the trunk, that is, the measurement from the edge to the back of the rear sofa, is 82 cm. The depth of the trunk with the rear sofa folded reaches 145 cm (length to the edge of the back of the folded back sofa of the rear row) or a maximum of 166 cm (up to the stop in the back of the front passenger seat).
The CUPRA Formentor’s cabin space is less than that of a typical high-roof C-sUV. However, when compared to crossover hatchbacks, the CUPRA Formentor is still one of the most spacious.
What about the increase in power? How does it feel on the road?
Yes, the update of the CUPRA Formentor car was not limited to external and internal changes: in the case of the VZ version (which means Veloz and translates as speed), we also have noticeable changes in technology. Firstly, the 2-liter gasoline engine of the EA888 series with the code designation DNFF develops 333 hp (5600-6500 rpm) instead of 310 hp previously in its predecessor. The torque at the level of 420 Nm (2100-5500 rpm) is sent to the DSG DQ 381 robotic gearbox and then to all four wheels; moreover, from now on the CUPRA Formentor VZ crossover has received a new all-wheel drive system with separate clutches for the right/left rear wheel - this allows you to flexibly control the torque distribution and the thrust vector in general. And also Akebono brakes (optional), additional drift mode of driving settings, adaptive DCC suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers. Although all this weighs a lot (at least 1641 kg for the VZ version); however, thank goodness, all this is available in Ukraine!
Interestingly, the DCC suspension surprised the most from the list above : it did not leave the impression that it was possible to expand the ranges of shock absorber settings. Because the updated CUPRA Formentor VZ crossover suddenly drove almost more comfortably than its predecessor in normal driving modes. Of course, there is no talk of frank softness of the suspension (that is, this is not a CUPRA Terramar), but progress towards comfort is obvious - the car has learned to round off shocks from irregularities, while the suspension works quietly, and there are no unnecessary swings. Only on the highway, at very high speeds, can you feel some body sway and remember the more stable behavior of low passenger cars. For example, the CUPRA Leon hatchback in such modes literally “sticks” to the road (but only on condition that this road is absolutely flat).
I deliberately mentioned two examples of CUPRA cars - because the updated CUPRA Formentor VZ crossover seems to occupy an intermediate position between them. And this is not something "incomprehensibly mediocre", but rather something like a "golden mean" for fans of dynamic driving who have to live in the real world with imperfect roads. Moreover, thanks to the low body, very sharp steering wheel (two turns from lock to lock) and the ability to "clamp" the shock absorbers - the updated CUPRA Formentor VZ crossover is also very pleasant in turns. It easily dives into a bend and holds the arc quite well, does not roll too much in turns and does not sway the rear part of the body on bumps, as its younger brother, the hatchback, does.
And then it's time to turn on the Performance or CUPRA mode – and it turns out that everything was just child's play before. The gasoline turbo engine turns into a storm under the hood, which starts blowing already from 2.5-3 thousand revolutions and does not let go until the maximum 6-6.5 thousand – a continuous unbroken thrust with similar sound support! The engine's responses to the accelerator pedal seem instantaneous, and the DSG gearbox switching is even faster! At the same time, during the measurement of dynamics and the start with the Launch Control function, the car seems to specially "tear the veins" with the exhaust during acceleration in first gear, and then with a jolt it turns on the second and continues to work in the adrenaline factory mode! Uh-h-h-h, everyone will definitely remember these measurements within five seconds.
Yes, yes, today there is an electric car of a similar size and class, which is 1.5-2 times cheaper and “does a hundred” in four seconds. But it is so devoid of emotions that after that you can drink warm milk and go to bed at exactly nine in the evening. Instead, the CUPRA Formentor VZ crossover gives you the opportunity to change your character, adapt to different situations, play the role of universal family transport – but inside it hides a lot of emotions. In short: the CUPRA Formentor VZ car can quietly and calmly take your beloved mother or mother-in-law with her favorite seedlings to her favorite dacha during the day. And only the person behind the wheel knows that in fact this trip was not for the sake of mother, mother-in-law, dacha, seedlings, no... This trip was for the sake of the way back – a road alone with yourself and the CUPRA Formentor VZ.
The updated CUPRA Formentor VZ crossover received a powerful 2-liter 333-horsepower gasoline turbo engine; for this version, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and a maximum speed of 250 km/h are promised, as well as fuel consumption of 8.7-9.2 liters in the combined cycle. During acceleration measurements, I was unable to get a clear 4.8 seconds, but the guaranteed “departure” from five seconds is easy, and several times in a row. Here, a special “thank you” is not only to the powerful turbo engine and the fast operation of the DSG, but also to the all-wheel drive system. And also “thank you” for the driving mode switch on the steering wheel – it is convenient. In Comfort mode, we have a pleasant dynamic car for every day; in Performance mode, it becomes more fun and you can easily slide with all four wheels; in CUPRA mode, it additionally becomes even sharper in the responses to the accelerator pedal and heavier on the steering wheel, as well as noticeably louder (although it is actually difficult to withstand the roar for more than 20-30 minutes). Plus, there is a mode for light off-road and an individual mode, where you can adjust all the parameters to your liking. Finally, the drift mode: it is turned on not by pressing a button, but only through the driving settings menu and requires additional confirmation. But why is all this? Frankly, I still did not understand. On a dry road, the rear wheels are in no hurry to start drifting, but the steering wheel becomes rock-hard and tries to unscrew to the "zero" mark. In short: on a dry road, everything turns out tight and with unpleasant jerks; although perhaps on damp autumn or snowy winter terrain it will be more interesting. However, even without the drift mode, the updated CUPRA Formentor VZ crossover gives a lot of emotions. So much so that you almost forget about fuel consumption: yes, on average in the city it turns out 11-12 liters per 100 km of the road, although the minimum I got was 7.5-8 liters, and the maximum reached 17+ liters; on the highway, while driving at a speed of 100 km/h (this is approximately 1800 rpm), get ready for 6.5-7 liters per 100 km of the road. But, I think, on the highway such cars will drive faster.
How much does the updated CUPRA Formentor crossover cost? And what versions are offered?
Currently, two versions of the car are available to buyers through an official dealer in Ukraine; and they are very different – the engines, drive type, and equipment differ.
The CUPRA Formentor TDI starts with an economical 2-liter turbodiesel with 150 hp paired with a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, a multimedia system with a 12.9-inch touch screen display, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning system, Full LED package with LED headlights and taillights, three-zone climate control, heated steering wheel and seats, Drive Profile driving mode selection system, 18-inch alloy wheels, etc. The price of the CUPRA Formentor TDI is from 33.2 thousand euros or from 1.58 million UAH or from $37.9 thousand.
The maximum option is the CUPRA Formentor VZ, which offers the following: a 333 hp turbocharged gasoline engine paired with a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission and all-wheel drive; the package includes a Digital Cockpit instrument panel, sports bucket seats, 19-inch alloy wheels, etc. The price of the CUPRA Formentor TDI is from 42.2 thousand euros or from 2.015 million UAH or from $48.2 thousand.
Here is another version of the CUPRA Formentor, but completely different from the test one: under the hood is a 150-horsepower TDI turbodiesel, front-wheel drive, regular seats. Although the standard equipment also includes adaptive cruise control and a new multimedia system, and premium audio, all-round visibility, sports seats, etc. are offered as options. Frankly, a third intermediate version is clearly missing – with a capacity of about 200 hp and all-wheel drive.
The two versions of the car have completely different portraits of buyers and completely different competitors. After all, the CUPRA Formentor TDI crossover is about beautiful design, hints of a sporty character, but it is also about everyday economy. Therefore, its competitors are various similar cars in the cross-hatchback format, which emphasize design, but do not forget about practicality: Mazda CX-30, DS 4, Peugeot 3008, Volkswagen T-Roc and others, there are many such cars on the market.
But the CUPRA Formentor VZ version is clearly about emotions, power, dynamism. And its competitors can be various JCW versions of the Mini 5 D and Mini Countryman. Or other CUPRA cars: the classic CUPRA Leon hatchback with front-wheel drive and the CUPRA Terramar family crossover. Although here we can talk not only about the competition of these cars, but also about the complementarity of each other in the general CUPRA model range.
So: to buy or not?
I like the CUPRA Formentor in general: for its interesting body style, which combines a crossover and a hatchback, for its pleasant and lively handling even in the case of the diesel version, for its good and fairly complete equipment. However, it is not just the CUPRA Formentor VZ that I like, but I even respect it – for its uncompromising character.
After all, today the world requires compromises in the form of hybrid-electric tolerance, hidden exhaust pipes, as well as a bunch of safety systems to save another Greta, who has again jumped out onto the road right in front of our nose. And at this time, to create a car that shreds asphalt with all four wheels to the whistle of a turbine and turns 17 liters of gasoline into a local volcanic eruption from four provocatively protruding pipes - you know, this requires courage. Perhaps we are just now standing at the crossroads of automotive historical eras, when nothing like this will happen again. Therefore, for real "petrol heads" the question of cars like the CUPRA Formentor VZ is not whether to buy or not, but whether to have time to buy.