Cupra-Formentor

SUVs have colonized and conquered all segments of the market. They come in all sizes, formats and brands. The newly launched brand Cupra is launched on the market of C-SUVs with a coupé look with the Cupra-Formentor. A high-performance crossover that, due to features and equipment, wants to attack the highest levels of the industry.

We have tested this car:

Test Cupra Formentor 2024 VZ 333: Now with Torque Splitter! (with video)Test Cupra Formentor VZ5 of 390 hp (with video)Test Cupra Formentor 1.5 TSI 150 CV DSG (with video)Test Cupra Formentor VZ 2.0 TSI 310 CV DSG 7v 4Drive (with video)

This is the third product presented by the subsidiary brand of SEAT, behind the Ateca Cupra and cupra leon. Its main characteristic is that it does not have a twin model within the product portfolio of the Spanish house. In other words, while the León and the Ateca have a homonym in the parent brand, the Formentor is exclusive to Cupra.

Presented at the beginning of 2020, it is the first generation that we see stepping on the asphalt. An SUV coupé that joins the increasingly popular trend of country models with a sporty look. But unlike other rivals, the Cupra Formentor does clearly focus on performance, as demonstrated by its high-performance mechanical range with efficient high-tech solutions. In the summer of 2024, this generation undergoes a facelift in order to strongly face the second half of its life cycle.

Technical characteristics of the Cupra Formentor

Although we have already said that the Formentor does not have a twin model at SEAT, under its attractive and sporty line there is a Volkswagen Group's evolved MQB platform. The same structure used by its brothers Ateca and León, in addition to other models of the German conglomerate such as the Audi A3, Skoda Karoq and Volkswagen Tiguan, among others.

The MQB platform is capable of adapting to various measures depending on the needs. In the case of the Cupra Formentor, we stick to a compact and ideal size for the C-SUV segment. 4,45 meters long, 1,84 meters wide and 1,51 meters high. To these levels must be added a wheelbase of 2,68 meters. Enough space to homologate an approved cabin for five passengers.

Given the coupé line, the trunk of the Formentor is reduced compared to an SUV with traditional lines. The minimum approved volume is 450 liters, 35 liters less than those shown by his brother Ateca. Although its shapes simulate a country style, the reality is that the Cupra Formentor does not have a country character due to its very low offroad dimensions.

Mechanical range and gearboxes of the Cupra Formentor

SUV coupe with a sporty character. Cupra was born to emphasize the aggressive character of SEAT. And this is perfectly demonstrated in the mechanical range. Motors that combine traditional solutions with state-of-the-art versions committed to efficiency and savings. so we have un portfolio showing diesel, petrol and a plug-in hybrid versions. The latter copies the system of the cupra leon with 204 or 272 horsepower and an electric range of more than 100 kilometers thanks to a battery with a gross capacity of 19,7 kWh.

By power, the range starts with the Formentor 2.0 TDI with 150 horsepower and 340 Nm of torque. With the same performance figure, there is the Formentor 1.5 TSI with 150 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque. On a step above is the Formentor 2.0 TSI with 190 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque. All units (except the 2.0 TSI) offer manual gearbox as standard, but optionally can access a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission. We find a similar case in traction. Front on access versions and optional 4MOTION.

The most powerful versions are postulated as units with a clear performance focus. The Formentor 2.0 TSI extends its capacity to 333 horsepower with 400 Nm of torque. After the 2024 renewal, the only one who disappears from the family is the Formentor VZ with 390 horsepower and 480 Nm of torque. The gap is not replaced, for now, by any other version.

Equipment of the Cupra Formentor

Cupra Formentor 2024 interior

Cupra is not only the sports division of SEAT, each of its models represents the top of the range. Therefore, they offer features that cannot be offered in conventional models. In the case of the Formentor, a well-finished passenger compartment is offered, with good materials and adjustments that show a great sense of quality combined with the sportiness of the house.

The SUV coupé is only offered in a single finish, so there are no options to modify major aspects beyond different shades for the bodywork, and various sets of wheels up to 20 inches. The customization of elements is not given wide sleeves either. Cupra lacks an individualization program, something that can penalize you considering the exclusive clientele you are targeting.

As far as equipment is concerned, the amount of technology that the Cupra Formentor is capable of offering is very large. It has the latest advances and solutions that the Martorell firm can include. Among the long list of elements, it is worth mentioning: full LED headlights, keyless entry and start, Brembo brakes, electric sports seats, a multimedia system with a nine-inch screen, a parking camera, dual-zone climate control, a browser, connectivity for mobile devices, and a large team of driving assistants.

Test of the Cupra Formentor in video

The Cupra Formentor according to Euro NCAP

When establishing its safety, the European evaluation body, Euro NCAP, determined in 2021 the five safety stars for the Formentor, the highest possible score. By sections, the results are as follows: 93 out of 100 in protection of adult passengers, 88 out of 100 in protection of child passengers, 68 out of 100 in vulnerability of pedestrians and 80 out of 100 in functioning of driving assistants. These values do not change after the 2024 update as there are no changes to the structure of the vehicle.

The Cupra Formentor of Km 0 and second hand

Despite only being on sale for a short time, the Cupra Formentor is gaining popularity among customers thanks to its attractive design and excellent price-product ratio. The alternative sales channels show a wide variety of models available, mainly in the stock or pre-owned channel. In them we observe that the depreciation value is standard with respect to its most direct rivals.

If we take a look at the used and second-hand market, we discover that the several dozen units for sale show a low mileage index. Prices start in amounts close to 29.000 euros for models with up to 15.000 kilometers. The Km 0 offer is much broader, although the prices hardly differ from the list prices at dealerships.

Rivals of the Cupra Formentor

Cupra Formentor 2024

The Cupra Formentor is aimed at a very exclusive potential customer, which prioritizes performance and aesthetics over other qualities. Despite this, the Spanish model will have to deal with other rivals, some of them within his own family, such as the Audi Q3 Sportback. To it we can add other models such as BMW X2, Renault arkana or Mercedes GLA. Although they are premium rivals, the idea is to compete against them by offering a lower price and slightly more discreet features.

Highlight

dynamic capabilities
aggressive aesthetic
Extensive equipment

To improve

High price
trunk loss
media system

Cupra Formentor Prices

At checkout, the Formentor makes clear its status as a model with a slightly higher cut than SEAT. As stated, the starting price of the Cupra Formentor is 37.280 euros, without offers or promotions. This value corresponds to a unit with a 1.5 TSI 150 horsepower engine and base finish. For now it is the only price announced for the 2024 model.