By Ian Strachan.
It doesn’t seem five minutes since the excellent CUPRA Formentor was first launched. But that was back in 2020 and now this lively low-down SUV has had an upgrade.
I’ve always liked the Formentor with its angular look, comfortable interior and sparkling performance. It was the first car from the SEAT stable to stand alone with its smart copper-coloured CUPRA badging and distinct identity. Although an SUV, with the practicality that sector suggests, it’s lower and sportier than most of its competitors. Not quite a hot hatch but heading in that direction.
And now the Formentor has got better, with even sharper design, re-designed lights and a new centre console and screen.
The Formentor certainly looks distinct and impressive with its CUPRA badging and appealing copper-coloured trim. My test car came in a trendy matt finish which was certainly a head turner. The paint job will cost and extra £2,035 but it certainly makes a big difference.
I test drove the Formentor in the top-of-the-range VZ First Edition trim level, which costs £51,790 on the road. The range starts below £34,000 so that gives you an indication of how specced-up this model is. It’s got everything, with superb performance and hybrid technology thrown in.
This Formentor is powered by a sprightly 1.5 litre e-Hybrid petrol engine, helped by a fast-charging battery. This develops 177 PS and has impressive performance, taking you from 0-60 mph in around seven seconds, linked to a six speed DSG automatic gearbox. It has top speed, where legal, of 137mph.
Performance aside, the Formentor certainly has a quality feel to it inside and out. It feels substantial. The Formentor is also a good looker. My test car came with very smart 19 inch matt black and copper-trimmed alloys. It is well-proportioned and rugged without looking too functional. Its looks are helped by shark-like front headlights.
Inside the car has a lot of class about it. It’s roomy, with attractive upholstery of a very high quality. The front bucket sports seats are superbly comfortable and supportive with a good range of electric adjustment and a memory function. The dash is simple and uncluttered, with sensibly placed, easily accessible controls.
Interior space is very good, with plenty of load carrying capacity. Split folding rear seats increase its 345 litre load lugging capabilities even more if required.
As you’d expect you get bags of extras as standard. Panormaic sunroof, electric, folding and heated door mirrors, heated steering wheel, linked smartphone integration with wireless phone charging, 10-speaker sound system, satellite navigation and audio controls via a 12.3 inch colour touchscreen and voice control, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control, three-zone climate control, lane change assist, gearshift paddles, hill hold and rear view camera with all-round parking sensors all come as standard.
It’s difficult to fault this CUPRA. It’s a roomy vehicle with impressive performance, style and practicality. I was sorry to see it go.
