By Ian Strachan.
Spanish-based manufacturer Seat has chosen go in the same direction with its CUPRA prestige marque as Toyota did with Lexus, Nissan did with Infiniti and Citroen has done with the DS range. CUPRA is now a distinct brand in its own right with its own badging and identity.
Not a bad strategy. The CUPRA versions of SEAT’s vehicles have displayed style, verve and performance. And now the CUPRA marque has its first standalone model in the shape of the very competent 4×4 hatchback, the Formentor.
The Formentor certainly looks distinct and impressive with its smart CUPRA badging and appealing copper-coloured trim. I test drove the Formentor in the almost top-of-the-range VZ2 trim level, which costs £40,260 on the road. The range starts below £30,000.
The Formentor is powered by a sprightly 1.4 litre petrol engine, helped by an 85kw electric engine which has an electric-only range of 34 miles. Together this combination develops 245 PS. It has super performance, taking you from 0-60 mph in well under seven seconds, linked to a six speed automatic gearbox.
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 in Magnetic Grey with very smart 19 inch matt black and silver 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 copper-stitched black leather upholstery of a very high quality. The front sports seats are superbly comfortable 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.
Fuel consumption in this performance petrol and electric-powered Formentor is between 176.6 and 188.3 miles to the gallon if you keep it charged.
As you’d expect you get bags of extras as standard. Electric, folding and heated door mirrors, heated steering wheel, twin exhaust pipes either side of a rear diffuser, linked smartphone integration with wireless phone charging, satellite navigation and audio controls via a 12 inch colour touchscreen and voice control, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control, three-zone climate control, lane change assist, high-beam assist, dynamic road sign display, 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.
