2023 Cupra Formentor (inc. 0-100km/h & braking) review

[@davidwalker8183]

Owned one since October - VZx. Travelled close to 6000 klms so far. You get used to the lack of physical buttons for the infotainment system. Roomy enough for a weekend away for a family of 5 (3 kids, aged 6, 13 and 15). Enough torque to overtake the slow moving lorries even with 5 occupants and a boot full of luggage. I was surprised just how good launch control is. Driving aids are a bit intrusive. Lots of little electronic bugs which hopefully get fixed during the first service. Good fuel economy on long drives.

[@EastWood2004]

What color did you get?

[@sarkishacikian62]

How whas the fuel economy city highway

[@GeeeEm61]

What economy do you get day to day? Did the electrical gremlins get sorted out? Has it been reliable since?

[@davidwalker8183]

@@EastWood2004Graphene Grey

[@davidwalker8183]

@@GeeeEm61electrical gremlins are still there. You get used to them. Owned for 2 years, 23000 klm. Needed new front disks and pads, cost $3700 Brembo) via the dealer. Replaced with non OEM parts and saved $2000.

[@martinzazvonil]

Great review, been waiting for this. I have the Formentor V and absolutely love it. Has to be one of the best looking cars out at the moment.

[@d.j.z.j]

They look sharp

[@Kuku_hihi]

facelifted one looks way worse which is a shame cause i cant afford one right now

[@michaelrose4792]

Course chip road noise has been a great addition to your reviews 👍🏽

[@aussiefarmer6012]

I wish I had the money to buy one, the best small SUV from the reviews I have seen. A real drivers car amongst boring competition.

[@yousifshtifa7684]

Hi Paul I just wanna tell you that whenever you upload a new video I straight up hit the like button ether I like it or not cuz I love and respect the effort you guys put in these videos and I would like you to continue making such helpful great videos. Best of luck guys

[@paulm5817]

hired one of these for a week and oh my god i was so impressed, handles and goes really well. What a great all rounder of a car

[@TrangieMagic]

I rented one of these, I was very impressed. Not enough to buy one but was very surprised

[@pamelaskapin6794]

Just signed on the dotted line for one of these today. Looks super hot and the test drive was exceptional!! Delivery in under 4 weeks and the best service I've ever experienced. Showroom officially closed at 5.30, I was offered to take it for a long test drive after closing and closed the deal at around 7.30pm. Nothing was too much trouble. Amazing experience 😊 And thank you Paul for your great reviews. They've been super helpful 👍

[@sHrEsThOo]

Can I ask what was your drive away price?

[@serhiibondarenko3147]

This is objectively one of the best reviews of Cupra Formentor! The level of detail is very high. I'm really impressed by the conditions you use to measure noise isolation, show how suspension works, etc.. Great job!

[@jspanga]

darn.. really good car, but for that price, I'd be wanting cooled seats as well, and missing digital radio seems like a serious oversight. awesome review as always, but would've liked to see the hybrid

[@kodytourelle]

we have had the whole cupra range in NZ for a couple years now and i have always they just look amazing. Probably the best looking version of car on that 2.0L 4c platform from VW in my opinion

[@kingjulian1549]

We have had our Formentor VZx for 2 months now. I don’t think you will see much depreciation on this vehicle as demand has been strong and Cupra have an ambitious program for Australian with several other models including hybrids and EVs to come. They get heaps of looks especially with the matte paint. Fantastic car to drive with proven mechanicals.

[@MattJelonek]

How's the HVAC controls?

[@d.j.z.j]

They look awesome. But to small for families. Will stick with my vw tiguan r line

[@kingjulian1549]

@@d.j.z.j - there's a lot of room in the back. I'm 185cm and i have a heap of room, including headroom when the driver's seat is set for me. The Ateca seems to have a bit more boot room, but looks a little dull compared with Formentor.

[@Reparo.Coffee]

@@MattJelonek My

[@EnterTheFenix]

We've had them here in NZ for a few years already and depreciation is roughly $10k per year on all models of the Formentor - might be better for you guys with 5x the population Also theres a number of little warranty related issues with the info system, engine covers, radiators etc that Cupra have put bandaids on but not fixed the core issues. So not amazing in that department.

[@sambardeeryumyum9554]

Bang on the money with the review. We hired one in Sydney and very impressed, now looking at owning one 😂

[@acptelford1307]

Style over substance.

[@alexspata]

wow, great review, detailed and interesting as all should be. subscribed

[@Steveaustin007]

Paul gives great honest reviews . I really enjoy your content better than anyone else.

[@trentmorris2502]

Hey Paul, just wondering if you could include in your reviews if the cars have the ability for different profiles either by the key or by something in the infotainment system. Would be handy to know

[@jamesgriffiths1601]

Thanks so much for the review and the Skoda Octavia RS review. Just picked up a Formentor VZX, it’s fantastic. Needs better steering feel, but it’s definitely a great car. Thanks again.

[@charlessoko6387]

The formentor is an option for something different wth good looks,,,, great vids Paul 👌💯

[@khuzainisani]

Was going to get one but no heads up display for that amount of dough is a bit disappointing. I'd also be curious to know how the after sales customer service has been from any owners.

[@carlobi]

Rose gold? I thought it was copper.

[@bumnut88]

Yeah it is

[@daveacbickford]

I work for CUPRA, and we get all sorts of descriptions of the colour, Copper, Rose Gold, Gold, Bronze, Brown and even red! 🤣 Fun fact, the name CUPRA translates to Copper in Latin 😊

[@bjmyman]

@@daveacbickford 😂😂

[@djevl]

I had the same argument with my wife over pendant lights. Let me tell you, now rose gold is a real colour ...... It's not

[@jerrymyahzcat]

@@daveacbickford so they are copper then. That’s what they look like on screen.

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

In some European countries, there is a 5cyl Formentor VZ5, with 287kW and 480Nm. 0-100kmh in 4.2 seconds. It’s such a shame Cupra didn’t make it in RHD format, so it never came to Ozzyland. Cupra was gonna bring like 10 VZ5s to the UK albeit in LHD format, but they never did.

[@aerienix]

The RS3 engine?

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

@@aerienix 5cyl but makes less power. The RS3 makes 294kW. The VZ5 makes 287.

[@hayne92]

Give this a flash tune when it's out of warranty and you'll get similar figures

[@asum307]

​@@hayne92 Theres tonnes of stage 1 and 2 Formentors on KZbin already. As well as the VZ5 in stage 2. Damned rockets lol There's a perfect comparison between the VR5 and the RS3 actually, I'll have a look and see if I can find it.

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

@@asum307 From what KZbinr, Daniel Abt?

[@ruijunzhong7391]

Have this CUPRA for half years already , is really nice car for drive , hope more Oz can know it and have one in there garage .

[@asum307]

Been waiting for this review! Love the Cupras. Although being VW they do inherit a few of the VW groups issues. Looking at you non back lit AC controls! We've got the Ateca VZX and the Leon VZX. The Leon's my favourite. Little rocket with wheel spin for days. 🤣 It's basically this Formentor but lower to the ground, fwd, and a higher power to weight ratio. Love them and looking forward to adding a Formentor to our pack by the end of the year. 😁

[@deganellis]

Great review Paul! Saw one of these in a matte finish the other day. Hate SUVs but love this. If only the Leon came in AWD!

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

There is a Cupra León Sportstourer wagon with the same engine as the Formentor 310PS with AWD, but that’s sadly not available in Ozzyland. You can get one in NZ though, and of course Europe.

[@asum307]

​@@DaveDVideoMaker The sports tourer is under consideration for Australia. Waiting with baited breath. Fingers crossed! I'd ditch my Leon hatch back for the wagon any day of the week!

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

@@asum307 That’s good. I really hope they’ll actually bring it to Ozzyland.

[@bt8671]

To be honest people call them an SUV but they are closer to a hatch with a little extra ride height.

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

@@bt8671 Most SUVs nowadays share the same platforms with hatchbacks, with a higher riding position and a modified exterior, and usually cost a bit more than the hatchback equivalent.

[@thangsuanmangguite777]

Paul can you do a review of the Mahindra Scorpio ? I believe it's launched in Australia

[@jamesszabadics5911]

I love that you use a calibrated sound meter - i would love to see a table with other cars in the same class segment showing where it ranks

[@CruzeUK]

We've had the Formentor in the UK for a couple of years now. It's a Seat sub brand.

[@SK-HD]

7:22 Its a beast but the horn and it smashed that sine wave!

[@jamesmarks1724]

Awesome! I reckon this is one of the best looking cars on the road at the moment, now to try the Ateca VZX

[@ABL973]

I've started seeing a few of these ripping around. They look great and I'd have one in matte with the Brembos. I think I'll go visit the dealership on Saturday.

[@joelcarterramadge183]

It would be nice to see a clip of the rear lights on (similar to the ones you do at the front), because the reverse lights look quite small from the reverse test

[@lamborghini0610]

That horn 😯 What was Cupra thinking? Even the VW Golf comes with a proper loud dual tone European horn.

[@michaelanthony7327]

Awesome car! Loved the brand so much that I went ahead and bought a Leon & Ateca.

[@Mark-jz5ye]

These in petrol blue with the copper are absolutely awesome

[@deilintaula1101]

Could you include what it looks like at night? Would be interesting to see what the interior and lights look like when it’s dark.

[@aghunter831]

Agree!!

[@AxnerSaab]

Where I got my work placement, we have 2 VZ5s. And most of the other formentors are usually Hybrids. The VZ5 imo is pretty darn good. Instead of the 2 Liter 4 cylinder, it has the RS3 5 cylinder engine

[@simoncouch1523]

Another wicked review, thank you 🙏

[@pastorofmuppets8834]

Do any Cupra models have matrix LEDs?

[@meezen84]

Great review…hopefully you will add the test drive of the new cupra born soon.

[@c.s2001]

This car is in the running when I upgrade in 5 years time. Will go from 110kw & 250nm currently to this vehicle. At this point in time its a choice between the Cupa Formentor VZ or the Subaru Outback Turbo.

[@GeeeEm61]

I just looked at some UK reviews of the same 228kw car. One reviewer got 4.3 seconds 0-60MPH (100Kph) on a damp track (no, it wasn't the VZ5). Not hanging around. I notice a bit of cost cutting on the Aussie model, but where it's not normally seen, except if you're a car nut. Under the bonnet. The UK model has a very good looking plastic cover to hide all the normal engine paraphernalia. So the UK car goes faster even with slightly more additional weight under the bonnet. Great vehicle.

[@dpfishn]

Your reviews are pretty thorough but no mention of headlight performance. I live in regional Australia and drive at night a lot and would be interested in some sort of idea if one manufacturer is better than another

[@Keralarajyam452]

🎉 Hi This is from Kerala, India താങ്കളുടെ ഒരു ലക്കവും വിട്ടു കളയാറില്ല. എല്ലാം ഗംഭീരമാണ്.😊

[@ghosthunter9897]

I have just watched video about problem with electronic system and Software update. Could please write me your experience about it. Thanks !🙏

[@masonbeck566]

Just bought a Cupra Leon V. I’ve driven the VZX and absolutely loved it (just couldn’t convince my partner that we should spend the extra cash). The V has all the same creature comforts, just with a lower spec engine at about $15k cheaper. Fantastic to see cupra in Australia. The Leon is what the golf used to be, but so much better looking.

[@jamesgriffiths1601]

I love the design of this era of Cupras. Really disappointed the Leon wagon didn’t come to Australia given it was an opportunity to have what this has and a decent boot near 600L. This hasn’t changed my view that wagons are superior to SUVs, but I love all your reviews because I was nearly convinced to go down this path.

[@SebaztienHawke-ci5hm]

12:27 I average over 10L/100 km in my RAV4 hybrid! The only way to get lower is to drive like a nana on a ling highway trip. My best is about 5.5L/100 km, but honestly it’s just a completely unrealistic way to drive- and extremely tedious. 8.7 is a far more likely sort of figure for town driving. I’d expect to 11+/100 with the Formentor, because there is no point having the power if you don’t use it.

[@AndrewR-hm6py]

How would you compare this VZx to the TRoc-R (2024)? Another thorough review, cheers!

[@kulilipan4250]

subscribed!!! They nailed it ! About the fuel economy! I have the same and it is really thirsty.

[@S9RUT]

I'm not usually a fan of an engine cover, but it kinda needs one. And I would love to see a Jimny on that bumpy road 😆

[@nickpower-fj9bu]

Removed on the 29th as they got too hot an tended to melt I believe

[@EastWood2004]

@@nickpower-fj9buis the engine so hot? My X5 M50i Hot Vee engine can be very hot after serious driving. :(

[@d.j.z.j]

Price wise should i stay with a vw tiguan r line or buy the cupra. Are they comparitive in spec, space, handling and reliability as they are from VW. Im not sure if the cupra is reliable enough or is better value. We have 2 kids so i think r line is bigger

[@morri03]

Looks like a great performance option but I’m sure the depreciation would be horrendous

[@mikewareham4039]

I own one of these in the UK and can confirm: horrendous.

[@Adamlllllllllllljjjljljjjjj]

@@mikewareham4039 Why is it so high?

[@danielson9994]

Seems to be holding up nb

[@dan_hobs]

Pick up mine in a couple of weeks :) 5 years warranty = DCT protection shield 😅

[@tenddeapact]

Great review 👍🏼

[@jonw8uk1]

not really a new startup - Seat’s sporty models used to carry the Cupra name - Seat Leon Cupra, for example. So, much like Citroen have done with their DS offshoot, Seat chose to make Cupra its own sportier brand. The Formentor is basically a fast Seat Ateca.

[@davepascoe6093]

Just put in my order for the VXe Test drive was the best in class of all the price class I tried

[@afrikengunner]

Cupra was always the performance brand for Seat but all under the VW brand

[@MrJimeih]

I'm very curious to compare this with the PHEV version.

[@scollyutube]

So how is an AWD Polestar, Ev6 and dual motor model 3 worth 1.5 times this?

[@clausschieritz6350]

I like the little lizens plate ...greetings from germany ✋😊

[@GondrezHardstyle]

Between this one and the kia xceed which one is the best choice?

[@port8565]

Cupra

[@uklover1992]

Does it come in Manual in Australia?

[@roystonfernandes2462]

Looks fantastic 😍 ... Great performance.... It's not for everyone (BMW, Audi, Mercedes)... Only for a few(auto enthusiasts )

[@Theboks79]

Would love to see an acceleration and braking table of the vehicles you have tested either overall or by class. The geek in me would find this really interesting to see.

[@vytautasalsaflex]

Would add that excel spreadsheet need some sort of average score ranking for each category as now it's difficult to compare when only listed in alphabetical order. In general measured value instead of reviewer's "feel" is grate idea!

[@madjh8]

VZ5+ ABT option+ Akaprovic exhaust = 3.78 sec 0-100km/h 🤩 . 9.2 sec 100-200km/h and more than 450Hp😍 (data from automann TV)

[@ValK99999]

is that tuned?

[@migueldelrosario2457]

I have a ‘22 VZ with 310hp. Generally happy especially with the engine and transmission particularly when downshifting on S mode. Exhaust note is just perfect but the simulated sound is a joke. Lots of room inside. Downside: the infotainment. Do not pair any device with it. Mine went bonkers while on a five hour drive in France where the GPS, camera, sensors, sound system when kaput. Brought it to a dealer only to be told they’ve been hearing the same problem with other VW brands, had to wait for three weeks before it could get diagnosed. Fiddled around it for four days reset time and again, nada. Unpaired all four devices in it, Bingo! It started responding, was able to update the software and it’s been OK since. I do not know if VW knows this trick. Oh! Do not use cheap charging cables, to be sure. Other than that it is an enjoyable car.

[@smule27]

How about compare withTiguan R？

[@marnuscoreyempanadaslooseb6760]

Love the look of this thing. Probably too much of a hatch design for my needs, but god this would be a cracking car to own. It will probably crack your bank account as well with the amount of fuel you'd use though...

[@ishimy]

Hi Paul, when are we going to see the review of the new Toyota Hilux GR Sport. I am desperately waiting for your take on that model knowing you own the Ford Raptor but the GR being almost $30,000 cheaper here in NZ, I am wondering is the 30k worth it, knowing Toyota in 3 to 5 years will be worth more on the second hand market. Please let us know when we can see this. NZ is getting their demo in 2 or so weeks according to dealers. Thx and absolutely love your reviews. 👍🏽

[@kdegraa]

Is the Cupra brand related to the Seat brand?

[@pariandangel]

It’s the same brand

[@Staff7A]

Cupra is it’s own company. Separated from Seat in 2018.

[@User-cb4jm]

Their performance division

[@Staff7A]

@@User-cb4jm Until 2018 when they separated…

[@mrdanielx76]

I'm surprised that Paul was surprised how fast it was, its just above Golf R level engine performance. DSG's are great, pros of a manual with the shifting of an automatic.

[@MrHC1983]

Man that thing is nice......... and goes like a bat outta hell. Love it.

[@samd3131]

When are you going to review Mahindra ScorpioN?

[@skippysdead]

Sometimes you seemed to mumble but I think that's because of where you put the microphone. I never did hear where the pricing began, for instance. BTW, I have an Ateca, excellent.

[@steverobinson4449]

Owned one in Aus since May 2023. No problems what so ever for me. Still puts a smile on my face every time I drive it. Great car. Lots of tech and performance for the money. Thanks for the comprehensive review, it helped me when deciding to invest in one. Good news is, it seems to have gained popularity and been selling quite well since they arrived down under.

[@user-rx8qq8sk9ydv1ce5ib]

What is meant by clunky dual clutch?!

[@danI43541]

These things sell like crazy in Europe / Germany, most of them aren’t this 310hp VZ but still: they’re everywhere. Curious how they’ll do in Australia

[@User-cb4jm]

Given how lax our emissions standards are, I’d think anything with a EA888 would have no issue selling here at a fairly decent price. Whereas in Europe I’d assume the standard models might end up at the same price as the PHEV, so a bit pricy. We have an Octavia so similar story!

[@danI43541]

@@User-cb4jm the Formentor is actually quite a good deal, most cars here are the 1.5 petrol 110kw or the PHEV (although PHEVS aren’t interesting anymore in Germany and lost huge value on second hand market because the government incentives ended in 2023) but fair few EA888 are being sold too. It’s around 40.000€ for the 228kw one and for 60.000€ you get the one with the RS3 engine.

[@TheNotedHero]

Had one as a loan car for a few weeks, but the bottom V model. Great car, really fun to drive! Biggest drawback is the worry about longevity given the issues VW has had recently and whether they'll back up their product if something goes wrong. They're far from leading the market in that regard. Entertainment system has crappy user design, bloody appalling. They need to hire some decent UX designers and ditch the stupid non-backlit sliders for temp and volume, can't see a damned thing when driving at night.

[@bt8671]

Agree user interface not fantastic but better than some others , main issue is the number of problems with it itself needing hard resets. The backlight for the volume and temp seems like an issue but really 99% of the time climate is on auto and volume I do on the steering wheel so whilst it seems abit off it doesn't really detract

[@johndeleon8741]

That's actually the only reason I wouldn't get one of these.

[@MarkGray-j5f]

Keen to see what you think of the Cupra Born EV?

[@MrBigad77]

I had a seat Cupra in the Uk, great car

[@halitgolcuk775]

Did you just say that formentor competes with Q2, troc and kona? Those models you mentined are B-segment SUVs. Formentor is a C-segment SUV which competes with models like Tiguan, Q3, etc. Consult the wikipedia page (at least) before making a video.

[@dw1508]

Golf R SUV? What app do you use for brake test?

[@CarExpertAus]

We use this device: www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/this-cheap-gps-device-lets-you-performance-test-your-car-like-a-pro

[@leeandjancruise]

I have the 310 bhp VZ2 it's a great car but there is a serious irritating problem with the infotainment system that most owners here in the U.K. have experienced, it's full of bugs. There's been many updates to the system but as one glitch is cured another can surface, some owners have no niggles, weird.

[@EastWood2004]

Was it from the smartphone connection? Iphone users may experience few than the android users.

[@anthonyabdo5364]

Subaru crosstrek review with more light offroading test thanks

[@igorbufalo3089]

Amazing car , wolkswagen group is one of the best in my opinion ❤

[@Mark-jz5ye]

Also, props to Paul for pronouncing SEAT correctly.

[@chagonee2023]

can you do comparrision between cerato GT 2019 and 2023 please.. i want to know what is the difference between both models..thanks

[@Volks2462]

Wrong channel

[@chagonee2023]

@@Volks2462 what you mean?

[@MattJelonek]

Is this Paul doing the review? Couldn't tell at the start of every video...

[@JayG0o]

My only complain is the sound of the horn, 😂

[@alexryan2521]

The lack of physical buttons is shocking.. how does this pass product testing…

[@obsessivecichliddisorder7258]

So how about Tesla, no buttons?

[@Dazza-u4c]

Looks great

[@benwilkinson7319]

Test drove one today. Think ive found my next car 😂

[@markymark8472]

Strange how Vw have created a new brand from a model name from the SEAT brand

[@SettiCY]

Who made cupra?

[@julestangey7448]

I totally have a rental one black CUPRA

[@acde9355]

I think the only downside of Cupra is probably the cheap plastic in all the places you can find in the cabin.

[@4drobertson]

These things look great in the flesh but I was disappointed with the interior. Thought it was really dark and bland. Needs some contrasting surfaces, stitching, colour...something!

[@Sarncho]

I’m in Europe at the moment and these things are bloody everywhere over here.

[@mrx168]

Logo reminds me of Resident evil 4… lol las plagas!

[@enerim19]

Cupra is SEAT's high-performance motorsports division.