CUPRA e-HYBRID - Still a "Real" CUPRA ?? (2021 Formentor 245 Review)

[@ItsDanLatham]

Hope you enjoyed the new microphone setup - slowly upgrading my equipment to bring you guys better quality. What content would you like to see next?

[@danielnew9726]

Used to work with you! Got the new Cupra Leon, enjoyed the video good work 👌

[@ItsDanLatham]

Good choice mate! Hope you’re well, and thanks for watching 👍🏻

[@TheMrDEd]

I have the new Seat Leon PHEV at 201bph its not as quick as the Cupra but still feels fairly rapid off the lights. My MPG however is around 65 to 70MPG that's with a full charge and a mix of town motorway driving. Impressed with the Cupra MPG!

[@ItsDanLatham]

Its a much nicer experience at that MPG than the equivalent turbo diesel too. The electric motor round town and off the line is really nice for daily driving.

[@InfinityAMR]

Excellent review . I got my delivery of the 1.5Tsi DSG Graphene Grey. I'm really enjoying it. I got Blue Nappa leathers and 19-inch wheels . Bit under powered off the lights, but mid range punch very respectable . I might look at this 245hp one or 310hp one next !

[@ItsDanLatham]

I thought the same about the 1.5TSI. The electric motor in this one completely eliminates the issue, and the 310 is spritely at all times. Nice spec you went for though! Its still a relatively rare car to see and just the right size for a lot of people.

[@reegsville]

On a normal drive how long did it take for the battery to drain completely? My commutes are generally short with the odd longer journey. Being left with the 150 hp does not sound appealing.

[@superbandwaistband]

Excellent review. Really thoughtful and helpful. Thanks.

[@davidwest7760]

Good review mate.

[@chrismillington6839]

Great review !

[@craigh6775]

Thanks for the review , i know now i made the right decision , just ordered the VZ2 310PS in Asphalt Blue

[@ItsDanLatham]

Great choice. I have a review of the 310 as well - thought it handled great for the size of car and enough mod cons to make everyday driving a pleasure.

[@VatanSever97]

how much is consumption without the electric motor only if it runs on petrol? Full tank with only gas, how far do you go?

[@jamesfleming1125]

Looking forward to getting mine delivered. Meant to be getting built this week so fingers crossed for delivery next month but I'll only believe it when it rolls off the transporter. Nice review Dan.

[@ItsDanLatham]

Enjoy it!

[@GillmanStudio]

Ask the market this is aimed at its near perfect at least certainty best in class. That market is the business user (company car) who still has that teenage racer streak in them. Im getting this 245 VZ2 PHEV next week and Ive had the likes performance BMWs etc until now. I will halve! my company car tax bill annually putting around £1500 net back in my pocket compared to previous car! plus this motor ... whats not to like eh?

[@Reverend-JT]

This is exactly my case. Company car ordered, going to save a fortune!

[@mrbeedeeaitch]

How are you enjoying the car a year in?? I'm contemplating getting this vehicle once my lease runs out.

[@kroberts7576]

looked at the 201bhp 1.4 engine and it seemed to struggle on just the engine when the battery is empty. especially uphill, Is the 245bhp any better, whats the engine like on a motorwy

[@Cryptochris3]

Fantastic review mate 👏🏻👏🏻 straight to the point, im looking for a family car to do the school runs on pure electric (i have a driveway thank fully) but a sporty drive when i hit the country roads that still has the economy. 👍

[@ItsDanLatham]

Definitely a good choice that ticks all your boxes. As long as you keep it charged up you’ll be impressed with it and you’ll be the envy of others on the school run with its looks!

[@Arcton-nv9cr]

How long does the battery last in hybrid and how much mpg do you get when it’s flat

[@acptelford1307]

38mpg

[@lVIAYH3M]

I have ordered the 245 2.0 petrol version will it drive better than this? I’m coming from a 1.6 Audi A3 with only 107 bhp so I’m guessing it should feel pretty fast to me?

[@ItsDanLatham]

Yeah will definitely feel much faster than the A3. My personal pick of the range would be the 310 4drive but the 245 will feel a massive upgrade for you. Enjoy it !

[@garybyrne8091]

Hey Dan. Just checking did you say you got circa 100mpg if you kept the car charged each time you use it?

[@ItsDanLatham]

Close to that with careful driving yes!

[@garybyrne8091]

@@ItsDanLatham just not when you hit the B roads I bet haha

[@ItsDanLatham]

@@garybyrne8091 Even then its not too bad for the amount of power it has. But if you dont keep it charged, it drops so much on petrol power alone, and the power reduces to 150bhp without charge. You’d be better off getting the 310 model and sacrificing a few mpg for over double the power. If you keep it plugged in though it will be light on your wallet.

[@garybyrne8091]

@@ItsDanLatham cheers Dan. Sadly (absolute first world problem) but I'm hoping to get this via salary sacrifice so I have to get a EV/PHEV.

[@dunaigeorge7264]

Hi mate can you tell me how often I do have to charge if I just use only in hybrid mode? I live in a flat and I don’t have charging facilities so I will have to charge outside ! Thanks in advance nice review!

[@grahamstanger1240]

Your saying on times 0 to 60 on 245 hybrid against 310 upra 4wx is not correct

[@Turbomgzt]

My company A200d merc being replaced by a formentor hybrid. I am not looking forward to it 😢

[@Turbomgzt]

Five months on, I was right. It's crap.

[@jandegiorgio4307]

Great review!! Have a question as you mentioned you need to plug in every night. I’ve got that running fully electric gives about 30 miles, but running on mixed electric and petrol, what’s the mileage before your battery dies out and you’re left with just the petrol engine?

[@ItsDanLatham]

Weirdly it defaults to all electric mode. I cant really say I noted how long combined lasted for, because I ended up putting it into the all petrol mode to regen when it got low, which charges the battery a bit whilst braking during cruising. Overall managed around 70-80mpg average with a tank range of about 400 miles on a good day. I think its the totally wrong option for people who cant keep it charged up. I think its a great option for those looking to get away from diesel in cities, but if you can deal with 30mpg instead then the 310 4drive is the model I’d take every day. They’re not too bad on fuel.

[@mattholland315]

This version really makes sense as a company car due to 12% BIK. Other versions don’t make sense as a company car at all.

[@acptelford1307]

It’s rubbish. I spend twice as much time filling it up with petrol. Battery range is awful. Fuel tank is tiny. Worst of both worlds.

[@mattholland315]

@@acptelford1307 clearly a PHEV doesn’t suit you. Objectively it is far from rubbish too. The electric range is very competitive in its class (you shouldn’t be surprised by it if you know what you’re getting into before getting one). Petrol range, again, is normal for the class. If you drive carefully it can easily get 45-50mpg when the battery is empty. Sure, if you’re not into the looks, or a car with very sporty suspension and sharp steering/handling then this isn’t the car for you. Maybe the Seat equivalent. Your comment is unfair. Sorry.

[@acptelford1307]

@@mattholland315 I have covered 9000 miles in mine so far (how many have you done?). There are numerous design issues with this car. A full battery charge actually gets you 25 miles. The adaptive cruise control is awful as it puts the brakes on all the time. The boot is tiny, there’s no 12v charger either. The sun glares off the bonnet and sometimes the rear arches into your eyes. The ‘infotainment’ and ambient lighting is a massive distraction. All the touch sensitive buttons are dangerous to use when on the move. The key fob batteries run out after a month. The sat nav is awful. Automatic headlamp dipping, just dangerous for other road users. I could go on. I had a Seat Leon Executive as my last company car which was superior in every way. The ONLY reason this sells is because of the tax benefits. Mind you the fake plastic exhausts are lovely lol.

[@mattholland315]

@@acptelford1307 I’ve covered just under 7000 miles. I agree regarding the infotainment controls. Also no warning that the charger flap is still open (learned the hard way). Boot lid doesn’t stop opening when you press the button mid-way (learned the hard way). I use CarPlay so don’t care for any OEM satnav. I get 30 miles on a full charge in the spring/Summer and currently getting 20-24 miles with the cold weather. I haven’t experienced the reflection issues you mentioned. My key fob battery is still fine after 7 months. I find the cruise control as good as any other. Adaptive headlights work very well for me and I’ve had no oncoming traffic flash me. I always turn lane assist off because I find it incredibly intrusive. On the boot size yes this would be a problem if it was our main family car. I’d also like the drivers seat to have side bolster adjustment to hold me in a bit tighter. Also road noise is a bit too high but I believe this is partly due to the high efficiency tyres. I absolutely understand how this car won’t be for everyone. I love it though.

[@patrickcaruana1875]

colour of the car?

[@patrickcaruana1875]

is metallic magnetic tech grey

[@philipneil2898]

Can you do a review on the 2 L turbo petrol vz1

[@ItsDanLatham]

I already have a review of the 2.0 310 - I’ve driven the 245 and its not far off but feels more like the leon hatch. Personally the 310 4drive is my pick in whatever trim your budget allows!

[@richdevil77]

Reps 15 years ago loved their sporty Vectra Sri 120 bhp, we now have folk moaning that 150bhp is under powered just because there is a 310 bhp one. First world issues 😂 personally with how many speed camera vans there are I love trying to use the battery so my license stays point free! 😊

[@ItsDanLatham]

It’s by no means a bad car with the base engine, its just that Cupra branding used to be reserved for the fast cars only!

[@richdevil77]

@@ItsDanLatham I am afraid Cupra, AMG, S Line, M Sport, R Line are now more about the style not the range topping power. I do personally think it is a good thing going forward with most drivers not having the skill to drive a vehicle with more than 150bhp!

[@ItsDanLatham]

@@richdevil77 fair point!

[@C.C_S]

Excellent, balanced, real world review. To sum it up, it's a great compromise between power and efficiency. Another great option is also Alfa Tonale phev, an excellent mix between beauty, power and efficiency. Cheers!

[@ItsDanLatham]

Thanks for the feedback! The alfa is lovely too, hopefully I can get one for review some day

[@acptelford1307]

It’s actually the worst of both worlds. I’ve done 5000 miles so far, I know.

[@ScottZ370]

Does it not charge itself up then? Bit of a deal breaker that

[@ItsDanLatham]

It has regen braking and will self charge to some degree but not really designed to do that, being a plug in hybrid its designed to be charged up at the wall regularly. Self charging hybrid is a different thing entirely, eg. Prius etc !

[@ScottZ370]

@@ItsDanLatham Ah bit of a shame, do you know if this is the same with the Leon MHEV? You should try review that car!

[@ItsDanLatham]

@@ScottZ370 yes, same powerplant (in different power variants) so drives and works the same.

[@JP_RS6]

I'll be honest, I'm not that keen on the formentor, nor the new cupra badge. But I like the rest of the stylings on the new cupra range. I'd take a formentor if we could get the 2.5L 5 Cylinder version thats unfortunately europe only... lol

[@ItsDanLatham]

I think it looks far better in person than in pictures honestly! I asked about the 2.5 and they said the only reason its not coming to the UK is because they didn’t want to make RHD cars. Personally I’m not sure why, unless the RSQ3 has done poorly sales wise over here. It would be an awesome car though for sure!

[@JP_RS6]

@@ItsDanLatham Aye, I've seen one in person as well. Just not me weirdly lol also like yourself not a fan of those new climate controls, accident waiting to happen. I'd probably suck it up for the RS3 5 pot engine though... haha likely out my price range unless a couple years old xD. Shame but i think it must be a production line issue and giving it us means another line opened up for us specifically for RHD or existing lines split off, which cuts into profits, EU or no EU membership I doubt we would of got it.

[@ItsDanLatham]

@@JP_RS6 It is a shame, at least we still get to enjoy the RSQ3. Maybe they will realise there is a market for it and do it when the car is facelifted. The infotainment screen is very good when sitting still, but too fiddly on the move.

[@JP_RS6]

@@ItsDanLatham Yes we do, I still think thats a little out my price range at the minute too haha, we can dream!, deffo think for me RS3 / RS4 is the aim, but have to keep playing those markets or win the lotto haha My Mk3.5 Cupra is doing me dandy still, happily suprised to find the ECU map on the cupra 290 is damn near identical to the golf R of the same Gen. My stock 290 is pushing over 305ps at the moment without the REVO map put on. Had to leave the maps alone for now, Mrs says the house comes first haha. I would suggest for a video though, getting your cupra on a dyno/rolling road and see what its pushing in its stock map, might surprise you :)

[@ItsDanLatham]

@@JP_RS6 used market is awful at the moment (unless you’re selling 😂) Not sure what route I will go next, need to get a mortgage sorted so thats a factor….. Thanks for the suggestion and thanks for watching!

[@Turbomgzt]

Got my VZ1 245 IN September last year. 8k and it is rubbish. No grip, infotainment system rubbish. Mpg pathetic. 42k car is pathetic. Cannot wait to get rid. I do over 40k a year and worst car I've had yet.

[@ItsDanLatham]

The infotainment is what would put me off of many new VW or Cupra in terms of ownership. Supposedly next gen will have a better solution.

[@Turbomgzt]

It's got a lot of good features. But if it can't do the basics like move off the line in the wet, breath on the accelerator and the front wheels light up and the traction control thumps the crap out the steering wheel and body. Horrible experience. Hate it. Ps 33mpg 10 mile drive avg 23mph or 35mpg 200 miles on motorway. Terrible!

[@ItsDanLatham]

@@Turbomgzt this is why I prefer the 310 4drive. The economy isn’t far off in the real world and it’s way faster and more traction.

[@VatanSever97]

how much is consumption without the electric motor only if it runs on petrol? Full tank with only gas, how far do you go?

[@Turbomgzt]

32mpg

[@Meduk]

Why was the engine lights on?? Haha.

[@ItsDanLatham]

Happens in every car when the ignition is on but the engine is off.

[@Meduk]

@@ItsDanLatham that explains it. Thought he was driving with that lights on.

[@formentorvz5]

Coming from a Leon Cupra 300, I would still go for the 310-version. The Hybrid will surely be way more efficient on my short way to work and back, but the efficiency is not enough of an argument to make me sacrifice performance. Do you think you will trade in your Leon Cupra for a Formentor soon? Im getting more and more excited about it, even tho it will be a downgrade in terms of sound...

[@ItsDanLatham]

I'm not looking to change my personal car at the moment, but won't hesitate to recommend the Formentor. It's a really nice all rounder. And I agree the 310 4Drive is the way to go if you want raw performance and dont care too much about saving a few quid on fuel. But this e-hybrid will be a great company car, and also work for those people who spend most of their time pottering around town. Electric drive around town is very smooth with no engine rattle, and very fast.

[@acptelford1307]

Latest update. 11000 miles in mine. Verdict? It’s rubbish!

[@ItsDanLatham]

I remember you saying you weren’t too keen when you first got it. I take it not much has changed ?

[@acptelford1307]

@@ItsDanLatham Loads of design flaws. Range terrible, charged or not. Electric vehicles are not the future.

[@nordinmbarki4497]

​@@acptelford1307 buy the vz310

[@acptelford1307]

38mpg when you don’t charge it. Style over substance. Fake plastic exhausts says it all really.

[@acptelford1307]

Had mine for 2 months now. Not a fan.

[@Turbomgzt]

Talking out your rear! I've done 20k in a vz245 now and your review is rubbish. A 3 year old could do better.

[@kroberts7576]

looked at the 201bhp 1.4 engine and it seemed to struggle on just the engine when the battery is empty. especially uphill, Is the 245bhp any better, whats the engine like on a motorwy

[@ItsDanLatham]

As mentioned in the video, the electric assistance really helps, but mainly at lower speeds. If its not charged up, it struggles a lot. I’d personally go for the 2.0 310 but its the most expensive to buy and run!