Cupra Formentor In-Depth Review 2021 - Is This Stylish Sporty SUV Any Good?

BUY, LEASE OR FINANCE A CUPRA FORMENTOR FROM OSV: bit.ly/3whmH7w
The CUPRA performance brand strikes out on its own with the Formentor, a lively Spanish take on the mid-sized performance SUV concept. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00​​​​ Introduction
00:37 Background
03:38 Driving Experience
15:14 Design & Build
31:54 Market & Model Range
54:03 Cost of Ownership
01:02:13​​​ Summary
Background
This is more like it. When in 2018, Spanish maker SEAT announced that CUPRA would become a stand-alone brand, we were first served up merely a performance variant of the Iberian maker's Ateca Crossover. This Formentor model, in contrast, is a completely new design - well almost anyway. It does share a platform and some mechanicals with the Ateca, but everything else feels much more bespoke. You'll probably know the 'CUPRA' name, but only as a sporty trim designation that goes back to 1996, since when it's been used on a whole string of SEAT Ibiza and Leon hot hatches.
Now, SEAT wants CUPRA to mean more, creating, in its words, 'a range of unique, sophisticated performance models designed to captivate car enthusiasts.' The idea here, says the company, is 'to create cars not founded in nostalgia but rooted in the present'. Presumably, that's meant to be a dig at directly competing brands like Alfa Romeo and MINI, both of which produce products this Formentor model sets out to directly target: namely, quick, charismatic petrol-powered mid-sized SUVs, cars that offer a lot of what you get in, say, a Porsche Macan for a great deal less money. Is that what we've got here? Let's find out.
Driving Experience
It should be no surprise given CUPRA's mantra as a performance brand that drive dynamics are the Formentor's main focus. And it comes well equipped for the task, the fast variant using the Volkswagen Group's 2.0-litre TSI turbo four cylinder engine in its most ballistic state of tune, with 310PS on tap. If you can't quite stretch to that, this same 2.0-litre powerplant comes in two other flavours; one with 190PS and 4-wheel drive, the other with 245PS and front wheel drive. There's an entry-level front driven 1.5-litre TSI 150PS variant too, but if budget permits, a better choice for efficiency would be one of the two front-driven e-Hybrid PHEV plug-in derivatives, offering either 204 or 245PS. In both cases, a 150PS 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine is mated to a 6-speed DSG auto gearbox and an 85kW electric motor powered by a 13kWh lithium-ion battery with a WLTP-rated all-electric driving range quoted at 34 miles.
I tried the 310PS 2.0-litre turbo version, which like other Volkswagen Group models using this unit gets 4-wheel drive and adaptive damping as part of a very accomplished package. 62mph from rest here takes only 4.9s, which is only 0.7s slower than the limited run variant that serves as the Formentor range flagship, the 2.5-litre 390PS left hand drive VZ5 model. Drive is via the usual VW Group 7-speed dual-clutch paddleshift auto gearbox. And there are five selectable drive mode settings - 'Comfort', 'Off Road', 'Sport' and rorty 'CUPRA', with an extra 'Individual' menu if you want to set your own parameters. Handling through the turns is accomplished, thanks to the 4Drive electro-hydraulic multi-disc system's reassuring levels of traction, its software constantly monitoring numerous sources - steering angle, wheel speed, the yaw of the vehicle and road conditions in real time - so as to always deliver power to the wheels with most traction.
Design and Build
The Formentor sits a little lower than most other performance SUVs and Crossovers. In fact, it's a full 150mm lower than the Ateca that it is based on and only 50mm higher than the CUPRA Leon 5 door hatchback. In terms of size, think Volvo XC40 or Audi Q3, but it has more pavement presence than either of those two cars, the design emphasis being on a long bonnet, which coupled with the lower height, gives the car a very dynamic appearance - and one that is completely distinctive.
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[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

What do you make of the Cupra Formentor?

[@witton6475]

Yes, I love it. So much in fact I've just bought one.

[@zackpatel3506]

@@witton6475you still live it 2years on?

[@zer0day776]

I laughed hard when he said "if you're the kind of person who perhaps ideally like the Lamborghini OOOORUS but has budgetary needs" Hi thats me lol

[@OleSolomon1]

We are two🤣

[@vkjfv]

we are 3 lol

[@daftgowk1]

Cool, finally a comprehensive guide to the different specs, well done. We just got a v2 204 hybrid, as fast as our audi sline 2.0tfsi, mostly running on electric, if heading to the cairngorms then stick it in sport and it's a beast with electric boost on offer all the time, tightened steering, full on aggressive regeneration, more aggressive braking, gearing, sacrificing fuel economy of course. This thing is comfy, great to drive, and a looker. Those wheels, and the front grill, the copper stitching, the seats. The only gripe really is vw infotainment. It's good, but it lags, struggles to stay online, and very rarely freezes a function or two, which requires an engine shut off, lock the doors, unlock them, then restart to resolve. Great car, let down by poor vw software but i still wouldn't have anything else. It's that good. Perfect for an area where full electric is not supported by infra structure

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Great to hear that you're enjoying your Formentor! When you're next on the hunt for a new vehicle, we'd be more than happy to help 👍 Be sure to get in touch on 01903 538835 or book a free consultation online: bit.ly/39YHCml

[@davidperry3531]

A very comprehensive review as normal although this presenter has the happy knack of never taking his eyes off the camera even when pointing out interior features. Fortunately though he keeps his eyes on the road when driving! Looking forward seeing this and other Cupra models in Australia soon.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks David, glad you enjoyed the review! Be sure to subscribe (if you haven't already done so) - bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@rogerius1]

excellent presentation skills!

[@barsk76]

This is how a car review should made. Thank you 👌👌

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! If you'd like to explore pricing and specifications for the Formentor to find your perfect model, get in touch today on 01903 538835 or book a free consultation here - bit.ly/3soFVbF

[@j4dvs]

Very thorough review, thanks. I’ve test driven both the 245 hybrid and the 310 ps and liked them both, fabulous to drive. The hybrid would be the smarter option but you don’t get the instant response like you do on the 310 and I prefer 4wd. So I’ve decided to change my Infiniti QX70S for the VZ2 310 in matte grey and looking fwd to April delivery.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Excellent choice! Let us know how you get on with your new car in April 👍

[@matthewharding89]

I've ordered the 310 in graphene grey and am expecting delivery in April too. Can't wait!

[@garybyrne8091]

@@matthewharding89 how did you find the Formentor? I've just ordered thr same model and hoping for delivery before the end of the year.

[@EastWood2004]

I am torn between black and gragphen grey. Which do you recommend?

[@villaman4818]

Great review. Best I've found on this car by a country mile. I still cannot decide between this 245 Hybrid or Audi Q3 Sportback 45 S Line

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for watching! Our vehicle experts can help you decide - we supply every make and model in the UK 👍 Give us a call on 01903 538835 or book a time for a quick chat here - bit.ly/3soFVbF

[@QuentinLeesw]

Great Video Your comprehensive comparison figures tell well enough if it is worth it , by the performance available in this car. BTW, can top view camera system be added ?

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for your feedback Quentin! Re. your question - one of our vehicle experts can look into this for you. Contact us on 01903 538835 or book a date/time to chat here: bit.ly/3soFVbF

[@jmjtv92]

Awesome 👍

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for watching! Be sure to subscribe for the latest in-depth vehicle reviews: bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@lesleyfernandez636]

The most comprehensive car reviewer.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks Lesley, we love seeing comments like this 👍 If you're thinking about getting behind the wheel of a new Cupra, our team will be more than happy to answer any questions and explore your options. Get in touch on 01903 538835 or book your free consultation here: bit.ly/39YHCml

[@majdazar5369]

He incorrect about multilink rear susp. in base model. But double check your market specs.

[@DECKARD263354BR]

Great comprehensive review, what colour is that one ? Thankyou

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Magnetic Tech Grey 👍

[@DECKARD263354BR]

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply Thankyou beautiful car and colour ❤️

[@clintstrati1756]

@@DECKARD263354BR it's actually the Graphene Grey just FYI in case you're ordering it or something.

[@DECKARD263354BR]

@@clintstrati1756 Thankyou, I had a feeling it was !

[@jamessime824]

The Hyundai Tucson 2021 PHEV model was reviewed no less than 3 weeks ago... No comparison to the VW/Audi/Skoda/Seat conglomerate or especially the "Seat Cupra Formentor" ? Mmmmm makes me wonder...

[@macbookboy2]

Not sure why they would. The Tucson is generic SUV vs a performance car brand which is what CUPRA is

[@jamessime824]

@@macbookboy2 Performance is only with the the "typical" Audi 2.5 litre turbo unit, the rest with box standard VW engines ...mmmmh ...yep... and the typical 3 year guarantee...just seen that Cupra has a 5 year guarantee, at least here on the contininent. Welcome to the year 2021

[@harrisonkwakuwiafe6945]

Cupra woa ♻️

[@missstormchaser1]

I'm test driving this model and cupra leon estate on the 19th, we know its going to be one of them we just don't know which one yet so currently going thru as many reviews as I can, this is the best review I've seen on this model giving the formentor a slight lead against the estate. I'll check back in at the end of the month after test driving both and let you know which one we buy. I can't wait, either option I'm going to be happy as I'm going to own a Cupra ❤ such eye catching, classy, sexy looking cars. Thanks so much for the great review

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Brilliant to hear! Our Vehicle Specialists can assist in buying your perfect Cupra 👍 Fill-in this quick form, and we'll get in touch: bit.ly/39YHCml

[@charissergiou5821]

What is the colour of the car?

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Magnetic Tech Grey 👍

[@clintstrati1756]

Graphene grey*

[@peterkim3370]

This is the benchmark review. Very informative albeit a bit boring. I noticed one joke (don’t mention the war).

[@peterkim3370]

By the way, I ordered the VZ3 with the matte grey paint some time ago.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for your feedback Peter. Great choice with the VZ3! What made you choose that model?

[@peterkim3370]

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply performance, price, practicality and prestige in one perfect package.

[@TherymasterWidnes]

His jacket, simply sums this gimp up!

[@Elledollar]

I’d keep my Cupra ateca. I prefer it’s design and natural engine sound

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Hi there, what made you choose the Cupra Ateca in the first place?

[@richardb8503]

Yet another version of a fast Golf based box…yum.