CUPRA FORMENTOR 310 - WHY IT'S BETTER THAN A MK8 GOLF R

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE HERE AND GET ME TO 50K (WE ARE NEARLY THERE!!!)
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In this video I test the Cupra Formentor VZ3 310 which basically has the Mk8 Golf R drivetrain and a very high spec with standard features such as DCC adaptive dampers, 19" wheels, Brembo 370mm brakes, leather interior and no doubt a few other items which are options on the Mk8 Golf R and when added to a standard R's base price of £44170 would make it more expensive that this Formentor. When you consider how complete a package the Formentor VZ3 310 is, in my opinion it's better value for money than the stupidly expensive Golf 8 R. Dynamically evo magazine gave the Golf 8 R 3/5 and I can't see how the Formentor can do much worse.
This video was filmed at the SMMT drive day at Millbrook which gets together nearly all car manufacturers and a selection from their press fleets and gives media the chance to drive them on the famous hill course and high speed bowl as well as road routes. It's a brilliant opportunity for people like me to get to drive some of the cars they've not yet been able to drive. Some people will drive cars there and make zero content from the event as there is no obligation but I only go to film cars that I hope my audience will be interested in, even if it means I miss out on driving some other truly epic cars (Porsche had a 928 and a classic 911 from their press fleet for example).
Unfortunately drive slots are around 30 mins and there aren't any official places to film (only for photography) so it can be a bit tricky to make a decent video but I got lucky with this spot and only drew the attention of marshalls just as I was leaving in the Formentor as you can see in the video which luckily was the last car of the 4 I'd filmed that day. The other 3 are Cupra Born, VW I.D. Buzz and Hyundai I20N, the videos of which will be released over the next few weeks.
This video can be divided into the following sections;
0:00 Teaser
0:05 Graphics by @haslerdesigns
0:08 What this video is about
1:13 Vital stats of Formentor VZ3 310
2:27 Exterior walkaround
4:40 The inside of the Cupra Formentor VZ3 310
8:40 Driving the Cupra Formentor VZ3 310 on the hill course
14:29 Testing up to 100 mph on the high speed bowl
16:20 My verdict on the Formentor VZ3 310
18:03 Graphics by @haslerdesigns
18:13 Weird classic Mustang testing at Millbrook

[@roryb6752]

Another good video Andrew. Good to see you've reached the 50k figure🙂. Test drove a Formentor last year. Really liked the styling. The interior was far superior to me and loved the 7 speed DSG. Unlike you, the only issue I had was that I couldn't feel safe driving in that I couldn't get the driving position right (just couldn't see the front extremities even when the driver seat was at its highest position). Ended up with a T-Roc even though the interior isn't as nice as the Formentor imo. Subsequently one day I was able to park the T-Roc facing a Formentor. Surprised that bonnet heights were virtually identical.Not a fan of matt paint though in terms of aftercare. Have heard varying reports of Seat/Cupra dealer after care and I did think that the dealership I visited didn't feel as upmarket as my VW dealer.

[@howardgregory3888]

Yup. Good to see 50k subs at long last.

[@nicksmith4648]

Great looking cars, definitely stand out on the road more than a golf - some will like that some won't. Not really an SUV more of a taller hatchback. Matt paint looks great when new but you have to look after it - cant polish out scratches.

[@benwilkinson7319]

Just got a vz2 310 the other week. Test drove numerous other cars like a s3 saloon, bmw m235i, mercedes cla35, jag ipace. And for the money the formentor was light years ahead. The drive felt the best imo. Good position, responsive, safe, nice tech and interior. Everyone complains about the infotainment system but i have zero issues with it. Previously had a volvo, that was like driving a brick 😂

[@whathasxgottodowithit3919.]

It would not do for all of us to be the same, however it is not for me, too much going on, its tacky at best, plus it is far too expensive. I will take the Golf as well.

[@tdmtam]

Like the looks of the Formentor. Thought the 2 people I know of that have them, have the 150 engine. Don’t really think they are an SUV look more like a jacked up estate to me. Suppose that’s what SUVs effectively are.

[@sounasleeper]

I picked up a second hand one of these a couple of months back. I like it, I wouldn't bother with the VZ3 trim this car has though. It's an expensive option, the only real improvement over the VZ2 is the breaks and the ones on the VZ2 are perfectly fine for everyday use. The handling is very good. I think it's a good option if you aren't convinced about SUVs but want something just a little bit higher.

[@volkswizard]

Well said Chris, enjoy👍🏻👍🏻

[@leeandjancruise]

No spare wheel on a VZ3 where as the VZ2 has. The Brembo brakes are all show, I drove both and can't say I noticed any difference to standard Cupra brakes driving around town.

[@kevinclarke9933]

I’d take a Golf please.

[@peterbarber8053]

I wouldn’t. Loved the mk7 but mk8 looks awful. The Formentor looks great.

[@Maody66TV]

I changed my all day driver Golf VII GTE into a Formentor VZ 245 e-hybrid beginning of 2023. Cause the Golf VIII GTE was absolutely unbuyable for me after having tested a Golf VIII GTD for a few months as company car. Yes, the Formentor is the best car you can buy these days on MQB platform.

[@jasonedwards2852]

What was wrong with the gtd mk8 ?

[@Maody66TV]

@@jasonedwards2852 Absolutely user unfriendly. I was not used that kind of non-usability from all of my Golfs before. Horrible. Drive train and suspension 100% Golf quality. But that was not enough. In all of my other Golfs before I felt like home after some minutes. The Golf VIII stayed a stranger all the time. And besides I didn't like it optically.

[@jasonedwards2852]

@@Maody66TV I have a mk 7 golf r only 53000 miles on it and after 6 years of owning I fancy a change and i was looking at the mk 8 gtd not so sure now. Also looking at evoque, rsq3 and tiguan r but i just dont know what to go for.

[@Maody66TV]

@@jasonedwards2852 You should count the Formentor into your choices, mate. Not only exterieur- but interieurwise as well imho the nicest thing you can buy on the MQB platform. And not that user unfriendly as the Golf VIII, especially if we talk about the steering wheel. And if you think about an RSQ3 the Formentor VZ5 should be a very serious alternative. In the German car magazines the Formentor wins over the RSQ3 easily. P.S.: I had a Golf VII R as well and still own a Golf VII GTi TCR as a track tool (onboard vids in my channel). Only as an information for you that i know what I am talking about. 😉

[@Tom-zl2wk]

How do they compare to the ateca? In driving dynamics?

[@mattfinnis]

Swapped my 2021 Mk8 Clubsport for a new VZ2 310. Was changing the wheels anyway, so seemed a lot of extra money for Brembo’s, which are getting some negative reports for longevity. Comparing to the Golf, overall I feel like it’s a better car. There’s zero rattles, squeaks or vibrations. Something my Golf was plagued with. Overall fit and finish feels superior, even taking into account the cheaper lower plastics. The ambient lighting isn’t as well integrated, and is absent in the rear which is a shame. Infotainment system isn’t as intuitive as VW’s and took longer to get used to.

[@volkswizard]

Totally agree re infotainment being inferior to VW version but all the reviews slate VW much more

[@steveo8533]

I don’t think the Cupra will hold its value as well as the VW.

[@mattdeeley8134]

I’m tied between a 19 plate Mk7.5 Golf R in lapiz blue and full leather and a 21 Black VZ2 Formentor. Just a bit concerned with the tech issue on the cupra and it’s future value being a cupra any help would be great

[@volkswizard]

The Mk8 based tech is troublesome in all the newer cars plus the lack of buttons will probably be dealt with in the facelift (99.9% sure it will in the Golf soon). If you've never had a Golf R, a 7.5 is a nice one to have with good standard spec and nicer standard cloth trim that makes leather not that essential but it's still nice to have. Cupra values are tricky to predict, the fact a 2 year old one is up against a 4 year old R doesn't look good does it (I'm assuming they are close in price). Having said that the Golf is just a Golf and the Formentor is a nice break from a normal hatchback and is less likely to get stolen. I'd say the image is more normal too while Lapiz blue R is a little bit too 'in yer face'. If it had to be one or the other, I'd go Formentor just because it's different and it's less likely to get unwanted attention. It would still be under proper warranty too. Hopefully software updates have sorted the tech out by now.

[@mattdeeley8134]

@@volkswizard I have ghost immobilisers, monitored tracker cctv posts etc to deal with that attention as is needed unfortunately which cars such as these. I think you’ve hit the nail on the head desirability and resale value I think the golf are holding there money aswell and as the extra space is a requirement I think the golf may well be the way I go. On a 19 plate with 20k miles from new with chassis control, full leather and KESSY i think it may be one of those hidden gems.

[@mattdeeley8134]

@@volkswizard forgot to mention the golf was an estate

[@markrennie6659]

I actually like the exterior styling, gives it some road presence. Not sure I would put my money into either (Mk8 R or Formentor) though. Pity the UK won’t be getting the 5-cylinder version all the same…

[@leemace9638]

I do like the mat paintwork but can u polish and wax still ??

[@volkswizard]

Definitely not!

[@hughgarsehotmail]

I PX'd my Golf 7.5 for a Formentor V2 190 , its such a nicer car and suits me a lot better. The only bit I don't like is the almost unusable infortainment/HVAC etc, but thats a VAG problem all over.

[@leeandjancruise]

Never mentioned in this video that the infotainment system is crap, it's actually costing VAG sales as it's so unreliable and unpredictable.

[@lyndongray3559]

Great video. Pick up my Rojo edition this week or next. Can't wait. Don't see many in Perrh. Looking forward to having something a little different. Great dealership in Perth. WA.

[@kevinmcg6747]

Thanks for sharing, I've seen a few on the road and as you say the look the part and from what you've shared it lives up to its looks! Cheers, Kevin

[@volkswizard]

Thanks for commenting and watching Kevin! It does somehow appear to appeal to both (all) genders unlike say a Nissan Juke which is a very clever design trick.

[@danielrussell446]

Hi Andrew a great video as ever sorry been hit and miss with comments of late been working away I like the look of the formentor but not the Matt paint! I have sat in a 150 version and it seemed to be very comfortable and a good family option that version looks very sporty and has presence on the road and does sound very good in my view keep up the hard work Daniel

[@duncanwood4313]

Cracking video Andrew. Really interesting to see this slightly left field option. I see them about often and always think they look fantastic. I would probably now take this 310 version over a Golf 8R.

[@drwhotardis]

Cupra is relatively new to Australia. I've also thought this would be the way to go instead of a Mk 8 Golf R when replacing my MY18 GTI. I'm also not fond of SUV's, I'd rather go wagon than SUV. But...maybe...

[@dasautogt]

+1, fellow 🇦🇺 and likewise when replacing my MY19 7.5 R.

[@drwhotardis]

@@dasautogt It's all about bangs per buck. VW pricing going berserk, the Australia tax, blaming COVID for everything.

[@Birmingham_racing]

New to everyone as a company of its own but use to be a performance versions on the seat brand since 90s

[@paulaus]

Skoda Superb 206 has the R Driveline. Just saying 😊

[@malcolmscott4150]

Fellow 🇦🇺 also and Cupra Formentor VZ well priced against Golf R here and love its stylish looks and sound engineering - it would be an interesting addition to your fleet and a lot of fun to own at the right price 👏🏎🎯

[@stevewallace1387]

Would you take this over the new Audi S3

[@dasautogt]

This one dropped as a surprise....or did I miss prior notification of its pending arrival? Seems like a very good machine...VW pricing starting to get a tad silly IMO so good on Cupra. Thanks Andrew. 👍

[@volkswizard]

Thank you Graeme as ever! I actually set this to go live around a day before so there was no reason there'd be no prior notification from YT, did you mean from me? If so it went live at 7am while I was still snoozing so I posted on Insta that it was live at 8am here :)

[@dasautogt]

@@volkswizard okay. No, just meant your usual insta drop pre release. Maybe just me, saw the video as it dropped and before any insta pre promotion. In any event, as you'd of seen, but of interest from we antipodes followers as Cupra have landed here for the first time (as Cupra) and we see the value equation v VW's ever ⬆️ pricing (a 333 Mk8 priced at AUD$125K is absurd). 😡👎

[@resnonverba137]

Agree that matt paint is bloody awful. I struggle a little bit with the price of these but I don't dislike them. I think the Golf would be a safer place for your money.

[@obsessivecichliddisorder7258]

I love the matte, looks awesome and is becoming more and more popular

[@leeandjancruise]

@@obsessivecichliddisorder7258 Looks great in the show room, looking after it is another story.

[@obsessivecichliddisorder7258]

Mine is matte and it’s actually not that hard to look after.

[@leeandjancruise]

@@obsessivecichliddisorder7258 That's good because from what I've read some owners are struggling with it.

[@964tractorboy]

Well done on the 50k, Andrew. To infinity and beyond!

[@davidhall7744]

Ive never considered myself a badge snob Andrew and I know its a Cupra, however I think it would take a lot to convince myself that it wasnt a Seat I was paying c.£50k for 😏

[@simonupex2628]

Congrats on passing 50k subs Andrew 👏👏

[@kingjulian1549]

I wanted to buy a Mk 8 Golf R Wagon but a 12 months + wait made me look at the Cupra. I was so impressed we signed up a couple of days later. 3 years free servicing plus a saving of about $9,000 Aussie dollars only sweetened the deal. The interior is superior to the R which is a disappointment styling wise and the Cupra is a bigger package inside. 4 big adults will fit with ease. The ride is very compliant for a car on 245 section tyres. The only thing i'm missing out on is a few kilowatts and the new torque vectoring diff, but i won't notice that on the morning commute.

[@mintyloogoblin]

Saw so many Formentors in Germany when I was over there last week visiting relatives.

[@steveo8533]

Surely with the seat in its lowest position it would be no higher than a golf. I also don’t see the Cupra holding its value very well especially when compared to the Golf.

[@jasonedwards2852]

Tiguan r , Rsq3 or the formentor...

[@johnguidetti5839]

RSQ3

[@TheNorville2]

You lost me when you said £47k.. i would prefer a secondhand Porsche for that...

[@volkswizard]

I couldn't argue with that - when you bring the used market into play, the world is your oyster!

[@chrisp4899]

I don't mind the fake sound in polo gti but they have made the cupra sound like a rs6 not sure I like it very nice car though

[@gazza2004]

The first thing I did when I got mine was to disconnect the sound actuator under the bonnet. After a few thousand miles the exhaust note got better, and the addition of a couple of pops and bangs makes it sound much better than the artificial noise being pumped in!

[@johnguidetti5839]

If anything it sounds like a 5 cylinder not a V8.

[@gavinlewis3049]

Finally, been waiting for your review of this car, evert since I bought one lol.

[@logann001]

im reading its buggy with random breaking and things, whats your thoughts?

[@gavinlewis3049]

It's not a bad car but too competent so I ended up in a renault megane rs 300 after changing this.

[@peterbennpan7288]

Does this have an exhaust flap like the R does?

[@RobGrey-ru4ls]

Yes, in sport and cupra its louder and also you get pop and bang on lift off

[@iamragewhale]

Have one down here in Aus, wouldn’t trade it for a mk8 golf r ever, anything remotely similar here power and equipment wise is at least $10k more. My kid loves it as well, plenty of space for long road trips (did 1000kms fully loaded with 4 adults and it wasn’t squishy) and drives almost as quick for less money. Win win I think but that’s just me, I see plenty of people here with what I think is poor taste but that’s how it is right 😂

[@jmc4975]

It looks like a Subaru Outback and a Nissan Juke had a chike

[@alivekicking6247]

I don't like the new Cupras. I think they were great on the last mk3 Leon Cupras, but I can't get excited about the new Cupras. They also watered-down the Cupra name with all these horrible hybrid versions which do not deserve the Cupra name. Cupra is supposed to be the fast version of SEATs like the Golf R or Audi S3, not a fashion car brand.

[@volkswizard]

That's why they carefully select who they let 'review' their cars, because all you said is true

[@alivekicking6247]

@volkswizard there are too many Formentors with fake exhausts and puny hybrid power plants. It's put me right off Cupras. And I had a mk1 Cupra R, a mk2 and now a mk3 C300. Next car now won't be a Cupra ... unless things change.

[@martinash1352]

I test drove both the Mk8 R and a formentor before purchasing a formentor VZ3. Deciding factor for me was the interior, the cupra is superior

[@gazza2004]

I was exactly the same. Test drove all 3 variations of the new Mk8 Golf (GTI, CS and R) - Went past the CUPRA dealership on the way home, booked one for the following day and placed an order that evening. Infotainment is a bit of a less down, but mechanically it's a fantastic car.

[@Birmingham_racing]

Looks like a good car for the money I like it

[@morri03]

If I understand correctly the formentor is built on the car platform not the suv one so that’s why it’s lower and more car like

[@leeandjancruise]

It's not a true SUV, it's an inbetweener. You obviously didn't do enough research on the Formentor or you will have known that the infotainment system is a shambles and not fit for purpose, works then doesn't, reboots often, gives false information, sensors stop working, makes random phone calls and has many other problems the worst being to slam the brakes on for no apparent reason. Yes I have the 310 so speaking through experience but one gets used to these niggles and the car overall compensates for what it is a tremendous all rounder, never a dull day driving a Formentor.

[@volkswizard]

Infotainment is same as mk8 Golf and covered elsewhere in detail wharts and all. Not all cars are bad and later models like this Formentor are largely ok now. It’s been out 2 years, which is a lot of time in the car tech world

[@BobK5]

😎

[@chrisreed8525]

I couldn’t put up with that fake exhaust sound in “Cupra” mode, it sounds awful.

[@IansMusical]

I wish the brands would stop doing that too! It's as if they want you to feel you're in a game as opposed to real life. I imagine with a scan tool you'll be able to disable it :-)

[@kingjulian1549]

It's quieter in sports mode and silent in comfort. I actually like the sound most of the time, along with the associated pops and bangs it makes on the overrun when you get into it.

[@Andy-qh9su]

Agree totally. Fake noise sounds terrible

[@nigelsaxton592]

You can turn it off with individual and have everything else fully dialled up

[@trekelite3943]

That is an fugly car Ford focus rear with a Volvo v90 front Looking at the cupra …. the golf mk8 seems a lot more prettier

[@ghiagy2095]

Isn't it owned by Volkswagen

[@danielrussell446]

Yes part of seat

[@kratos9223]

Next video; Why the Polo TSI is better than a Golf R. 😂 Someone really doesn't like the Golf R.... Ever since VW didn't paint your new MK7 Golf R properly. 🙈

[@nordinmbarki4497]

It's just a shitty car you see everywhere😂😂😂

[@kratos9223]

@@nordinmbarki4497 What would you consider a not-so-shitty car? Please grace us with your wisdom. 🙂

[@nordinmbarki4497]

@@kratos9223 a car you don't see on every corner🤷🏻‍♂️ I had a golf R and it's a nice car but when i look around i see a dozen R's and Gti's when i only take a 5 min drive....

[@kratos9223]

​@@nordinmbarki4497 Alright, we are getting somewhere. So, based on your logic, a 911 is also shitty? In South Africa, I see them nearly as much as I see Golf R's. That said, you still have not answered my question: what is a not-so-shitty car?

[@nordinmbarki4497]

@@kratos9223 it's not my logic. It's what people observe where they live. Been everywhere here in Europe and Golfs are like ants. There everywhere. Nothing special. A not so shitty car for me is a car you don't see on every corner. So for example over here i see the Cupra Formentor as a less shitty car over the GolfR because they're way more rare. Same for the previous Cupra r and st version

[@jackward-ds1ue]

Don’t they do the 2.5 5 pot version in Europe with 390bhp 😢

[@volkswizard]

They do VZ5, apparently some were imported in LHD format to UK but I'd stick with 310 and RHD

[@ivanb3303]

50K could be a bargain with the Golf R333 on sale worldwide to only 333 units for a price of 65K

[@fatwalletboy2]

Not a car id ever turn round for a second look at on the driveway no matter how fast or good it is. The engine sound inside too is awful to my ears.

[@johnguidetti5839]

What car do you drive that you turn round for a second look?

[@jonnyvt6602]

Looks lovely, one for the non conformist, who wants something different and hasn't been brainwashed into an Audi or SUV; And sooooo much nicer than a Golf (yawn)

[@ollielloyd84]

Better than a Golf R!! 🤔🤔🤔😂😂😂

[@volkswizard]

It all depends how you define better so not everyone will agree - spec wise it's definitely better. I'd go for the Golf usually because it's a Golf but the Mk8 Golf is very SEAT inside so it doesn't have the premium draw it used to have

[@gazmcb8537]

Mk8 golf r has same door cards front and rear, alcantara/microfibre

[@seanduncan8927]

Car review!!!🙂

[@LSD04]

Very stylish 😂

[@Modshmockers]

One of the most awkward looking cars on sale, too much going on. Not stylish at all🤢

[@obsessivecichliddisorder7258]

Said no one

[@shiugen676]

I do feel they diluted the brand with all the versions looking the same, everyone would assume your rocking the hybrid or 1.5L

[@volkswizard]

That is marketing for you! Cupra is a brand on probation and needs to do the numbers because SEAT isn't. If Cupra doesn't sell, it's bye bye the Spanish side of VWG

[@markbarron547]

How much! I ‘only’paid about £38k for a VZ2 when they first went on sale in the UK, but that was with discount. I was delighted to get out of it 10 months later for a small profit. Just absolutely hated the problematic infotainment

[@gavinlewis3049]

I bought mine at the end of 2021, I had the showroom car, only option I had was a sunroof, paint was the solid white which looks good when clean, and I paid £41k mine is the vz2 version.

[@zackpatel3506]

@@gavinlewis3049how have you found yours? Are you happy with it

[@gavinlewis3049]

​@zackpatel3506 it is a good car, for me personally though there was a few things I couldn't live with, 1st was was the constant lane assist, had to turn it off, too invasive for when you want to do some b road driving, second was the exhaust/fake noise, it is way too quiet and you can tell the fake noise is fake, it is a very good all round car though, but I decided to go back to something a bit more raw, I ended up swapping for a 2020 renault megane rs 300, a bit more race car, pops and bangs and with the auto, I find myself using the paddle shifts more than the I did in the cupra, sometimes a car can be too competent and people like me want something that feels a bit more raw and something that feels it could go out of whack if you went past its limits.

[@acptelford1307]

Don’t buy one. That’s from me after covering 9000 miles so far….

[@markgilmour1169]

It's an ugly car.

[@James-bc1jk]

If you cant afford an audi then get a golf if you can't afford a golf then.........

[@BobK5]

Don’t bother with Audi they’re a bland drive