The responsibilities that fall on the CUPRA Formentor are considerable. As the first exclusive model of the young Spanish brand, it ends up serving as a showcase of what it is capable of when they are given a “blank sheet” (or the closest thing to it).
The result, at first glance, appears to be positive. As he passes by, several eyes are fixed on the strong bodywork and his mechanical and dynamic attributes even earned him the award for “Sport of the Year” in Portugal.
But does the daily coexistence with CUPRA's proposal confirm the expectations created around it? To find out, we put the CUPRA Formentor VZ e-HYBRID to the test, the most powerful plug-in hybrid version in the range.
CUPRA Formentor, the seducer
As I mentioned earlier, over the days I spent in the company of CUPRA Formentor, if there was one thing that became a constant, it was the heads “spinning” as it passed — and for good reason.
An aggressive aesthetic contributes to this, which, in my opinion, is quite well achieved and a matte paint that fits “like a glove” and even brought to my memory the painting of stealthy planes like the F-117 Nighthawk.
Inside, you “breathe” quality, especially with regard to the materials that, if they don't match those used by the German premium proposals, they shouldn't walk far from doing so. As for the assembly, on the other hand, the Spanish crossover reveals some room for progression.
There are no annoying parasitic noises or anything like that. However, the robustness that the entire cabin transmits when we drive on more degraded floors is not yet at the level of models like, for example, the BMW X2 (but not far either).
Then there is a field where the CUPRA Formentor earns “miles” from the competition: the stylistic details found inside.
Whether it's the stitching on the dashboard, the copper finishes, the ignition controls and driving modes located on the steering wheel — reminiscent of similar solutions on machines of another caliber, like the Ferrari manettino — or the excellent leather seats, everything inside this CUPRA makes us forget the high proximity to the interior of the SEAT Leon and places it as one of the segment references in this chapter.
It is in that command that we select the driving modes.
Improved usability
Despite standing out in the fields of style and quality of materials, the CUPRA Formentor leaves something to be desired in the interaction with its interior, a characteristic common to most of the latest Volkswagen Group products, with which it shares its platform, the MQB Evo.
By giving up many physical commands, CUPRA ended up reforming tasks that effectively work better with the help of the “good and old” buttons. Examples of this are the air conditioning — accessible only through the infotainment system — and the sunroof which, instead of a usual button, has a tactile surface that requires some getting used to.
Missing is also a button that allows us to switch between hybrid and electric modes. It's true that this selection can be done on the central screen, but it's not the most intuitive solution by all.
Speaking of the central screen, this one has a modern graphics and is quite complete, although some of the “buttons” could, in my opinion, be bigger to facilitate your selection while driving.
Spacious q.b.
It's no secret that the CUPRA Formentor's goal is not to be a remarkably familiar model. For this, the CUPRA range already has the Leon ST and the Ateca. Still, despite the focus on style, no one can accuse the Formentor of neglecting its passengers.
At the front there is more than enough space and plenty of storage, while at the rear two adults travel easily and comfortably. As for the third passenger, the height of the central tunnel does not recommend prolonged use of that seat.
Finally, the installation of the batteries — the VZ e-HYBRID is a plug-in hybrid — has “passed the bill” as far as luggage capacity is concerned, with the latter dropping from 450 l for the Formentors only for combustion to 345 l . Even so, its regular shapes allow for a good use of space.
meet expectations
As you would expect, one of the main focuses of CUPRA Formentor is the driving experience, as the young Spanish brand makes sportiness one of its brand images. But does Formentor, and in particular this plug-in hybrid version, live up to these expectations?
Let's start with the numbers. With 245 hp resulting from the "marriage" between the 1.4 TSI of 150 hp and a 115 hp electric motor, the Formentor VZ e-HYBRID is far from disappointing, reaching 0 to 100 km/h in 7s and reaching 210 km /H.
At the wheel, the acceleration capability of the Formentor VZ e-HYBRID is impressive, especially when we select the “CUPRA” driving mode which, in short, is the superlative version of the “Sport” mode.
In this one, not only are the accelerations pleasantly fast, but the sound of the Formentor VZ e-HYBRID can almost be dubbed “gutural”, revealing itself pleasantly aggressive and perfectly matching the look of the crossover.
In terms of dynamics, the CUPRA Formentor VZ e-HYBRID is more efficient than fun. It has very precise and direct steering, and the suspension, thanks to the adaptive chassis, not only manages to control body movements well (and handle its 1704 kg) but also offers a good level of comfort when we slow down.
In this field, only the feel of the brake at low speed could be a little better, something that the energy recovery system in deceleration or braking will not be oblivious to — the transition between regenerative and hydraulic braking in many hybrid and electric vehicles continues to be an “art” of difficult domain.
Slowing down the pace, the CUPRA Formentor shows that it is also a good roadster and “gifts” us with pleasant levels of sound insulation, high stability on the highway and moderate consumption, between 5.5 and 6.5 l/100 km .
At higher speeds, the presence of the plug-in hybrid system (which works almost imperceptibly deserves praise) ensures that consumption does not go beyond 8 l/100 km. If the battery has charge and selecting the hybrid mode, consumption did not go beyond 2.5 l/100 km.
Finally, when in electric mode, and without any economic concerns, autonomy covered 40 km on routes that included more national roads than the urban grid.
Is it the right car for you?
With a complete range and a particular focus on style, the CUPRA Formentor presents itself as the potential rival of other crossovers like the BMW X2, MINI Countryman or the Kia XCeed.
In this plug-in hybrid version, its base price (€46,237) puts it precisely between the XCeed PHEV and the BMW X2 xDrive25e.
Against both, it has a markedly sportier look, a greater focus on performance (but with moderate consumption) and considerably higher power. The South Korean “answers” with a long warranty and a more “discreet” look, while the German takes advantage of years of “experience” in the premium segment and the fact of having all-wheel drive.