Despite the aggressive image being the first topic of conversation, it is the versatility and breadth of the range of the CUPRA Formentor which can earn you more sales in the increasingly competitive segment of the sportier “air” crossovers.
This is because the first model built from scratch for the young Spanish brand is available in versions for all tastes and budgets, from the most desired VZ5, equipped with a five-cylinder that produces 390 hp, to the entry-level version, equipped with a more modest 1.5 TSI with 150 hp.
And it was precisely in this configuration that we tested the Formentor again, in the cheapest version available on the national market. But is it necessary to give up the emotion that we find in the most powerful (and expensive!) versions of the Spanish model to give in to reason?
The sporty lines of the CUPRA Formentor were very well received and it's not hard to see why: the creases, aggressive air intakes and broad shoulders give it a road presence that is impossible to ignore.
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This version retains all these attributes. Only the 18” wheels stand out, as opposed to the 19” sets of the more powerful variants, and the false exhausts, unfortunately increasingly a trend in the automotive industry.
Inside the cabin, the general quality, the technological commitment and the available space are evident. As standard, this version has a 10.25” digital instrument panel and a 10” central infotainment system screen. As an option, for an additional 836 euros, it is possible to equip a 12” central screen.
Despite the low roofline, the space in the rear seat is generous and at a very good level. I am 1.83 m and I can “fit” very comfortably in the back seat.
Rear seat space is very interesting.
In the luggage compartment, we have at our disposal 450 liters of capacity, a number that can be expanded to 1505 liters with the second row of seats folded down.
And the engine, is it up to date?
This version of the Formentor was equipped with the four-cylinder 1.5 TSI Evo 150 hp and 250 Nm, an engine with credits signed within the Volskwagen Group.
Combined with a six-speed manual gearbox, this engine features two-of-four-cylinder deactivation technology, which, together with the gearbox's relatively long staggering, helps to keep consumption under control.
It's not hard to see that this block turns out to be more smooth and silent than thrilling. And if this has a positive impact in terms of daily use, where this Formentor is always very available and pleasant to use, it is also noticeable in terms of sporting credentials, a chapter where this version has much less responsibilities than more proposals. “powerful”.
The engine climbs relatively well in the rev range and reveals some good looks at low revs. But longer gearbox staggers hamper accelerations and, of course, recoveries. Which forces us to constantly adjust the relationships so that the response is felt more immediately.
What about consumptions?
But if this tweaks the sportier character of the Formentor, on the other hand it benefits it in city and highway use. And here, the scaling of the box proves to be much more suitable, letting us reach average consumption of 7.7 l/100 km.
But during this test, with a more careful driving on secondary roads, I got an average consumption below seven liters.
Dynamic at the name level?
Since the first time I drove the Formentor, in the VZ version with 310 hp of power, I immediately realized that this was a “well born” model, as is often said in automobile slang.
And this is also evident in this more affordable variant of the range which, despite having “saved” in power and price, keeps steering precise and fast and continues to provide us with a very immersive drive.
The unit we tested didn't have Adaptive Chassis Control, an option that costs 737 euros. However, this Formentor always presented a great compromise between dynamism and comfort.
In a chain of curves he never refused higher paces and on the highway he always exhibited very interesting comfort and stability. The steering is always very communicative and the front axle always reacts very well to our “requests”.
In addition to this, something that is common to all versions of the CUPRA Formentor: the driving position. Much lower than a conventional crossover, it is very close to what we find, for example, in a SEAT Leon. And that's a huge compliment.
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Is it the right car for you?
This is the gateway to one of the most eye-catching and sporty crossovers today, but it doesn't “lose” reasons for interest.
With a more fuel-oriented engine, it doesn't have the same “firepower”, obviously, as the VZ versions, but it keeps the driving immersive and the steering very communicative, and that makes it one of the most interesting crossovers to drive. of the present time.
And the truth is that it manages to be an exciting car even with only 150 hp of power. And this is something that doesn't always happen.
Very well equipped, with a very interesting technological and security offer, this CUPRA Formentor 1.5 TSI has the price of one of its greatest assets, as it starts at 34 303 euros.
Note: The interior and some exterior pictures correspond to the 150 hp Formentor 1.5 TSI, but equipped with the DSG (dual clutch) gearbox and not the manual gearbox of the tested unit.