New Cupra Formentor 2021

The Cupra division is maybe something that you have never heard of. Part of the VW group and is a spin off from the SEAT brand. The Formentor is the first model designed from the ground up as a Cupra. It’s SUV-coupe-crossover mash up offers the best of both a sporty drive and a higher driving position for a more practical experience. But is it wise to go for a brand new, untested vehicle?

The Formentor starts from just over £28,000 in the UK and comes in both a front wheel drive, Plug in Hybrid, and four-wheel drive performance options. Under the bonnet is a wide choice of powerplants, including the 1.4L plug in hybrid, as well as a powerful 2.0L turbo, with less formidable 1.5L and a 2.0L version with four-wheel drive – all of which are petrol. The most powerful from the standard line up has an impressive 306bhp and 0-60 time of 4.9 seconds.

Which Model should I buy?

Best value

The standard Formentor V1 has a 150bhp TSI and 6 speed manual, plus plenty of standard options including 18” alloy wheels, voice control, 12” navigation system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, tri zone air conditioning, keyless start and entry, electrically adjustable and folding mirrors, auto headlights, wipers and even high beam assist.

The best performing

The highest spec is the £43,550 Formentor VZ3 4 Drive, which has 310bhp and a 7 speed DSG gearbox. It has all the extras built in including leather seats, 19” exclusive alloy wheels, front assist, exit assist and lane change assist, winter pack and upgraded Brembo brakes. Definitely the one to go for if you are looking for some serious entertainment behind the wheel – however the steep price does almost place It into its German rivals of the Audi SQ3 when you add a couple of options such as the panoramic sunroof.

Best comfort

The four-wheel drive V1 DSG Auto Petrol would be the obvious all-rounder for comfort, performance and practicality as it has the added benefit of a relaxed driving style, shifting automatically and the safety of that four-wheel drive system to fall back on if the terrain becomes uneven. Starting at just under £33,000 it is a whole £10,000 less than the top performer and would be our go to option.

Lets talk about the styling

The Cupra Formentor is certainly a longer family car, with a lower roofline than most SUVs available today, it has wide arches to further enhance its sporting presence and striking creases and lines that do not show up often in its class. We think it looks modern and well-presented overall.

It sits in the middle of the C and D segment range and has a sizeable interior for everyday practicality, but not quite matching the space inside an Octavia estate for instance. The seats are very innovative, offering copper stitching and blue leather in some of the trim levels. It also has an array of ambient lighting across the base of the windscreen and doors, adapting for different drive modes and adds that extra something to its darker interior.

The Formentor handles well despite being a taller vehicle and is considered better quality and overall comfort than its T-Roc R equivalent, cornering relatively level with only slight body roll, with precise steering and acceptable feeling over the rough terrain.

Our verdict at Motorhype

A brand-new car brand and model can be intimidating to potential buyers, but the Formentor has fantastic styling and quality – remarkably so for its price range. If you are not too keen for top performance and can skip a few added extras, you can easily pick up this car for under £30,000. It offers that little bit more in terms of styling and sportiness too for overall a fantastic all-rounder.