Revised Cupra Formentor VZ e-Hybrid makes a powerful statement.
Revised Cupra Formentor VZ e-Hybrid makes a powerful statement.
The Formentor mid-size SUV-coupé was Cupra’s first bespoke model when it was launched in late 2020. Being part of the Volkswagen Group means that CUPRA has access to cutting-edge mechanicals and technology, and this enabled the Formentor to hit the ground running, so to speak. The Formentor was Cupra’s top seller in 2023, but to keep it fresh, the Spanish car manufacturer has given it a facelift.
New Design Language.
Revisions include a restyled front end, which gains the ‘shark’s nose’ of Cupra’s all-electric model line-up, along with new LED headlights that feature Cupra’s new ‘three triangular’ lighting signature. The rear of the car is also restyled with coast-to-coast LED taillights that consist of triangular elements, an illuminated Cupra logo (which looks fabulous), and an updated bumper design, along with a selection of new alloy wheel designs – some of which come with striking copper accents. Interior revisions consist of a larger (12.9-inch) touchscreen infotainment system with new software that provides an enhanced user experience, along with illuminated slider controls below the touchscreen.
Proven Technology.
The Formentor sits on the familiar MQB Evo platform that also underpins other VW Group vehicles, such as the VW Tiguan, VW Golf and Skoda Octavia, and more besides, so an enjoyable driving experience is guaranteed. With a wheelbase of 2679mm, the Formentor provides the driver and passengers with lots of head and legroom, while the standard 345-litre boot capacity in the e-Hybrid can be easily expanded by dropping the split-folding rear seats. A standard 420-litre boot capacity comes with all non-PHEV versions of the Formentor. With CUPRA CONNECT, drivers can control, track and access their car remotely via their computer or mobile app, and this is a great way of pre-conditioning the temperature within the car before a journey, or to pre-programme charging at home to take advantage of reduced electricity tariffs. You can also access real-time traffic updates and directions, and listen to Apple Music on the move. In the unlikely event of an accident, the Emergency Assistance function will put you automatically in contact with local emergency services.
Powertrain Options.
Petrol engine options in the Formentor consist of a 1.5-litre TSI with 150hp and a 2.0-litre TSI unit with 333hp and 4-wheel drive as standard – exclusively available in VZ trim grade. The 1.5 TSI engine is available with a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG (automatic) transmission (eTSI), while the 2.0 TSI comes with a DSG transmission as standard. A 2.0 TDI (Turbocharged Diesel) engine is available with 150hp, and it comes with a 7-speed DSG transmission as standard. Additionally, a new 1.5-litre e-Hybrid plug-in powertrain (PHEV) is available with 204hp or 272hp in ‘Formetor’ and ‘Formentor VZ’ trim grades respectively – both of which are mated to a 6-speed DSG transmission. The new e-Hybrid powertrain offers an impressive pure-electric range of up to 126km, and the 25.8kWh lithium-ion battery can be fully charged (0%-100%) in just over 2.5 hours via an AC 11kW domestic charger, and in as little as 26 minutes (10%-80%) when connected to a DC 50kW public charger.
Two Trim Grades.
The Formentor e-Hybrid is available in two trim grades: Formentor and Formentor VZ (named in reference to the Spanish word “Veloz”, meaning “fast”). Key standard equipment in ‘Formentor’ trim includes Full LED headlamps and Daytime Running Lights, rear ‘coast to coast’ lights with welcome ceremony, front fog lamps with cornering function, CUPRA sport suspension, CUPRA Drive Profile, CUPRA CONNECT, SONORA 18-inch machined alloy wheels in black & silver, black roof rails, textile sports seats, 3-zone air-conditioning, heated front seats, black roof cloth, front & rear centre arm rest, wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, DAB radio, wireless smartphone charging pad, front & rear parking sensors, a 10.25-inch digital cockpit, and a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, along with a suite of driver assistance systems and safety features. Additional standard equipment in VZ trim includes SANDSTORM 19-inch machined alloy wheels, Dinamica bucket seats, Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC), electric driver’s seat, electric tailgate with a virtual pedal, rear-view camera, Keyless Advanced, and Smart Wraparound Interior Lighting. The Formentor VZ e-Hybrid also benefits from an increased power output of 272hp from the 1.5-litre PHEV powertrain.
Test Car Details.
My test car was a new Formentor VZ e-Hybrid 1.5 TSI 272hp which was finished in stylish Century Bronze matt paintwork with optional HAILSTORM COPPER 19-inch machined alloy wheels in Sport Black Matt/Copper for enhanced visual drama. Producing 272hp and 400Nm of torque, the petrol/electric powertrain propels the Formentor from a standing start to 100km/h in just 7.2-seconds, on its way to a top speed of 220km/h (where permitted). The wrap-around ambient lighting strip (with multiple colour options) that adorns the dashboard at the base of the windscreen and into the door trim not only looks fantastic, but it also acts as a blind-spot indicator by illuminating in orange near the door mirrors when there is something in your blind-spot. The slick gear selector uses shift-by-wire technology which results in smooth and unobtrusive gear change functionality. The seats are comfortable and supportive, with ample side support and excellent adjustability, and the driver’s seat comes with a memory function with two settings. The seating position is low, as is the base of the windscreen, so you feel like you sit much closer to the road – as you would in a performance-focused car. The Formentor VZ offers a range of drive modes that adjust various vehicle settings to suit different driving conditions and preferences. These modes consist of Comfort, Sport, Cupra and Individual settings, and they can be accessed via the touchscreen, or by way of buttons conveniently located on the steering wheel. Comfort mode prioritises a smooth and comfortable ride quality, while Sport mode enables the car to feel more agile and responsive. Cupra mode is designed for maximum performance and a spirited driving experience, offering the most aggressive throttle response, firmest suspension and sportiest steering feel, while Individual mode allows the driver to fine-tune various settings like steering weight, suspension firmness and throttle response to create a personalised driving experience. The Formentor VZ also features Dynamic Chassis Control as standard, which continuously adjusts the damping force for each wheel based on the driving conditions and the selected drive mode, further enhancing the driving experience. The car’s taut suspension keeps body lean to an absolute minimum in corners, and overall driving dynamics are exceptional. The steering is suitably light and this, along with the standard front & rear parking sensors and rear-view camera, makes car park manoeuvres easy to negotiate. Cabin space in the Formentor is excellent, with adults over six foot tall still able to sit comfortably in the rear seats. You could even sit three abreast thanks to the shallow transmission tunnel. The Formentor scored a full five star rating in its Euro NCAP crash test, thanks in part to standard safety systems such as lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, predictive cruise control and driver alert warning.
Verdict & Pricing.
The new Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid is a highly commendable and very worthwhile addition to the Formentor model range. Pricing for the new Cupra Formentor starts at €40,885 for the 1.5 TSI 150hp, with my Formentor VZ e-Hybrid test car specification priced from €54,600. Prices quoted include delivery and related charges, and a 3-year/90,000km manufacturer’s warranty comes a standard across the entire Cupra model range.
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