The Cupra Formentor was the first model that Cupra developed independently in 2020. We are now four years later and you know what time it is: time for a facelift. Cupra has done serious work on this.
While with the facelifts of other brands the designers only had to adjust some lighting and a grille, their colleagues at Cupra clearly had more work to do; the nose of the Formentor has been completely overhauled. The so-called sharknose and the triangular daytime running lights fit much better with the brutal character of the brand, which still profiles itself as a bit of a jackass.
At the rear, the LED lighting is noticeable over the entire width of the car. The logo is illuminated. And because Cupra wants to be the sportiest brand in the Volkswagen Group, the plug-in hybrid is equipped with a large diffuser.
Action
Cupra Formentor gives more range
That’s all well and good, but the increased electric range is really useful. This now amounts to a comfortable 125 kilometers (WLTP). This gives him a serious lead over the competition. Outside the Volkswagen group, that is, because the plug-in Tiguan and Octavia also have such a strong range.
The increased range is because the battery has increased capacity (19.7 kWh). The range was more than 50 kilometers, but those who drove a bit sporty (and that’s what you do with a Cupra) had even less of this. The extra range is therefore more than welcome. This plug-in hybrid can also fast charge, something that is anything but common in this segment.
What has also become larger is the multimedia screen. That grew from 12.0 to 12.9 inches (33 cm). The software is new and the sliders under the screen are now illuminated so that you can find them faster in the dark.
The entry-level Formentor already has 204 hp and 350 Nm. The 1.4-liter TSI engine of the plug-in hybrid powertrain has been replaced by a 1.5 TSI with the facelift. We drive the strongest version, the VZ Performance with 272 hp and 400 Nm. With a 0-100 in 7.0 seconds and a top of 220 km/h, the Formentor VZ is one of the fastest, both in the city and on the highway. The interaction between the two engines is so smooth that you do not always realize which one is providing the drive.
Standard bucket seats
Cupra remains true to the sporty genes from the Seat era and that means that the chassis is firmly tuned and the driving characteristics are tight. Bucket seats are standard on the VZ versions, on the VZ Extreme they are from the renowned Sabelt brand. The steering is direct, the front wheels have more than enough grip and the Formentor remains neutral for a long time in corners. But the Spaniards know how to control their fury; there is plenty of room for comfort and the seats are very comfortable.
No matter how sporty the Formentor is for an SUV, with a curb weight of 1749 kilograms it is a bit like the gamer who spends most of the day in the attic putting on a tracksuit. In fast corners the car cannot completely disguise its high weight. But put the Formentor in one of the two sporty driving modes (Sport and Cupra) and you can still place the car fairly precisely and have a lot of fun with it.
Test Cupra Formentor conclusion
Is the Cupra Formentor a rebel, as the brand likes to see? That’s not too bad. Although you can send a nice pot. Above all, it is a nice travel stroller. Because despite the sporty intentions, including serious bucket seats, Cupra has also thought about comfort. The extra EV range is very welcome.
Source: www.autoreview.nl
