It’s hard when a car constantly provokes you to forget all the boundaries of common sense. It’s impossible to be calm and reserved with the Cupra, it has so much passion and ability hidden under a mask of virtue.
In general, the brand itself is not in the habit of doing something loud and ambitious. They do their job modestly, which is not at all consistent with the Spaniards. The «Coupes» like to demonstrate their character, for example, on the track or in races. This is how a shy Formentor VZ appears next to the «pumped-up» BMW M-series or VW Golf GTI and sprinkles dust on everyone at the start. Well, maybe I’m exaggerating, in fact I’ve only heard such stories, but they say that this really happened. The brand itself has never boasted of high-profile awards in motorsports and is still considered mediocre, but it actively develops and tests technologies at competitions. And we get a chance to try out the experience gained.
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In any case, the Cupra Formentor VZ — is a hidden powerhouse. It’s hard to tell from the face that 310 horsepower is hidden under the hood. In its modesty, it reminds me of an Infiniti: the same massive hood, accentuated edges, sloping roof, and elongated silhouette. Only the Cupra has sharper stampings, emphasized sharply broken corners, and trigonometric shapes, which makes it look more like a Lambo. Only in fact, the designers were inspired by the rocks of the cape, in whose honor the crossover was named. And the additional prefix VZ (Veloz) translates to speed and is added to the top trims with the most powerful engines.
This stylish and still unusual logo is particularly attractive to the public. The manufacturer deliberately emphasizes the isolation of its models in this way: a matte copper color that is duplicated in various small details on the body and interior, including the wheels.
The Formentor is a real eye-catcher in any color or finish. Colors are important in the Cupra world, after all. There’s nothing aesthetically awkward about the Desire Red coloring (like our test car), but in my opinion, it looks a bit banal. The composition of matte copper inserts seems to be borrowed from someone and definitely does not go well with the main color. The gray glossy plastic around the perimeter on the sills and bumpers is also somehow incompatible with the black grille and black elements. Nevertheless, the colors Magnetic Tech Matte, Graphene Grey and Petrol Blue Matte are more appropriate for Formentor and look sensational.
The Formentor is 4450 mm long, 1839 mm wide and 1511 mm high. The wheelbase is 2680 mm — these seem like standard dimensions, but they are based on a lot of charisma created by the engineers of the sports brand.
This «hot» crossover is built on the standard Volkswagen Group MQB Evo base, just like the SEAT Leon (Mk4). Only the body itself is completely different. Cupra has never built a car based on its templates before, so this Formentor is the first model to be developed for the sports brand. So Cupra has passed on its genetic code, which reflects many years of experience in motorsport.
No, the Formentor VZ is not a competitor to the Subaru STI or Porsche, but it is a worthy representative of «charged» cars. It can mainly compete for popularity with the VW Golf GTi and leaves it behind in terms of numbers: 285 horses in the Golf versus 310 horses in the «Kupra» and 6.2 seconds of acceleration to the first hundred kilometers versus 4.9 seconds.
The Formentor is equipped with a turbocharged 2.0 TSI (DNF) gasoline engine (310 hp and 400 Nm) with code EA888, so it is the same as the Golf, only the Spaniards managed to squeeze much more out of it. Cupra is the only manufacturer that VAG allowed to change more than others. So the cars behave differently accordingly.
This engine is paired with a seven-speed DSG gearbox, which is one of the best combinations. And they work perfectly, both in automatic and manual mode. The gearbox responds incredibly quickly, downshifting as needed and holding the gear for as long as the electronic systems tell it to. There are several transmission modes: fully manual with the ability to shift gears with the steering wheel paddles and the S sport mode, which works in automatic mode.
There are as many as five driving modes that allow you to radically change the character of the Formentor: Comfort, Sport, Cupra, Individual, Offroad. It’s nice that each of them corresponds to its own style and changes not only the effort on the steering wheel, but also the suspension, throttle response, gearbox operation, and even the engine.
Along with the platform, Formentor also inherited a rich chassis configuration for a mid-size crossover: independent McPherson suspension in the front, a rear axle with independent multi-link suspension, and all this is complemented by hydraulic shock absorbers. In our case, we have an all-wheel drive all-wheel drive package with a fairly rich optional content. All-wheel drive in the Cupra Formentor is organized because of the 6th generation Haldex multi-plate clutch, which distributes torque as needed, as determined by the automation. It’s hard to feel the all-wheel drive at all because it works more for stability than for off-road capabilities. It’s only on slippery roads that you can feel the systems working. Therefore, the OffRoad mode only helps to drive over bumps in the road more easily and makes the suspension softer when driving on dirt roads.
While in Comfort mode you can’t immediately notice the cheerful behavior, in Sport mode the car shoots out with a noticeable acceleration. Only the Formentor is at its best in Cupra mode. When it kicks in, this low baritone sound is like the purr of a giant lion, vaguely reminiscent of the Audi RS engine. Of course, it’s not the engine itself that’s humming, but a little sound has been added for better effect. But it creates an unrivaled experience for those who appreciate sound and drive. You’ll stop listening to music altogether and just listen to the baritone. In addition, it shoots off when downshifting, and the engine makes a light over-revving like a sports car. The gearbox keeps the engine speed at three thousand, which makes the crossover ready to start at any time.
You won’t have time to count to five before the speedometer reads 100 km/h. Acceleration dynamics exactly corresponds to the declared 4.9 seconds. It’s nice that it easily continues acceleration. Acceleration is available even after 120 km/h, which allows you not to worry at all during overtaking and not to expect unpleasant surprises in the form of dips. We can say that the throttle response and sensitivity are definitely sharper than in the same VW Golf GTI. However, in this mode, be prepared for the costs because the consumption will remain around 8.8 liters. Standard fuel consumption around the city was 7.4 liters, and in economy mode, you can go down to 7 liters.
The crossover is easy to drive. The steering wheel is sharp and has a clear zero. Every degree of steering wheel rotation will affect the direction of movement. Of course, it is much lighter in effort than a Subaru STI or Porsche 911, but it is definitely more resilient and clear than most cars. It’s a pleasure to maneuver it, and you’re looking for a free area to test a controlled skid or a snake move. I think it would have overcome everything with ease, while I only allowed myself to dynamically pass other cars in the traffic.
Moreover, the DCC suspension with hydraulic shock absorbers also contributes to the dynamics. Adapting to the driving mode, the chassis changes the level of stiffness. Only in no mode will it be soft. Still, sporty settings require appropriate elasticity. No sway or roll — this is one of the advantages. Sensitivity to potholes and bumps — this is the other side of the drive. You always have to make compromises.
And this is where small details come into play, which can be a little annoying when you’re interacting with the car. For example, Formentor, with all its cool modes, didn’t have a separate button or key to switch modes. So you have to go into the menu to change them. This is probably the biggest bug that disappoints.
If the overall look of the interior is aesthetically pleasing, then you can find minor flaws when you look deeper. Of course, the quality of materials and style are not in question. The soft upholstery does not make your eyes glaze over because of the amount of materials used, everything is perfectly fitted. The styling of German cars is slightly enhanced by Spanish playfulness. The decorative illumination of the front torpedo not only pleases the eye with different colors that change according to the change in the driving mode. But also has a useful function to show the presence of cars in the blind spot and warn about the impossibility of getting out of the car. And at this time, the illumination in the side mirror area lights up bright yellow or red, warning you not to get out of the car right now.
In general, the functionality here is quite high, but convenience was sacrificed for design. The climate system is located on the same 12.3-inch multimedia and entertainment screen in the center of the torpedo. We can only be grateful that at least the temperature control was placed separately on a touch panel under the monitor itself. It’s not convenient and time-consuming to have to constantly climb in there to turn on some heaters or change the settings. It distracts from driving, especially in such a dynamic car.
It has a three-zone climate that reminds us of the brand’s premium quality, and an air comfort control system that can be turned on to create a unified atmosphere. The system works quickly, maintaining air purity and appropriate degrees. In order not to climb into the settings once again, you can entrust everything to automation, which has three modes of maintaining a comfortable temperature.
The same goes for the Beats audio system: there is no volume control knob, but you get a touch-sensitive volume bar under the monitor and switches on the steering wheel. This is to prevent anyone from controlling the music without your permission. The sound is not bad, but far from perfect.
Of course, Formentor has wireless smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto apps and wireless charging in a niche in the center of the console. In front, there are places for your phone, keys and wallets, as well as the obligatory cupholders and an armrest that can be adjusted in height. The door pockets are quite large, and there is no shortage of charging points: no less than four USB-C ports (two in the front, two in the rear), and the rear seat passengers have their own climate control panel. There are heated seats everywhere, and there is a separate-heated steering wheel. In general, the steering wheel is used to control the most important functions, from cruise to changing the style of the dashboard.
The digital instrument cluster has about four different styles of instrument display: minimalist with speed indicators, with a central tachometer, with familiar wells, and with scales. Here you will be shown information about fuel consumption (it is also duplicated on the multimedia screen), fuel remaining, engine temperature, auxiliary systems, and more. You won’t find everything the first time you try, but you need to get comfortable with the keys and changes in appearance, and everything becomes clear quickly.
The seats have electronic adjustments and are made in the style of sports buckets — this is an option that you choose when choosing a car in the configurator. It hugs you from all sides, preventing you from swaying on sharp turns. Even the rear seats have some support and people do not sway in them. In general, there is more than enough space for all passengers here, which is not the case at first glance. The crossover seems smaller than it actually is.
The luggage compartment offers 420 liters of space and a deep seat. There is a spare tire and tool niches under the floor. The seats can be folded 40/60 directly from the luggage compartment and even made an access hatch from the rear row. This allows you to carry long items without folding the back of the sofa. Also installed here is a 220V socket and a cigarette lighter.
The multimedia system is in the style of VW and has the same graphics and fonts. Here, you can control most of the car’s functions, which are actually not so many. You can set the operation of auxiliary systems, such as a cross-traffic warning system, or driver fatigue, or parking assistance. For example. Cupra can assist with parking, and to do this, you need to turn on this assistant on the monitor when you are looking for a parking space and use its prompts. It will not park the car on its own — on the wrong level.
In general, the level of saturation with active assistant systems is surprisingly low. Formentor doesn’t even have adaptive cruise, only regular cruise. No insurance — just you one-on-one with the car, drive, and adrenaline. Just the way you like it. Loud, dangerous, and exhilarating. And that’s exactly what goes hand in hand with lightning speed — danger.
And although the Formentor received all five stars for the EuroNCAP safety system, I, personally, find the assistants to be lacking. On the road, you get tired of driving and want to relax a bit, but with the Cupra, you have to keep on top of your game.
All in all, the Cupra Formentor VZ — is a niche product for those who appreciate real, tangible drive. This is a car that should not be bought without acquiring emergency driving skills or at least familiarity with them. You would rather not end up like Ferrari and Lamborghini, which end their short lives at the first sharp turn under the control of new owners. Formentor is dangerous in the hands of an emotional and irrational driver. I would sell such cars only after consulting a psychotherapist, but then few people would dare to buy such a car at all, even for $47,000.
Each Cupra — car is partly unique because it is customized to the owner’s taste. You choose the color, functionality, and technical component. Perhaps the personalized choice is not the same as in Rolls-Royce and not as individual, but even in Cupra, some parts are made and installed by hand. You can’t do this in a large factory with assembly line production, so Cupra is made in a small company in Martorell.
Now, in difficult times, the importer has had to restock a certain amount of various selected packages stored in warehouses in Europe. So, if you want to get a car quickly, you can choose from the options offered.
Cupra Formentor — is not a new product on our market, but it is worth being reminded of more often. It’s hard to name any competitors offhand. The brand is quite fresh for us and is still only introducing consumers to its representatives. Of course, most people will choose the familiar and desirable VW Golf GTI over the unfamiliar Spaniard, even though it is more fun to drive. They will not exchange the JCW MINI Countryman for the Cupra, as it is also a rather niche product. So the Spanish brand will have to convince our drivers that they are worthy of attention and affection.
PROS: dynamics, exterior design, interior design, handling, comfort.
CONS: small luggage space, inconvenient infotainment system, limited personalization options, lack of active assistants.
| Body, type | SUV |
| Dimensions (LxWxH), mm | 4450/1839/1511 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 2680 |
| Declared ground clearance, mm | 150 |
| Trunk volume, liters. | 420 |
| Curb weight, kg | 1655 |
| Engine | 2.0 TSI |
| Power, hp. | 310 |
| Torque, Nm | 400 |
| Type of drive | fullAWD |
| Pendant | Macpherson/independent |
| Transmission | 7DCT |
| Dynamics 0-100, s | 4,9 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 250 |
| Fuel consumption, l (mixed) | 7,7 |
| Cost, UAH | from 1 900 087 |
| The cost of the test car, UAH | 2 191 781 |
| Competitors | VW Golf GTI |
| MINI Countryman JCW | |
| Audi RS Q3 |