What makes a CUPRA a CUPRA? Before the rebrand customers were clear what a CUPRA model was, it was the fastest “sportiest” SEAT you could buy, SEAT’s “hot” models. FR models were the “warm” models, looking a bit like the CUPRAs but had the lower powered engines and a bit less bling. Now FRs are just a trim and can come with a one litre engine, but that’s a story for another day.
CUPRA Formentor, the dedicated brand’s “Pure” Cupra model will be available with a 1.5 litre 150HP engine. To put that into perspective that’s less power than the 1.8T MK1 SEAT Leon CUPRA from 20 years ago which had 180HP. You can also currently buy SEAT’s with more power than the base CUPRA Formentor.
There is also a 1.4PHEV version on the way with a bit more oomph, either 204HP or 245HP, but it’s the first time you have been able to buy a CUPRA model with less power than a SEAT.
Oh, and a there will be a manual too, CUPRA, not that long ago said all future CUPRA models would be available in DSG only.
All is not lost for the Formentor though, the real fun starts when you drop £39,830 on the 310HP versions of the car (we’ll have a review of one of these at the end of the month by the way).
CUPRA have also confirmed they are looking at bringing an even more powerful version out in the future and it has been spied testing with a suspected 400HP 2.5TSFS engine from the Audi RS3.
Before we get into the full specifications and pricing for the new CUPRA Formentor, let’s just pause once more and look at CUPRA’s vision from their website:
We are a contemporary vision of sportiness.
We are not exclusive, but rare.
Not industrial, but ingenious.
Not bespoke, but special.
Not tuned, but customisable.
We redefine.High performance.
Source, CUPRA (emphasis ours)
Craft and individuality.
The world of racing.
Sophistication and design.
So why so many engine options for the Formentor? why weren’t the lower powered engine models just made into SEAT’s? Probably because of money and a bit of regulations thrown in for good measure.
CUPRA want to be an aspirational brand, clearly not just about performance, although there appears to be a bit of conflict going on with their company brand promise with these newly announced lower powered engines.
But, why wouldn’t they offer you a chance to drive a CUPRA Formentor for under 30K with a comparatively slow engine, but to those members of the public who know what CUPRA means (or did mean), they think you’re in the super-fast one?
Years ago, I was pulling into work in my MK1 Leon CUPRA R and someone said to me – ooh, “CUPRA, I’ve heard of those, that’s the really fast edition isn’t it?” That clearly won’t always be the case anymore.
Whether you think these lower powered versions dilute the brand or not is up to you. Remember there was a lower powered version of the popular MK3 SEAT Leon CUPRA available, although they didn’t sell many, but that still had 265HP.
Choice is a good thing of course, the more people driving CUPRA’s around the more the brand will be successful and that’s a good thing for fans and prospective buyers.
Anyway, let us know what you think about this in the comments below.
Now let’s get on to the full details from CUPRA’s press release which is the real reason you came here.
CUPRA has announced final specifications and pricing for the first vehicle designed specifically for the brand, the Formentor coupé SUV, as the order books open.
The new flagship model, which delivers high-performance thanks to the 2.0-litre TSI 310PS 4Drive engine, accelerates from 0-62mph in just 4.9 seconds, costs £39,830 on-the-road.Alternatively, customers can purchase the 310PS Formentor VZ2 from £399 per month on Solutions Personal Contract Plan (PCP).
| Solutions Personal Contract Plan** representative example for CUPRA Formentor VZ2 2.0 TSI 310PS DSG 4Drive subject to a 10,000 mile agreement | |
| Duration | 4 years / 48 months |
| Optional Extra / [Metallic paint] or [Wheels] | £555 (metallic paint) |
| Retail cash price (inclusive of optional extras) | £40,385.00 |
| 47 monthly payments of | £399.00 |
| CUPRA deposit contribution | £1,500.00 |
| Customer deposit | £7,519.00 |
| Total deposit (including deposit contribution) | £9,019.00 |
| Optional final payment | £17,268.66 |
| Option to purchase fee** (Payable at the end of your agreement) | £10.00 |
| Total amount payable by customer | £45,050.66 |
| Total amount of credit | £31,366.00 |
| Representative APR | 4.9% |
| Rate of interest | 4.86% fixed p.a |
| Excess mileage charge (excludes VAT at the current rate) | 6p per mile |
This model will also retain 46 per cent of its value, according to CAP HPI, after three years and 60,000 miles.
Formentor has been curated to include a long equipment list as standard across six highly-specified trims, named V1, V2, VZ1, VZ2, VZ3 and VZ Edition. As standard on V1 trim, customers get 18-inch alloy wheels, 12-inch infotainment touchscreen with connected navigation, 10-inch digital driver binnacle, LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, Adaptive Cruise Control, wireless smartphone charger, a leather steering wheel and rear parking sensors, all as standard. The name VZ comes from the word ‘Veloz’ in Spanish, translating as ‘Speed’ or ‘Fast’.
To ensure CUPRA remains accessible to all, Formentor is available with a 150PS TSI engine, either with a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG automatic transmission. Prices will start from £27,300* for the 150PS TSI manual V1 model.
On average, CAP HPI predicts Formentor will retain 44 per cent of its value during the course of typical ownership, on a par with established premium brands.
Engine line-up
The CUPRA Formentor engine line-up is comprised of five outputs, all of which are RDE2 certified. The 1.5-litre TSI engine is available as a 150PS while the 2.0-litre TSI will be offered as a 190PS.
For drivers that want the dramatic design of a CUPRA with eco-conscious performance, the Plug-in Hybrid Variant will be available. A 1.4-litre TSI 150PS (110kW) petrol engine is paired to a 115PS (85kW) electric motor, powered by a 13kWh lithium-ion battery pack, can be tuned to either 204PS or 245PS. The eHybrid has a predicted electric-only range of 31miles (50km).
Both the 1.5-litre and 1.4-litre plug-in variants will be available to order in the UK from quarter one 2021.
At the top of the range is the 2.0-litre TSI DSG-auto 4Drive model, generating 310PS of peak power and 400Nm of torque.
Formentor has been designed and engineered to deliver a performance-orientated drive, delivered, in part, by the front MacPherson struts and multi-link rear suspension set-up to enable the intuitive dynamic response required during enthusiastic driving.
The new CUPRA coupé SUV also features Adaptive Chassis Control (DCC)***, which constantly monitors the road surfaces and driver inputs and makes imperceptible changes to guarantee surefootedness in any condition while delivering the most engaging drive. The DCC slider gives even more control over the dynamic characteristics of the vehicle, changing not only the damping force level of the shock absorber but the chassis controller setting too.
The 4Drive models utilise an electro-hydraulic multi-disc traction system that analyses road conditions in real time delivering power to the wheels with the most traction. Torque can even be controlled across the axle thanks to the EDS electronic aid, which locks the slipping wheel, meaning no transversal torque is lost. The system is integrated into the rear axle and sits at the end of the drive shaft in front of the rear differential, improving weight distribution and reducing inertia and reaction time, meaning the new CUPRA Formentor provides surefootedness behind the wheel.
| Model | CO2 (g/km, WLTP) | Fuel econ. (mpg, WLTP) | On-the-road price |
| Formentor VZ2 TSI DSG-auto 4Drive 310PS | 193 | 31.4-33.2 | £39,830 |
| Formentor VZ3 TSI DSG-auto 4Drive 310PS | 194 | 31.4-32.8 | £42,200 |
| Formentor VZ Edition TSI DSG-auto 4Drive 310PS | 193 | 31.4-33.2 | £43,840 |
Specification
Befitting the CUPRA name and the equipment included within, Formentor can be specified in one of six highly-specified trims, each carefully curated to deliver a blend of performance, technology and design.
Formentor benefits from a wide colour palette chosen to complement the design: there are four soft metallic paints (Urban Silver, Midnight Black, Magnetic Tech and Candy White); three premium paints (Graphene Grey, Dark Camouflage and Desire Red) as well as two matte paint options (Petrol Blue Matte and Magnetic Tech Matte).
All CUPRA Formentor V1 models across the range include as standard:
- 18″ ‘Performance’ machined sport black / silver alloy wheels
- Interior ambient lighting
- Auto-dimming rear view mirror
- Tinted rear windows
- LED Headlights and taillights, with dynamic indicator and Dynamic Range Control
- Electrically adjustable, folding and heated door mirrors with welcome light
- Rain sensing wipers
- Front fog lamps with cornering function
- Rear diffuser with black simulated exhaust pipes
- Digital Cockpit (10.25-inch (1280×480 pixel) digital driver binnacle, fully customisable with additional ‘Sport View’)
- 12-inch Navigation System with voice control, Full Link integration (wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto) and DAB radio
- Two front and two rear USB type C sockets
- Wireless phone charger
- CUPRA Connect: Safety, Service, Remote & Online, comprising 10-year Safety and Service subscription including Private emergency call, Breakdown call, Service scheduling; 12-month Remote Access subscription including Driving data, Parking position, Remote lock and unlock, Anti-theft/area/speed alert; and 12-month Online infotainment subscription included: Online map update, Online traffic information, Online route calculation, Parking and petrol stations
- Copper and aluminium interior detailing
- Black adjustable sports seats, part PVC part cloth with copper stitching
- Leather multi-function steering wheel (with gear shift paddles on DSG)
- Rear parking sensors
- 3-Zone climate control with rear control panel
- Electronic locking differential with dynamic traction support
- Predictive Adaptive Cruise control with speed limiter
- Keyless entry and start (KESSY)
- Tyre pressure monitoring
- Lane Assist
- Forward collision warning with automatic braking
- Safety and Driving Pack, comprising Dynamic road sign display and High Beam Assist
On top of or in place of, the CUPRA Formentor V2 includes:
- 19″ ‘Exclusive’ machined sport matte black / silver alloy wheels
- Virtual pedal and electric tailgate
- Electrically-adjustable with memory function Black Nappa leather heated bucket seats with copper stitching and embroidered CUPRA logo in headrest
- Leather dashboard, door insert and side trim panel
- Heated steering wheel
- Park assist (includes front and rear sensors)
- Rear view camera
On top of or in place of, the CUPRA Formentor VZ1 includes:
- 19″ ‘Exclusive’ machined sport matte black / silver alloy wheels
- Black bucket seats part PVC part cloth with copper stitching
- Manually adjustable height and lumbar support for front seats
- Rear diffuser with single exhaust pipe on each side
- Dynamic chassis control
- Sports suspension
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Rear view camera
- Safety and Driving Pack comprising Dynamic road sign display, High Beam Assist, Side Assist (blind spot monitor) and Exit Assist (audible and visual warnings of approaching traffic when opening doors)
On top of or in place of, the CUPRA Formentor VZ2 includes:
- Electrically-adjustable with memory function Black Nappa leather heated bucket seats with copper stitching and embroidered CUPRA logo in headrest
- Leather dashboard, door insert and side trim panel
- Heated, leather multi-function sports steering wheel with start stop, CUPRA mode button and gear shift paddles
- Safety and Driving Pack, comprising Dynamic road sign display, High Beam Assist, Side Assist (blind spot monitor), Exit Assist (audible and visual warnings of approaching traffic when opening doors), Lane Change Assist and Emergency Assist
On top of or in place of, the CUPRA Formentor VZ3 includes:
- 19″ ‘Exclusive’ copper / black alloy wheels
- Brembo brakes
On top of or in place of, the CUPRA Formentor VZ Edition includes:
- 19″ ‘Sport’ copper / black alloy wheels
- Panoramic sunroof
Available to purchase from the growing CUPRA retail network throughout the UK or at www.cupraofficial.com
Find out more about the Formentor in our resources section, also keep an eye out for our review at the end of the month.
Small print
* RRP, exclusive of Vehicle Exercise Duty. On-the-road price available from mid-November when it becomes available to order
** Solutions Purchase Contract Plan based on ownership of 48 months and 10,000 miles, available with 4.9% APR representative and £1,500 towards your finance deposit. At the end of the agreement there are three options: i) pay the optional final payment and own the vehicle; ii) return the vehicle: subject to excess mileage and fair wear and tear, charges may apply; or iii) replace: part exchange the vehicle
With Solutions Personal Contract Plan. 18s+. Subject to status & availability. T&Cs apply. Ordered by 30 December 2020 from participating Retailers. Indemnities may be required. Not available in conjunction with any other offer and may be withdrawn at any time. Accurate at 01/10/2020. Freepost SEAT Financial Services.
*** VZ1 and above
