Key Highlights
- The new CUPRA Formentor embraces CUPRA’s new exterior design language DNA with the shark-nose front end, integrated CUPRA badge onto the bonnet, triangular LED headlights, and integrated and illuminated CUPRA logo positioned at the centre of the rear LED light.
- The interior offers a higher quality feel, with newly designed elements such as the centre console, door panels, dashboard, and upholsteries. It is also enhanced with new materials, while also embracing a more sustainable approach, including Bucket seats wrapped in either 73% recycled
microfibre or environmentally conscious leather. - Digitalisation is at the centre of the driver’s focus. A new and improved HMI is implemented in the digital cockpit behind the steering wheel as well as in the larger 12.9’’ infotainment system, with a retro-illuminated slider.
- New high-fidelity 12-speaker audio sound system developed in collaboration with the audio experts of Sennheiser Mobility is available on the VZ3 trim. The system delivers the pure signature Sennheiser sound that is trusted by music creatives and artists from all over the world.
- The new CUPRA Formentor will be available with a new generation of plug in hybrid engines (eHybrid) delivering up to 272PS (200kW), with more than 62 miles* of all-electric range and now compatible with fast charge (up to 50kW DC charge).
- The new CUPRA Formentor will also be available with a new petrol engine (TSI), delivering 333PS (245kW) with torque splitter technology and Akebono brakes, on the VZ3 trim.
- A sportier accentuation of Chassis and Engine set up guarantees unparalleled vehicle dynamics.
- The new CUPRA Formentor is designed, developed, and will be produced in Barcelona, at the brand’s headquarters in Martorell. It will be launched in the third quarter of 2024.
Exterior Design
The new CUPRA Formentor builds on the proportions and design details that have made the Crossover SUV such a huge success. The vehicle’s aesthetic and overall package that helped it win the Red Dot Award for Product Design 2021 have been accentuated and amplified, delivering an emotional, striking, and sporty visual.
The new CUPRA Formentor introduces the new CUPRA design language DNA, with the shark-nose front end, triangular LED headlights and big, bold lower mouth. The front of the new CUPRA Formentor is strong and determined, integrating the CUPRA logo directly on to the bonnet above the large front grille and bookmarked by the matrix LED front headlights (standard on the VZ3 trim) that incorporate the signature design three illuminated triangles framed within a triangle.
The front-end design adds the strength of expression and a sense of width while thin air-intake slots below the shark nose add technicality and sophistication. The grille mesh is open to deliver both form and function, a necessity in a performance car.
As the eye shifts to the side design details, the new CUPRA Formentor’s athletic proportions and character becomes even more evident. Its dynamic, well-balanced volume sits on the proportionally sized wheels – there are a range of different alloy wheels between 18 and 19’’.
Two side blisters add a feeling of movement, and the deeply shaped sections of the body add to the sensual sculpture of the new CUPRA Formentor. The increased sportiness of the high-performance Crossover SUV is enhanced further by the side mouldings and their relationship with the range of colours available.
At the rear of the new CUPRA Formentor, coast-to-coast taillights integrate the illuminated logo at the centre while the V-shaped tailgate further accentuates the emblem helping to distinguish the vehicle’s look no matter what angle it is viewed from.
The CUPRA lighting design continues with LED taillight lenses constructed from three triangular elements integral to the brand’s theme. The C-shape of the front is also echoed in the rear, framing the reflectors, giving the impression of width and a sense of stability. Finally, the aerodynamic diffuser in the lower section underlines the new CUPRA Formentor’s character.
Customers can choose from eight different colours including the new and exclusive Century Bronze Matt and Enceladus Grey Matt. The palette of colours is completed with Fiord Blue, Midnight Black, Glacial White, Magnetic Tech, Graphene Grey, and Magnetic Tech Matt.
Interior Design
The raw emotion of the new CUPRA Formentor’s exterior design is reflected inside with an interior that mixes sportiness and sustainability with a range of digital technologies and material choices.
The new CUPRA Formentor greets the driver and passenger with a welcome ceremony, projecting the CUPRA logo onto the ground and an illuminated doorstep. Once inside the sense of change becomes clearer with a range of new materials and approaches to the cabin design.
The familiarity of the CUPRA steering wheel, with the satellite buttons – which comes as standard for DSG versions – to maximise control and ease of use, the comfort and stability of the sports or bucket seats, the digital architecture and the completely updated material choices all direct thoughts to a superior machine, reinforcing its performance credentials.
The dashboard surfaces use 3D parametric pattern to deliver tactility and optical interest in the surface. The centre console is newly designed with greater precision in each of its details, and improved materials to increase the interior quality. While the copper accents located around the cabin, including on the air vents add to the style.
A range of seat options not only give the driver and occupants increased comfort and confidence; they also integrate a more sustainable approach to material choices. The sports seat uses textile upholstery while the Bucket seats can be covered in either 73% recycled microfibre – with a progressive laser perforation – or environmentally conscious leather.
A continuation of CUPRA’s push to make the brand – and the automotive industry – a more sustainable proposition for customers.
Finally, CUPBucket seats – combining the ultra-technical central textile with Recycled Microfibre and haptic materials – will be available for the CUPRA Formentor VZ3, offering a lower seating feeling to deliver a more ergonomic, sporty seating position.
When equipped with CUPBuckets, the interior decorative elements, such as satellite buttons on the steering wheel, the centre console, air vents, comes in dark chrome.
Digitalisation is at the centre of the driver’s focus. A new and improved HMI is implemented in the digital cockpit behind the steering wheel as well as in the larger 12.9’’ infotainment system, with a retro-illuminated slider.
The infotainment system comes with an improved App Bar, widgets, and Clima Bar for an easy-to-use user interface. It’s all about simplicity, personalization, and cutting-edge design. Climate control is now seamlessly integrated into the main unit’s screen, making all vehicle functions and assistants accessible with just a single click, joining the digital and physical interactions.
High fidelity audio sound system with Sennheiser
The CUPRA Formentor VZ3 trim integrates a new optional high-fidelity 12-speaker audio sound system developed in collaboration with the audio experts of Sennheiser Mobility. The high-powered 425-watt system immerses the driver and the passengers in a unique sound experience. It’s an audio technology that incorporates Sennheiser’s AMBEO Concerto software, able to distil fundamental components of music, including different instruments and room information, redistributing them throughout the car.
This software delivers the pure signature Sennheiser sound, that is created based on
the long-term Sennheiser history providing artists and music professionals with trusted
sound solutions.
Powertrain
The new CUPRA Formentor is designed to merge the performance of both the combustion and electrified powertrains.
It will be available with a wide range of powertrains, including three different technologies: TSI (petrol), eTSI (mild hybrid), and a new generation of eHybrid engines (plug-in hybrid). In total, there are seven different powertrain options, from 150PS to 333PS.
TSI (petrol)
The entry point for the new CUPRA Formentor is the new 1.5 litre TSI petrol unit which delivers 150PS (110kW), linked to a 6-speed manual transmission.
Performance is enhanced in the larger 2.0 litre TSI petrol engine, with an output of 204PS (150kW), linked to a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive 4Drive).
At the top of the new CUPRA Formentor’s line-up are the VZ variants. VZ stands for Veloz in Spanish, meaning quick or fast, a seamless way to describe the most powerful versions of the Crossover SUV.
The new CUPRA Formentor VZ will be available with two combustion options. The first one delivers 265PS (195kW), linked to a 7-speed DSG gearbox and front-wheel drive. The second one delivers 333PS (245kW), also linked to a 7-speed DSG gearbox, introducing a new drive mode with drivetrain calibrated for racetrack by CUPRA engineers and equipped with torque splitter technology and Akebono brakes on the VZ3 trim.
Specifically developed for this engine is an exclusive CUPRA Mode, including a racetrack optimized pedal and gearbox calibration, high dynamic torque response due to open throttle retention, a shift light indicator and the engine calibration developed by the Technical Centre in Martorell.
Housed on the rear axle, the system is electro-hydraulically controlled with two independent clutches and allow for independent torque control on each rear wheel.
This means that it can shift power between rear left and rear right wheels during cornering giving the CUPRA Formentor VZ even greater dexterity when driving becomes more focused.
The CUPRA Formentor VZ’s chassis system allowed engineers to include a Drift Mode. When you’re on a racetrack, the high-performance crossover SUV can show its character as a truly fun car. In this mode, the ESC is in sport mode and using the torque splitter technology, full power can be directed to one rear wheel, helping push the car around a bend as if it was pirouetting.
And when maximum braking control is needed the CUPRA Formentor VZ delivers thanks to its standard 18” brakes; the Formentor VZ3 is also equipped with brakes with six piston Akebono callipers (375mm x 36mm). Its reassurance amplified no matter what the requirements.
eTSI (mild hybrid)
The CUPRA Formentor is now also available with a mild hybrid option (eTSI). This version allows the crossover SUV to provide even greater efficiency levels. The system, which is available with the 1.5 litre 150PS (110kW) petrol engine, exclusively in combination with the DSG transmission, mates 48V mild-hybrid technology to the combustion engine, which not only adds the efficiency of electrification but also
comfort.
The system uses a 48V starter-generator and 48V lithium-ion battery, and efficiency gains obtained, in part, because the system allows the CUPRA Formentor to coast with the engine switched off during some driving scenarios, recover energy under braking and supporting the engine with some electric assistance.
The system has been improved and the car now also ignites via the 48V system, making it even smoother
(compared to the previous 12V system).
eHybrid (plug-in hybrid)
With the new generation of plug-in hybrid powertrain, CUPRA proves once again that electrification and performance are a perfect match.
The new CUPRA Formentor houses two next generation eHybrid powertrain options: 204PS (150kW) and 272PS (200kW).
Both are equipped with the new 1.5 TSI engine, an electric motor, and a larger battery pack that now offers 19,7kWh (net). It allows the new CUPRA Formentor to deliver eco conscious excitement and a pure electric range of more than 62 miles* The battery can now be fast charged at up to 50kW (DC charge) while on the road, or at home using a 11kW Wallbox (previously 3.6kW).
The CUPRA Formentor VZ e-HYBRID (200kW/272PS) is equipped with Brembo brakes on the VZ3 trim. Four pistons Brembo calipers combine with bigger perforated disc brakes compared to standard options (370x32mm), offering increased braking performance.
Chassis
Powertrain performance is complemented by the new CUPRA Formentor’s chassis. The vehicle’s MQB Evo architecture allows the easy integration of a variety of technologies to offer an uncompromised driving experience.
The fundamental building blocks include the front MacPherson struts and rear multilink setup to deliver comfort as well as strong driving dynamics. Precise tuning of the spring and damper rates, as well as perfected weight distribution, means the chassis can easily cope with changes in loads.
For vehicles fitted with the 4Drive all-wheel drive system, it constantly monitors numerous sources including steering angle, wheel speed and yaw of the vehicle to deliver power to the correct wheel exactly when it is needed, increasing confidence and aiding assurance. Torque can even be controlled between wheels on either side of the vehicle thanks to the EDS electronic aid which locks the slipping wheel relative to the opposite side, 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.
Driveline technology isn’t limited to controlling power to the wheels. Shift-by-wire is designed so that the gear selector is no longer mechanically connected to the gearbox, instead using electronic signals to indicate a shift.
The new CUPRA Formentor is equipped with an electrical brake booster which provides a faster response than a conventional system, the possibility to recover the braking energy through the blending function (specific for the plug-in hybrid versions of CUPRA Formentor) and better active security. The electrical Brake Booster has been specifically adapted for the CUPRA models.
Add to this the chassis tunability thanks to its Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) system with different modes including a CUPRA mode or individual mode – with the DCC slider control, the driver can precisely select the desired setup – and the new CUPRA Formentor is a crossover coupe designed with the wow factor baked into its dynamics.
The CUPRA Formentor’s dynamics can be changed to suit the tastes of whoever is in control through the different driver profiles: Comfort, Performance, CUPRA, Offroad (for all-wheel drive versions), Drift, and Individual. These profiles change the vehicle’s character, giving the new CUPRA Formentor a breadth of abilities seen in few other vehicles in the segment
Specific for the CUPRA Formentor VZ is the sound actor. This is an active system which reinforces the natural sound of the engine (according with the drive profile selected), showing an evolution based on a new sound curve, linked to natural sound as well as an “Adrenaline” concept (loudness proportional to load & RPMs).
In the individual mode, the sound “Pure” can be selected, disabling the sound actor, but at the same time setting the exhaust valves at their maximum loudness, achieving an aggressive but 100% natural sound.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The new CUPRA Formentor upgrades the interior experience with high-resolution screens to deliver all the information the driver and other occupants need, a next generation high-fidelity audio system and access to the CUPRA eco-system with the My CUPRA App.
Behind the CUPRA steering wheel sits the digital cockpit. It’s mix of configurability and clarity mean it can provide the most important data points to the driver within their eyeline, meaning less distraction and more focus on the drive.
With so much information on tap, it’s important that systems are intuitive, and the larger standard 12.9” central infotainment is designed to put everything at your fingertips.
With a brand-new operating system, the customisable display mixes the benefits of touchscreen inputs with a retro illuminated slider bar to adjust interior climate and volume. And with the ability to include configurable widgets, the infotainment system can be dialled into individual needs.
The Wireless Full Link system is ever-present, allowing customers to bring their wider digital lives into the cabin, whether that’s mapping, music or other automotive compatible functionality through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And importantly all accessible in a controlled, intuitive, safe manner through the new CUPRA Formentor’s Human Machine Interface (HMI).
And when mobile smart devices need a charge the new CUPRA Formentor offers wireless fast-charging capabilities of up to 15W, with refrigerated technology.
With the My CUPRA App customers have complete control over their vehicle, (with additional functionality available for eHybrid versions of the new CUPRA Formentor), able to control climatisation remotely, manage battery charging and remote locking and unlocking as well as a host of other functionality.
Connectivity isn’t only about convenience; the embedded SIM adds improved safety too as users benefit from the eCall service. If an accident occurs the vehicle can directly contact the emergency services either manually or automatically. And should the worst happen the vehicle can relay important data including car position, engine type, and number of passengers making it easier for them to assist.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems & Safety
The new CUPRA Formentor offers a wide range of safety and convenience features to deliver assurance no matter what happens. A suite of technologies integrated to aid but not interfere make the Crossover SUV one of the safest and most convenient vehicles in the segment.
Among the new CUPRA Formentor’s safety and convenience systems are Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Travel Assist, Side and Exit Assist and Emergency Assist.
The Predictive ACC system can position the vehicle based on route and GPS data delivered from the navigation system, allowing it to correct its speed depending on the road layout ahead – bends, roundabouts, junctions, speed limits and built-up areas. And using input from the front mounted camera and traffic sign recognition, it can adjust vehicle speed when limits change.
The Travel Assist feature uses information from the ACC and Lane Assist to actively keep the vehicle in the centre of the lane and adjust speed to the flow of the traffic – over the entire speed range.
Side and Exit Assist technology detects what your eyes can’t with blind spot detection and adds an Exit Warning when you’ve parked and want to leave the vehicle, giving an acoustic and visual caution if someone or something is approaching.
Emergency Assist, making sure the driver remains focused on driving and doesn’t become distracted with visual and acoustic warnings. If there is no reaction from the driver, the system can initiate braking jolts, if there is no change the vehicle can come to a complete stop and activate the warning lights. Once parked, the new CUPRA Formentor can directly contact the emergency services using the eCall system.
The range of advanced driver assistance systems is strengthened with the integration of seven airbags, including a standard front-central airbag. The mix of technologies creates an incredible level of safety without interfering with the driver’s experience.
*based on provisional data
**VZ3