The unmistakable Formentor is a fascinating vehicle – with a styling that sets it apart from many of its main competitors.
Called the SUV coupé, it is the first time that CUPRA – the luxury spin-off from SEAT – has developed an offer that is not closely based on an existing vehicle within the SEAT fleet.
Of course, this makes the Formentor a crucial benchmark for the future success of the luxury brand – and the first signs are promising.
Its sharp styling, including a nicely curved and folded bonnet, is sure to attract everyone’s attention, but the quality of the interior and the pleasant driving dynamics are also important pluses.
The range is led by a machine with a powerful drive train: including a 2.0-liter and 310-hp turbo engine with a time from 0 to 100 km / h in 4.9 seconds.
Buyers now also have the option of a plug-in hybrid version tested here. It combines an electric battery with a 1.4-liter petrol engine and is capable of producing up to 245 hp, accelerating from 0 to 100 km / h in 7.8 seconds and up to 55 km with electric drive alone drive.
A recent family camping trip to North Wales provided the ideal opportunity to test the Formentor in a variety of scenarios.
At first we were impressed by how the 450 liter trunk swallowed our tent and several big bags.
Thanks to the large legroom in the back seats, all other camping utensils could easily be seated next to two children.
In advance, it was easy to get comfortable on the three-hour drive from West Yorkshire to Snowdonia.
The shell-style front seats offer plenty of adjustment options and – unlike some SUVs – feel more like they are on them than on them, with the seats being able to be lowered to a level typical of a normal hatchback.
On the first leg of the journey, the Formentor crossed smoothly on the motorway, with decent fuel consumption. You may notice a little wind or road noise, but not enough to detract from the overall relaxing ambience of the exclusive cabin.
The sharp driving characteristics of the car came into their own on the B-roads.
The steering felt bulky and precise, while little attention was paid to the body’s swaying and leaning.
It felt good in the tighter corners and I became more and more confident that I could trust its handling.
The suspension feels nice with a sporty set-up without being uncomfortable for a family looking to relax.
With 245 hp, the performance is brisk, satisfying and fun without ever getting exciting.
From a standing start, the combined efforts of the hybrid powertrain make for a lot of grunt, so you may notice the front wheels of this two-wheel drive version struggling for grip when you first turn down power.
Amid the rugged mountains of Snowdonia, the Formentor’s sharp creases and aggressive styling seemed to blend in well with its surroundings, as these images show.
A distinctive grille is surrounded by some eye-catching details on the lower front section, while a pronounced fold on the back of the side panels flows elegantly to the rear spoiler.
There is a lot of high-end technology and high-quality materials in the cabin.
The ambient lighting creates a hue to suit your mood, while a 12-inch touchscreen with connected map services is within reach and sight of the driver.
The 10.2-inch digital cockpit is state-of-the-art and shows all the details you need.
The claimed electric range of up to 54 miles will appeal to business users and those with a daily commute to this ballpark, while the battery can be charged in under four hours at home with a wallbox charger.
Cupra Formentor eHybrid
PRICE: £ 37,600 on the way
ENGINE: Hybrid – 1.4-liter four-cylinder, four-valve gasoline engine plus electric motor
PERFORMANCE: 0-100 km / h in 7.8 seconds and top speed of 127 km / h
TRANSMISSION: Six-speed dual clutch automatic with front-wheel drive
EMISSIONS AND MPG: Not yet available