Cupra Formentor — the First Car Designed for Cupra

Cupra Formentor at a glance

The crossover is named after the wild Formentor peninsula in the north of Mallorca. More Cupra models are listed in our Cupra catalogue, models of its former parent in our SEAT catalogue, and the brand's background is told in our history of SEAT.

Exterior

The Formentor is built on the modular MQB platform. Its low roof and distinctive silhouette make it look more like a raised hatchback than a traditional SUV. The front is aggressive, with narrow LED headlights, round fog lamps below them and a small hexagonal grille. The bumper has a massive central air intake and vertical vents at the sides.

In profile, the low-profile 19-inch alloy wheels, available in a copper finish, stand out. The sculpted sides have a stylish shoulder line, and the long nose makes the cabin appear set back towards the rear. At the rear, the tail lights are connected by a light strip, and a striking spoiler and an integrated diffuser with four copper-coloured exhaust tips complete the look.

Interior

The cabin of the sporty crossover has high-quality materials, including polished aluminium inserts and copper accents. Bucket seats hold the body well and can be trimmed in black or blue leather. There is much in common with the Cupra Leon: LED ambient lighting, a flat-bottomed multifunction steering wheel and a digital instrument panel with configurable displays.

The centre console carries a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen that recognises voice commands and gestures and supports Android Auto (by cable), wireless Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth. The boot holds 450 litres.

Engines and transmissions

The plug-in hybrid combines the 1.4 TSI, which produces 250 Nm on its own, with an electric motor and a 13 kWh lithium-ion battery that gives about 50 km of electric range. After the 2024 facelift the plug-in hybrid has a larger battery and up to 200 kW (272 PS). A diesel version was also offered in some markets.

The launch versions use a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox with shift-by-wire control, so there is no mechanical link between the selector and the gearbox; other versions have six-speed manual or DSG gearboxes. The e-Hybrid drives the front wheels only, while the 228 kW (310 PS) VZ has the 4Drive all-wheel-drive system.

Chassis

The DCC adaptive chassis continuously monitors the road surface and adjusts the suspension. There are four driving modes — Comfort, Sport, Cupra and Individual — and the front brakes come from Brembo.

Safety and equipment

The Formentor offers adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and Exit Assist, which warns occupants of approaching traffic when they open a door, along with the usual range of airbags and stability systems.

The 2024 facelift

Cupra previewed the update at a brand event in June 2022 and officially revealed the facelifted Formentor in April 2024. It has a redesigned front and rear, a larger 12.9-inch touchscreen and a Sennheiser sound system in place of the earlier Beats audio. The plug-in hybrid gained a much larger battery, with almost 20 kWh of usable capacity, and up to 200 kW (272 PS).

Rivals

The Formentor competes with coupé-styled crossovers such as the BMW X2, Mercedes-Benz GLA and Audi Q3 Sportback, and in VZ form with performance models such as the Volkswagen T-Roc R.

Verdict

Cupra surprised many by launching such an accomplished crossover so soon after becoming a brand in its own right. Choosing an SUV made sense, as these cars are in fashion, and the Formentor allowed Cupra to offer a body style buyers want while presenting the brand in many markets. Cupra presents it as an alternative to traditional hot hatchbacks. Outside, it has sporty, aggressive and stylish lines; inside, quality materials, modern equipment and enough space. All-wheel drive and adaptive dampers help it feel confident on any surface — and its sales success since 2020 shows that the formula works.