The Cupra Formentor isn’t low cost. Not like rivals, who’ve entry stage fashions ranging from lower than $40,000, the Formentor vary begins with the V, which prices $56,490. That buys a 140kW, 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder matched to a seven-speed dual-clutch auto and all-wheel drive. It doesn’t purchase you a leather-based inside, although, which is uncommon at this value level. The entrance seats are manually adjustable, though there’s a heated steering wheel, a digital driver show and three-zone local weather management. There are different luxuries lacking that you just would possibly anticipate at this value level, too, together with a premium audio system, energy tailgate and sunroof. It does have built-in satnav, although, in addition to wi-fi Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and a wi-fi charging pad. A “Leather-based and Energy” package deal prices $2750 for heated, energy adjusted leather-based seats and a hands-free energy tailgate, whereas a sunroof prices $2100. The costlier front-drive VZ mannequin, which prices $61,490, has extra energy and the top-of-the-range VZx, which prices greater than $70,000 on the highway, has extra energy, a leather-based inside, larger wheels, a hands-free tailgate and premium audio. The Formentor is roofed by a five-year/limitless kilometre guarantee and capped value servicing is affordable at $1990 for 5 years.
COMFORT
From the motive force’s seat, the Cupra feels much more car-like than many SUVs. There’s a variety of peak adjustment for the motive force’s seat, which implies that when you’d desire to, you possibly can sit low within the automotive, as you’d in a hatchback. The entrance seats are snug and supportive, with padding in all the precise locations and the digital driver show and easy-to-use centre display make driving a breeze. The Formentor’s suspension leans in the direction of the sporty facet, which suggests it may be a bit of agency at low speeds on pockmarked interior metropolis streets, nevertheless it’s not uncomfortable. Rear passengers have particular person air vents and good leg, shoulder and head room. The rear load space is greater than most, which is helpful for swallowing prams, golf luggage and different sporting gear. The cabin is fairly quiet on the freeway, with minimal wind noise, though the tyres will be noisy on tough highway surfaces.
SAFETY
The Cupra scored 5 stars in impartial crash exams in 2021, attaining a wonderful rating of 93 per cent for grownup occupant safety and 88 per cent for baby occupant safety. There are ten airbags, together with a centre bag to cease the motive force and passenger banging heads in a facet impression. It has a complete vary of crash avoidance tech, together with auto emergency braking, lane-keeping help, blind-spot detection, radar cruise management and fatigue detection. It’ll additionally warn passengers if they’re about to open a door right into a passing automotive.
ON THE ROAD
The Formentor is among the most achieved mid-sized SUVs on the highway. A comparatively low centre of gravity and agency, well-sorted suspension means the Cupra sits flat by corners, with minimal leaning or pitching when requested to vary course. Properly weighted, correct steering helps to instil further confidence when the going will get twisty and the Cupra doesn’t get flustered by mid-corner bumps or corrugations. The engine-transmission mixture is spectacular. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission delivers fast, decisive adjustments and manages to maintain the two.0-litre turbo on the boil for optimum thrust out of corners. A seven-second 0-100km/h dash reveals that is an SUV with a distinctly sporty bent. It’s a bit of thirsty in contrast with the competitors, although, and requires premium unleaded.
ALTERNATIVES
Mazda CX-5 GT SP, from about $54,800 drive-away. Getting lengthy within the tooth however stays a top quality various. Engine is thirstier and has much less grunt.
Skoda Karoq Sportline, $52,490 drive-away. Considerably cheaper and shares an engine with the Formentor. Stylish cabin, good to drive.
Honda Z-RV e: HEV LX, from $54,900 drive-away. Smaller automotive however effectively geared up, with prime quality cabin and environment friendly, refined hybrid set-up.
CUPRA FORMENTOR V
PRICE $56,490
ENGINE 2.0-litre turbo petrol, 140kW/320Nm
WARRANTY/SERVICING 5 years/limitless km, $1990 for 5 years
SAFETY Eight airbags, auto emergency braking, lane-departure and blind-spot help, rear cross-traffic alert, radar cruise, fatigue detection
THIRST 7.0L/100km
SPARE House saver
LUGGAGE 420 litres
VERDICT
Three and a half stars
Comparatively costly however enjoyable to drive, with glorious security and a top quality cabin that has extra character than most.