The Cupra Formentor Proved a Standalone Brand Could Actually Work
All three reviews credit this car with a genuinely significant role: it was the first model built exclusively for Cupra rather than a rebadged Seat, and reviewers keep confirming that gamble paid off with a genuinely distinctive, well-resolved result.
Illustration for editorial purposes
Born to Prove a New Badge Deserved to Exist
Spinning off a performance sub-brand into something fully standalone is a genuine risk. Reviewers keep crediting this specific car with justifying that risk, delivering a driving experience and design language that feels meaningfully different from its Seat and VW relations.
Specs at a Glance
| Body style | Sports SUV / crossover coupé |
|---|---|
| Engines | 1.5 TSI (148bhp), 2.0 TSI (up to 329bhp, 4Drive), e-Hybrid PHEV (up to 268bhp), limited VZ5 (385bhp, 2.5L five-cylinder) |
| PHEV electric range | 67–78 miles official |
| Boot space | 420 litres (450 litres non-PHEV) |
| Warranty | 5 years / 90,000 miles |
Full Review Summary
Top Gear
Top Gear praised the Formentor for offering something genuinely different in a crossover market that's become deeply same-y, rating it as sharp-looking and well-handling for its class. They highlighted the ultra-limited VZ5 version, sharing its five-cylinder engine with the Audi RS3, as proof of genuine engineering ambition beyond a purely badge-engineering exercise, even though only 50 UK-bound examples exist.
What Car?
What Car? rated the range-topping versions as handling "almost like they're on rails," with confidence-inspiring four-wheel-drive systems and tight body control, while finding the e-Hybrid PHEV versions comparatively disappointing due to handling balance upset by extra battery weight. They recommended the entry-level V1 1.5 TSI 150 as offering the best value, with more than enough standard equipment and no compelling reason to spend more unless you specifically want the performance versions.
Autocar
Autocar praised the 329bhp four-wheel-drive petrol version as the pick of the range for keen drivers, delivering outstanding traction and unrelenting performance through its seven-speed gearbox. They rated the digitally augmented engine sound as fairly well judged despite the underlying engine sounding harsh at high revs, and found adaptive dampers on higher trims genuinely effective at balancing comfort and control depending on driving mode.
Strengths
- Genuinely distinctive styling and driving character
- Wide, well-differentiated engine range
- Confident, agile handling especially in four-wheel-drive form
- Strong 5-year warranty versus other VW Group brands
Weak points
- PHEV versions' handling suffers from added battery weight
- Cabin materials don't always match the price at higher trims
- Pricing climbs quickly toward premium SUV territory on faster versions
- Reduced practicality versus the mechanically related Seat Ateca
Who It Actually Suits
Buyers who want genuine driving engagement and distinctive styling in a compact SUV package. The entry-level V1 offers the best value for most buyers, while the 329bhp four-wheel-drive version suits those genuinely prioritising performance.
More Cupra Reviews
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Cupra Formentor review ↗ (same video, watch above ↗)