The Cupra Formentor. It’s a car I was very impressed with, and it’s clear I’m not the only one as to date it’s the Spanish brand’s most successful model. Last year alone, Cupra was able to shift 121,100 Formentors off forecourts around the world, and now there’s an updated version to further build on this model’s success.
New Looks, But Overdone?
Both the Formentor – and its stablemate, the Leon – have been treated to a niptuck, which in my opinion has ruined the look a little. The new design looks a little overdone and fussy, but maybe it will look better in the metal. In fact, Cupra have described the two models as “pure design obsession” and I think the obsession may have been a little strong this around. There are two new colours to choose from as well, both of which are a matt finish; Century Bronze or Enceladus Grey.
More Sustainable, Improved Tech
It’s not just the exterior that has been revised, though, the new Cupra Formentor and Cupra Leon, the cabin sees changes to the centre console plus more sustainable materials have been used such as 73% recycled microfibre and environmentally conscious leather.
The tech has also been improved as there is a new, larger 12.9″ touchscreen, which may still have the touch-sensitive slider for the climate control but it’s finally illuminated, so you’ve actually got a fighting chance of using the climate control in the dark. The driver’s digital cockpit has also seen improvements, and your favourite tunes should sound even better thanks to a 12-speaker system that has been developed with the help of Sennheiser.
Which Engines Are Available?
The Cupra Formenter and Cupra Leon will be made available with a choice of four engines, a petrol, a petrol hybrid, a diesel (yes, really) and a plug-in hybrid. The petrol is likely to be the go-to for most people as it’s the ever popular EA888, which produces 333hp and makes use of a Torque Splitter, with Akebono brakes providing the stopping power.
The plug-in hybrid is a new generation unit, which offers 272hp and can offer up to 100 miles on EV only, with the ability to charge up to 50kW DC.
