For a pretty long time, the “Cupra” moniker was reserved for high-performance versions of SEAT models. However, the Spanish carmaker decided to change its policy and established Cupra as a separate brand a few years ago.
Since then, we’ve seen a few concept cars first, with the first production models arriving in 2020. The Cupra Formentor was the first model to come out, and now, it's coming to Australia as well.
The latest reports suggest that the Curpa brand will debut in summer, and besides the new Formentor, we will see a couple more models, including the all-electric Cupra Born.
The Formentor competes in the family SUV segment but slightly differs from most models in this segment by focusing more on attractive styling and performance. The Australian model will offer three powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid version.
The First Generation of Cupra Formentor (2020-present)
Previewed by the Cupra Formentor Concept a few years earlier, the production version was presented for the first time in March 2020.
Cupra commenced production in September, initially offering the new SUV for the European market, with versions for other parts of the world, including Australia.
The Cupra brand will launch in Australia this summer, probably in July, and Formentor will be among the first models to come.
Design
When it comes to base design characteristics, Cupra Formentor Australia specs won’t be much different compared to the European version. We are talking about the family SUV, which is based on VW’s familiar MQB Evo platform, the same one used for models like Golf Mk8 and Skoda Octavia.
What this means is that the Formentor features a typical FF layout, with a transversally mounted engine and front-wheel drive. All-wheel models will be available, too, with the same Haldex system used in the models mentioned above.
The Cupra Formentor features aggressive styling, full of sharp edges and aggressive lines. Things are impressive under the skin as well. While it shares the platform with its VW siblings, the suspension setup is a little bit different.
It's more on the firm side, focusing on agile handling and overall performance. It's no wonder that even the most basic Formentor uses 312x25-mm ventilated disc brakes at the front and 272x10-mm ventilated disc brakes on the rear end.
The range-topping and performance-oriented VZ model will use a bigger 370x33-mm disc at the front and 310x22-mm disc brakes on the rear end.
It’s also good to know that base models will come with multi-link independent rear suspension and a typical McPherson independent setup at the front.
Dimensions
As mentioned, the Cupra Formentor is a family SUV with typical dimensions for the segment. It measures 2680mm in wheelbase, just like SEAT Leon, and 4450mm in total length, which is 31mm shorter than VW Tiguan.
This SUV is 1839mm wide and 1511mm high, while the kerb weight goes between 1362 and 1569 kilograms, depending on the powertrain and other loaded features.
Cupra Formentor Dimensions:
- Wheelbase: 2680 mm
- Length: 4450 mm
- Width: 1839 mm
- Width including mirrors: 1992 mm
- Height: 1511 mm
- Front track: 1585 mm
- Rear (Back) track: 1559 mm
- Front overhang: 893 mm
- Rear overhang: 877 mm
- Turning circle: 10.7 m
- Kerb Weight: 1362-1569 kg
Interior
While the exterior looks amazing, the Cupra Formentor interior comes with a more down-to-earth design. This is where it becomes obvious that while it’s an SUV, the Formentor has most in common with SEAT Leon.
The dashboard looks pretty much the same as the Leon, but it’s easy to notice that Cupra utilizes fancier materials.
Also, you’ll notice a nicely designed digital instrument cluster, which isn’t too large but shows everything you need to see. The steering wheel features an attractive, flat-bottomed design, with mounted start/stop and mode buttons.
Finally, the centre stack is highlighted by a massive 12-inch infotainment screen, which is part of the standard equipment, just like smartphone integration, tri-zone climate control and wireless phone charging, to name a few.
The company also promises a long list of standard safety and driver-assistance features. All models come standard with goodies like AEB, pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keeping/ lane-following/ traffic jam assists, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front/rear parking sensors, safe exit warning, driver-fatigue monitoring, and more.
Engines
The Cupra Formentor will be offered with petrol and plug-in hybrid powertrains for the Australian market.
All petrol models will use a familiar 2.0-litre turbo-four engine, available in three power outputs.
- The base model, called the Formentor V, will feature a max output of 140kW.
- The mid-range VZ will feature a max output of 180kW.
- The range-topping VZx will use the same 228kW engine as Tiguan R. With this engine under the bonnet, this family SUV will be on par with many sports cars. Its 0-100 time is expected to go under 5 seconds, while the top speed will be electronically limited at 250km/h.
All three variants will be paired with VW's seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, better known as DSG.
Finally, a plug-in hybrid version, called VZe, pairs a 110kW 1.4-litre engine with an 85kW electric motor for a combined output of 180kW. This system also includes a 13-kWh battery pack, which should provide around 50km of the all-electric range.
Unlike petrol models, the plug-in hybrid will be coupled with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Cupra Formentor V Specs:
- Engine Capacity: 1984cc
- Number of Cylinders: 4
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Forced Ignition: Turbocharger
- Max Power: 140kW
- Max Torque: 320Nm
- Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch
- Acceleration (0-100km/h): 7.1s
Cupra Formentor VZ Specs:
- Engine Capacity: 1984cc
- Number of Cylinders: 4
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Forced Ignition: Turbocharger
- Max Power: 180kW
- Max Torque: 370Nm
- Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch
- Acceleration (0-100km/h): 6.8s
Cupra Formentor VZx Specs:
- Engine Capacity: 1984cc
- Number of Cylinders: 4
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Forced Ignition: Turbocharger
- Max Power: 228kW
- Max Torque: 400Nm
- Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch
- Acceleration (0-100km/h): 4.9s
Cupra Formentor VZe Specs:
- Engine Capacity: 1395cc
- Number of Cylinders: 4
- Fuel Type: Petrol/Electric
- Forced Ignition: Turbocharger
- Max Power: 110kW (petrol); 85kW (electric motor); 180kW (combined)
- Max Torque: 400Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed dual-clutch
- Acceleration (0-100km/h): 7.0s
- Battery Capacity: 13kWh
- All-Electric Range: 50km
Pricing and Availability
The new SUV will have its debut this summer, most likely in July. When it comes to the Cupra Formentor Australia price, the exact numbers are yet to be announced. For reference, the UK model starts at around £28,500, so that gives us a ballpark figure of approx 53,000 AUD.
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By Nebojsa Grmusa