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CUPRA Formentor — UK review

CUPRA Formentor Review

A Stylish, Fast & Fun Performance SUV Built for the Bold

CUPRA UK review By the True Motion Auto editorial team

Vehicle Overview

Vehicle SegmentCompact Performance Crossover SUV
Body Style5-Door Coupe-Style SUV
Release Year2020 (CUPRA-exclusive model)
Trim/Variant ReviewedCUPRA Formentor VZ2 2.0 TSI 4Drive DSG (Also available: V1, VZ1, VZ3, e-Hybrid, VZ5)

Key Specifications (Formentor VZ2 2.0 TSI 310 AWD)

Engine2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 (EA888 TSI)
Transmission7-Speed DSG Dual-Clutch
Power Output310 hp (228 kW) @ 5,450–6,500 rpm
Torque400 Nm @ 2,000–5,450 rpm
DrivetrainAll-Wheel Drive (4Drive)
Dimensions4,450 mm (L) × 1,839 mm (W) × 1,511 mm (H); Wheelbase: 2,680 mm
Weight~1,610–1,670 kg (Kerb)
Fuel Tank Capacity55 liters
Fuel Economy~8.5 L/100 km WLTP
Boot Space420 L (AWD) / 450 L (FWD) / 1,505 L (seats folded)

Exterior Design

Coupe-like fastback silhouette with aggressive stance

Signature CUPRA copper accents, gloss black trim, and sharp body creases

Full LED lighting front and rear with animated indicators

Quad exhaust finishers and 19” performance alloy wheels (VZ trims)

Distinctive and premium compared to VW Group siblings

Interior, Comfort & Materials

Sports-focused interior with deep bucket seats (leather or Alcantara options)

Copper-trimmed dashboard, soft-touch surfaces, and customizable ambient lighting

Flat-bottom CUPRA steering wheel with drive mode selector & start button

Dual-zone climate control, heated seats, panoramic sunroof (select trims)

Rear seat space adequate for adults; headroom tighter due to sloped roof

Features & Infotainment

12” Touchscreen Infotainment System with CUPRA Connect

Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

10.25” Digital Cockpit with configurable layouts

USB-C ports front and rear, wireless charging pad

Optional BeatsAudio 9-speaker system, adaptive cruise, park assist

Safety & Ratings

Standard Safety Features

Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), lane keep assist

Adaptive cruise control, driver fatigue monitor

Optional Safety Upgrades

Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, top-view camera

Crash Ratings

Euro NCAP (2021)★★★★★

High scores in adult occupant, safety assist, and crash avoidance

Driving Performance & Handling

0–100 km/h: 4.9 seconds (VZ2 310 AWD)

Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) with adaptive dampers

4Drive AWD provides excellent grip in all conditions

Tight, responsive steering and flat cornering dynamics

Lower trims (FWD) feel lighter but less planted at high speed

Optional VZ5 (limited edition)2.5L 5-cylinder with 390 hp for ultimate performance

Fuel Efficiency / EV Range

Petrol 2.0 TSI (310 AWD)~8.5 L/100 km (WLTP combined)

e-Hybrid 1.4 TSI PHEV (204/245 hp)

13 kWh battery, WLTP EV range ~55 km

Fuel economy (combined)1.5–1.7 L/100 km
Charging~3.5–4 hrs (AC 3.6–7.2 kW)

Practicality & Everyday Usability

420–450 L boot (FWD models offer more space than AWD/PHEV)

Split-folding rear seats (60:40), low boot lip, wide tailgate

ISOFIX in rear seats, cupholders, center console storage

Compact enough for city driving, spacious enough for small families

Warranty & Maintenance

Warranty (UK/EU)5 years / 100,000 km
PHEV Battery Warranty8 years / 160,000 km
Service IntervalsEvery 12 months or 15,000 km

Uses proven VW Group components — easy to service across Europe

On-Road Price & Value for Money

UK Pricing (2024)

CUPRA Formentor V1 1.5 TSIfrom ~£31,000
CUPRA Formentor VZ2 310 AWDfrom ~£40,500
CUPRA Formentor e-Hybrid 245from ~£39,000
CUPRA Formentor VZ5 (limited)~£54,000

Excellent value vs premium rivals like Audi Q3, BMW X2 M35i, or Mercedes GLA 35

PHEVs attract tax benefits and low BIK for company car buyers

Comparison with Rivals

ModelPower0–100 km/hDrivetrainPrice (UK)
CUPRA Formentor VZ2310 hp4.9 sAWD£40,500
Audi Q3 45 TFSI245 hp6.2 sAWD£42,000
BMW X2 M35i306 hp5.0 sAWD£46,000
VW Tiguan R320 hp4.9 sAWD£47,500
CUPRA Formentor leads inValue, style, brand exclusivity, and sporty flair
Others offerMore brand cachet, but less distinctiveness per pound spent

Pros & Cons

Pros

Unique, eye-catching design

Thrilling performance with AWD grip

High-tech, premium cabin

Variety of powertrains (petrol, PHEV, performance)

Excellent value compared to German rivals

Cons

Rear visibility slightly limited by sloped design

Touch controls require learning curve

VZ5 limited availability

PHEV boot space reduced due to battery

Overall Rating

Rating★★★★☆ (4.7 / 5)

A distinctive and exciting performance crossover that proves CUPRA can build world-class cars — the Formentor is a compelling alternative to the usual suspects.

Final Verdict

The CUPRA Formentor is the brand’s breakout star — blending hot hatch agility, SUV practicality, and head-turning design. Whether you choose a daily-friendly PHEV or the full-fat 310 hp AWD version, you’re getting a sporty, stylish crossover that’s fun to drive and easy to live with.

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Pros & cons

Pros
  • Raised driving position and practical cabin layout
  • Useful family-friendly versatility
  • Good fit for UK buyers who choose the right trim
  • Strong shortlist candidate when total costs are checked
Cons
  • Final value depends heavily on trim, options and finance price
  • Larger wheels can reduce ride comfort and raise tyre costs
  • Availability, standard equipment and pricing may vary during the year

Final verdict

True Motion Auto verdict

The CUPRA Formentor is a credible option in the UK market if it matches your priorities. The smartest approach is to decide what matters most - comfort, space, efficiency, performance, image or technology - then compare the exact trim against two or three rivals on the same route and the same finance basis. Choose the version that feels easiest to live with, not simply the one with the longest equipment list.

Buyer checkpoints

Buyer checkpointTrue Motion Auto view
Best forDrivers wanting a raised driving position and useful family practicality.
Body styleSuv/Crossover
Powertrain focusPetrol, diesel or hybrid depending on model year and trim
UK ownership noteCheck insurance group, VED, charging or fuel costs and service-plan pricing before buying.
VerdictWorth shortlisting if its size, running costs and equipment match your daily use.

Frequently asked questions

Is the CUPRA Formentor good for UK roads?
Yes, provided the trim and wheel size suit your roads. Always test the car on rough urban surfaces as well as a faster road.
Should I buy new or used?
New can make sense with strong finance support and full warranty. Used can be better value if depreciation has already taken effect.
What should I check before ordering?
Check live UK pricing, standard equipment, insurance group, VED, servicing costs, delivery times and warranty terms.
Is it suitable for families?
That depends on rear-seat access, boot shape and child-seat fit. Test those items in person rather than relying only on figures.
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Specifications, prices and equipment were current at publication and vary by model year, trim and market. Verify final details with a franchised dealer before ordering. Read how we review cars and our editorial policy.