Want to add a little bit of spice to your mid-sized SUV selection? Then this new Spanish offering could be a nice fit.
2023 Cupra Formentor VZ
Not another medium-sized SUV, right? There are already 22 models with a starting price of under $60,000 in Australia, along with an additional 20 over that threshold. Do we really need another one?
It’s also from a new manufacturer for the Australian market, and it’s the 2023 Cupra Formentor. Cupra, once the performance department of Spanish car manufacturer Seat, is now a brand in its own right, under the umbrella of the giagantic Volkswagen Group. So while some elements of this Spanish-built Cupra Formentor might be familiar, this is an entirely new nameplate in the Australian scene.
It’s built atop Volkswagen’s new MQB Evo platform, which you’ll also find used for the new Volkswagen Golf, Audi A3 and Skoda Octavia. That’s newer bones than the current Volkswagen Tiguan, for example.
Formentor sounded to me like some kind of aged cheese, but it’s actually a peninsula on the Spanish island of Majorca. It follows Seat’s tradition of naming its cars after places, like Ibiza, Leon and (who could forget) Toledo.
But the question still needs to be asked. Is there space for the Cupra Formentor in Australia, and does it offer something different to the rest of the range of options?
How much does the Cupra Formentor cost in Australia?
Our tester comes with a starting price of $58,490 drive-away, but that has been tickled up to over sixty-grand threshold with the options ticked. In its respective model range, the 2023 Cupra Formentor VZ sits in between entry-level V and high-performance VZx, along with a plug-in hybrid VZe.
There isn’t really a stripped-out fleet special in the ranks, with even the cheapest variant getting good levels of specification. The major difference between the cheaper Formentor V and this Formentor VZ is what’s under the bonnet. Or, more specifically, what under the bonnet is capable of. A 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine – used in a wide variety of Volkswagen Group vehicles – gets boosted from 140kW/320Nm up to 180kW/370Nm, and runs to the front wheels only instead of all four.
Other specs are shared, like LED headlights, tail-lights and DRLs, adaptive dampers and variable steering, 12-inch infotainment display, 10-inch digital instrument cluster, three-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, dusk-sensing headlights and cloth seat trimming.
Our tester picks up heated leather and power-operated seats (with memory for the driver), along with a hands-free power tailgate as part of an optional equipment package for the price of $2750, along with a panoramic glass sunroof for $2100.
| Key details | 2023 Cupra Formentor VZ |
| Price | $58,490 drive-away |
| Colour of test car | Desire Red |
| Options | Leather and Power Package – $2750 – Leather sports bucket seats – Heated front seats – Power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory – Memory function for side mirrors – Hands-free power tailgate Panoramic glass sunroof – $2100 Metallic paint – $475 |
| Price as tested | $63,815 drive-away |
| Rivals | Volvo XC60 | Kia Sportage GT-Line | Volkswagen Tiguan 162TSI R-Line |
How much space does the Cupra Formentor have inside?
The Cupra Formentor measures in slightly smaller than other medium-sized SUVs in terms of length, but still could suit those who want a medium-sized SUV that’s not huge. Importantly, the second row seems spacious enough for adults (and kids) and is serviced by air vents (with their own air-temperature controls), twin USB-C power outlets, and room for bottles in the doors.
Leg room is good and headroom, despite having a sunroof, is also decent. There’s a ski port for loading long items and a drop-down armrest with cupholders.
Despite being a front-wheel-drive vehicle, the middle-sitter will need to contend with a transmission tunnel here, and the Formentor certainly feels better with two in the back instead of three.
Up front, it’s a comfortable and upmarket experience inside the Formentor. There are plenty of details, colours and materials vying for the eye’s attention, but it doesn’t feel overly done at the same time.
Up front here, you’ll notice more Volkswagen Group bits being used, especially switchgear and that stubby little gearshifter. The steering wheel emblazoned with that copper-gold Cupra logo has quite a presence in the cabin and feels well made.
You’ll notice copper coloured embellishments – key to Cupra’s branding – repeated throughout the vehicle’s interior and exterior.
The seats, upgraded to optional leather trim leather in our case, look and feel quality, and proved to be comfortable for everyday usage.
There’s a wireless charging pad below your trapezoidal central air vents, along with twin USB-C power outlets and room for storing other bits and bobs. I do like the spot for securing your key next to the shifter, even if the key fob is unlikely to leave your pocket. The centre console is small, but you will find a 12V power outlet hiding in there.
What is less impressive is the boot, which has 450L of space on offer. It’s not bad, but there are bigger load spaces getting around, and it’s an important point for an SUV that will likely be catering for a family (and all of the gear they need to drag around). It’s one area where the Cupra’s sporty differentiation from other offerings starts to bring some compromises.
The boot can be dropped down slightly lower for some extra space, and you’ll find a space-saving spare wheel hiding underneath.
| 2023 Cupra Formentor VZ | |
| Seats | Five |
| Boot volume | 450L seats up |
| Length | 4446mm |
| Width | 1839mm |
| Height | 1520mm |
| Wheelbase | 2679mm |
Does the Cupra Formentor have Apple CarPlay?
Infotainment across the Formentor range comes from a 12-inch display, which has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (both wired and wireless) along with native navigation but no digital radio.
This display runs Cupra’s own operating system, not something borrowed from one of the other Volkswagen Group brands. And I think that’s an important detail that helps the vehicle feel like its own, rather than just a badge-engineering exercise.
There’s plenty of flexibility and functionality on offer through the system, once you learn your way around the block. It’s different, and you need to lean on those three red lines (leaning over) as a shortcut to all of the important stuff. Once I got my head around it, I found the system to operate well and without any annoying dropouts.
The digital instrument cluster is also good, which can have customisable displays through the many buttons on the steering wheel. Once again, this takes some time to master, but you’ll understand it soon enough with practice.
Is the Formentor a safe car?
Although the Cupra has only been in Australia for a hot minute, it comes with a five-star ANCAP safety rating with a 2021 date stamp. This comes from Europe-based Euro NCAP testing and ratings, which are mirrored by local testing in terms of ratings and difficulty.
Its scores are quite high as well. The Formentor picked up 93 per cent for adult occupants, while child occupants rated slightly lower at 88 per cent. Vulnerable road user (pedestrian) safety rates at 68 per cent, while the active safety equipment picked up an 80 per cent score.
| 2023 Cupra Formentor VZ | |
| ANCAP rating | Five stars (tested 2021) |
| Safety report | Link to ANCAP report |
What safety technology does the Cupra Formentor have?
You’ll find 10 airbags inside a Cupra Formentor, including the in vogue front centre airbag between forward occupants.
There’s autonomous emergency braking in the Formentor, which includes pedestrian, cyclist and junction detection. There’s also lane-keep assist, lane-follow assistance, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, safe-exit warning, front and rear parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring and adaptive cruise control (with stop-go functionality and traffic jam assist).
How much does the Cupra Formentor cost to maintain?
In an effort to drum up some business for the new brand, Cupra is offering three years of free servicing for new vehicles sold (including this Formentor). The offer expires at the end of 2022, however.
Buyers can also choose to top up those three years to five at the cost of $1200, and this includes a concierge service (provided you live within 10km of a service centre).
After this offer ends, it is not currently clear how much the Formentor VZ will cost to service over three or five years without the freebies.
Insuring a Cupra Formentor VZ – according to a quote generator from a leading provider – costs $1416.32 per annum. This is based on a comparative quote for a 35-year-old male driver living in Chatswood, NSW. Insurance estimates may vary based on your location, driving history, and personal circumstances.
| At a glance | 2023 Cupra Formentor VZ |
| Warranty | Five years, unlimited km |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km |
| Servicing costs | Free (3 years, limited-time offer for 2022) $1200 (5 years) |
Is the Cupra Formentor fuel-efficient?
The Cupra Formentor VZ has a claimed fuel economy of 6.9 litres per hundred kilometres on the combined cycle, which is quite efficient considering the kind of performance on offer for this mid-sized SUV.
We weren’t able to match that, however, logging 9.1L/100km after a mix of town and highway driving. Although, after a long highway run, I did see as low as 6.8L/100km against Cupra’s claim of 5.7L/100km on the extra-urban loop.
Fuel Consumption – brought to you by bp
| Fuel Useage | Fuel Stats |
| Fuel cons. (claimed) | 6.9L/100km |
| Fuel cons. (on test) | 9.1L/100km |
| Fuel type | 95-octane premium unleaded |
| Fuel tank size | 50L |
What is the Cupra Formentor like to drive?
It feels more like a hot hatch than a medium SUV, with a steering feel that is markedly different to most other SUVs. It’s fast to respond and feels very sharp, which will reward those who want to have more involvement and response from the driving experience. The chassis and suspension tune sits on the firm and assertive side as well.
Having controllable adaptive dampers allows you to somewhat have your cake and eat it too. In its firmest, most hardcore mode, it’s unrelentingly firm and reminds me of a track-focussed race car (or my old Land Rover). This kind of setting would only really pay dividends on a smooth racetrack. It just feels too firm for any kind of suburban or country road (in Australia, at least).
Slide the dial across to the other end, and you’ll introduce some welcome compliance into the ride. It still errs on the firm side overall, befitting the point of difference that this Cupra brings to the burgeoning medium SUV segment. Road imperfections are transmitted into the cabin with more clarity than most others in this segment, and it can fall into the trap of feeling busy and jiggling at times.
However, that’s the price one must pay for a driving experience that is more honed and enthusiast-focussed. It’s nice that you can dial in your own desires through an individual driving mode, along with the range of other set driving modes.
Is the Cupra comfortable enough? I’d say yes, as long as you’re willing to stomach some compromise. However, this would depend on your own tastes and preferences to a large degree.
Other medium-sized SUVs are more comfortable than this Cupra Formentor. But they won’t keep up with it through corners, or in terms of putting a smile on the driver’s face.
Obviously, if you want more power and performance, look at the VZx on the next level up. However, this car is certainly no slouch and feels like it really delivers on hot-hatch performance levels in a more agreeable (for the family, anyway) SUV format.
Unsurprising it is, then, to find that the powertrain is essentially pinched from the current Volkswagen Golf GTI, with identical power outputs of 180kW and 370Nm via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The Cupra is contending with a little more weight (160kg) and so it isn’t as outright fast. But having that torque available through a meaty range of revs means it offers good levels of thrust and flexibility.
Decent Bridgestone Turanza tyres don’t seem to have trouble handling the power and torque on offer either, which is nice. They’re obviously also an important part of the Formentor’s handling prowess, which does feel very good. It’s balanced and sharp through corners, responding quickly but with composure to your steering inputs.
The Formentor is a bit on the quiet side perhaps, but it’s still enjoyable to pedal hard. You can really feel the engine uncork itself with a heavy right foot, and the right driving mode, of course on the right piece of road. It’s fun, and probably more than enough performance for many who want a little bit of extra chilli on their dinner.
| Key details | 2023 Cupra Formentor VZ |
| Engine | 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol |
| Power | 180kW @ 6500rpm |
| Torque | 370Nm @ 1600–4300rpm |
| Drive type | Front-wheel drive |
| Transmission | Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Power to weight ratio | 115kW/t |
| Weight (tare) | 1569kg |
| Spare tyre type | Space-saver |
| Tow rating | 1600kg braked 750kg unbraked |
| Turning circle | 10.7m |
Should I buy a Cupra Formentor?
The Formentor has a place in the Australian motoring scene, despite the fact that it’s joining a segment that is already brimming with options. It’s quality and has a sense of differentiation over the competition, including platform-sharing cousins.
And that’s no small feat, because so many medium-sized SUVs feel a bit same-same these days. This model at least marches to the beat of its own drum, which inevitably comes with some compromises.
Perhaps you need to grow up a little more with your car choices, but you don’t want to lose all of the fun. If that sounds like you, then the Formentor is certainly worth a look.
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