Upwards of 14,400 additional Cupra-badged models have been sold, since the company announced its new ‘sporting’ arm a year ago. The Spanish VW subsidiary hopes to perform a similar trick with its new Formentor. If you have ever visited the northern part of Majorca, you may have spotted the road-signs to Formentor, reached via a twisting road with steep drop-offs on either side.
Possessing a largely derivative but also sharply attractive exterior design that grabs attention, an interior that cossets its occupants, while integrating the latest technologies, and a powertrain that provides engaging performance, the Cupra Formentor provides a fresh view for the high-performance brand. Packed with abundant character, the car is not just emotive but also overtly sporting.
Carrying over some SUV elements, it uses an aesthetic technique to lighten the vehicle’s silhouette, with a seamless design that amplifies the car’s exterior quality. An impression of integrity is strengthened by the light units at the rear of the vehicle, while the overall appeal is heightened by an exclusive matt petrol-blue paint finish. Formentor’s expressive exterior design is matched by its up-market interior, the cabin providing a sense of modernity and sportiness.
A welcome light projects the Cupra logo, while the steering wheel and leather-clad bucket seats also carry it. The dashboard floats, providing a horizontal line from either door, across the front of the cockpit. The use of dark chrome and black high gloss accents throughout the interior enhance the cabin’s feel. The carbon-backed sports bucket seats give a sense of lightness, while also highlighting the performance credentials of the Cupra Formentor as the driver sits lower and more ergonomically.
A digital cockpit puts all the driver information right in his line of sight and the 10.0-inch touchscreen links occupants with the outside world. The new Cupra is engineered to hike the brand into the future, incorporating performance that the badge demands, albeit in a sustainable PHEV manner. Linked to a dual-clutch DSG transmission, the total output of 242bhp is delivered to all four wheels.
While the Formentor is developed to offer the highest levels of dynamic balance, the combination of electricity and conventional energy also allows the car to reduce overall fuel consumption, while lowering carbon emissions. With the advantage of a large integrated battery pack, it can drive in pure electric mode for up to 30-miles in the new WLTP cycle.
Debuting at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, although unconfirmed as yet, production may follow in short order. If it does, two models will carry the Cupra name and logo and it is certain that they will be followed by a Cupra Ibiza, as well as probable high-performance versions of Leon and even Arona. The Cupra badge opens a realm of opportunities for Seat.
