Cupra can do

Formentor shows what

CUPRA is a company which is quickly finding its feet in the world of motoring.

It split from Seat to become its own brand back in 2018, but since then has been largely tasked with creating go-faster versions of the Spanish firm’s existing cars.

Vehicles such as the Cupra Ateca have arrived, shown their faces, but left the firm lacking any real impact.

But the new Formentor is aiming to address that. It’s the first car that Cupra has had a proper hand in designing and creating, which means it’s been able to influence all aspects of its make-up.

Cupra is able to access the wider Volkswagen Group’s technology and engines but is free to design the look and feel of its cars as it sees fit.

It’s why the Formentor sits on the same MQB Evo platform that underpins the latest Volkswagen Golf and Skoda Octavia, while this car’s 2.0-litre engine is shared with cars such as the Tiguan R.

Yet the exterior and interior have been given some real flair which really does allow Cupra to make a name for itself.

This particular Cupra uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine producing 306bhp and 400Nm of torque.

A range of more conventional petrol and plug-in hybrid powertrains are available.

The Formentor comes somewhere in between a crossover and a regular hatch.

It’s not hugely high-riding, but neither does it sit at a conventional height.

There are plenty of interesting styling touches incorporated into its design which helps to keep it looking fresh each time you take a glance at it.

Cupra has really found its feet with the Formentor. It’s a compelling showcase of what the firm can do when allowed to craft its own vehicles, reinforced with tried-and-tested engines from Volkswagen Group’s stable of powertrains.

Prices for the Formentor range kick off from £27,395 when fitted with a 148bhp turbocharged petrol engine.