Cupra Formentor 1.5 TSI 150, Jeep Renegade 4xe
Entry-level coupé SUV, plug-in small SUV
IF YOU’RE A fan of the Cupra Formentor’s sharp styling but have no need for hot hatch-baiting performance, picking the entry-level 1.5 TSI 15o engine seems the logical choice.
For a start, it’s the cheapest engine in the range, and its 0-62mph time of 8.9sec will probably be quick enough for most. It’ll cruise at motorway speeds without breaking a sweat and rarely needs revving hard in everyday driving conditions. And there’s enough poke to have a bit of fun in bends, where the precise steering gains confidence-inspiring weight as cornering force builds.
The Formentor is low by SUV standards and quite firmly sprung, so there’s little body lean, loads of grip and decent balance. The flipside is that its ride isn’t as soft as that of the comfiest SUVS of this size, but it’s still perfectly pleasant on the 18in wheels you get with entry-level V1 trim. Bumps are rounded off adroitly, so long distances are no hardship, despite a bit of wind and road noise at motorway speeds. The seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox shifts smoothly on the move but can be jerky at low speeds.
Inside, you’ll find a good driving position with supportive seats and good forward visibility, but thick pillars hamper rear vision, so it’s handy that rear parking sensors are standard.
With dense materials, interior quality impresses, but the infotainment system is fiddly to use, as are the touch-sensitive controls for the air-con and stereo.
There’s plenty of space up front for a couple of tall adults, and their similarly lanky friends will be pretty happy in the back; despite the rakish roofline, there’s decent head room and adequate leg room. The boot isn’t particularly massive – the BMW X2’s is larger – but there’s still plenty of room for a child’s buggy.
This Formentor won’t pin you to your seat like its beefier siblings, but it’s reasonably priced, handles well and is practical to boot. If you’re in the market for a coupé SUV with more style than sport, it makes a lot of sense.
SAYS
Stylish and sensible, this will be the most appealing Formentor of the lot for many buyers