Cupra Formentor. The first original model
The Cupra Formentor is a sports SUV-Coupé, the first car created specifically for the new CUPRA brand. It has been produced since 2020. There are the front or four wheel drive versions, as well as plug-in hybrid and especially powerful versions. In 2021, the first generation SUV was introduced to the market.
The Formentor is a symbol of independence of the new Cupra brand from the parent brand, SEAT, the first original vehicle that has no analogue in the range offered by SEAT. It is named after Cape Formentor, the northernmost point of the Spanish island of Mallorca.
Created several years ago under the wing of SEAT, the Cupra brand, as envisioned by the strategists of the Volkswagen Group, produces exceptionally powerful vehicles designed for emotional and temperamental drivers. The new 2020 Cupra Formentor SUV coupé is not just eye-catching, it captures the essence of the brand’s racing DNA, with an expressive sporty design, powerful brakes and original wheels.
The first generation
It has been produced from 2020 to the present (as of 2021). The first Formentor was created on the MQB modular platform of the VAG Group, which is also used to assemble the Volkswagen Tiguan. The Cupra Formentor has a 2,680 mm wheelbase, the same as that of the Tiguan. The ‘Spaniard’ is almost as long (4,450 mm) as the ‘German’, and they have the same width (1,839 mm), but the Cupra Formentor is lower than its ‘German brother’ (1,511 mm). It is equipped with a chassis with independent spring suspension and adaptive electronic shock absorbers. The front axle is equipped with Brembo brakes.
The interior of the new Cupra Formentor is inspired by the Cupra Leon, as both models have the same design of the front panel and even the pattern of the seat upholstery. The vehicle is very well-equipped, including the following elements: a virtual dashboard, a 12-inch display of the media system, and a multi-steering wheel with the buttons responsible for starting the engine and switching driving modes.
Modifications
The basic 2020 version is equipped with a 2.0 TSI gasoline turbo engine producing 310 hp and 400 Nm, the 6-speed DSG semi-automatic gearbox with two clutches and 4Drive all-wheel drive with a clutch on the rear axle. Acceleration to 100 km occurs in 4.9 seconds. Plus, its wheels are 19 inches. The estimated price starts from 44 thousand euros (as of 2020).
The basic version was released in early 2021. It is equipped with a 1.5 TSI turbo engine (150 hp) and front-wheel drive. You can choose a 6-speed manual transmission or 7-speed DSG semi-automatic transmission with two clutches. The acceleration time to 100 km/h is the same, amounting to 8.9 seconds. The wheels are 18 inches. The estimated price starts from 31 thousand euros (as of 2021).
The Cupra Formentor eHybrid is expected to be released in the first quarter of 2021. This is a plug-in hybrid version that is equipped with a 1.4 TSI turbo engine (150 hp, 250 Nm) and a 6-speed preselective gearbox with an integrated electric motor (115 hp). It can produce a maximum of 245 hp and 400 Nm. The 13 kWh battery will be sufficient for 50 operational kilometers in electric mode (WLTP cycle). Only the front-wheel drive will be available.
The Formentor VZ5 is a ‘charged’ modification with a powerful engine, retuned adaptive suspension, 10 mm lesser ground clearance, new front brakes with 6-piston calipers and 20-inch wheels. It will be presented in the fall of 2021, only seven thousand vehicles will be released. The estimated price starts from 58 thousand euros. The VZ5 is equipped with a 5-cylinder 2.5 TSI turbo engine (390 hp and 480 Nm), the 7-speed DSG semi-automatic transmission and 4Drive all-wheel drive with a clutch on the rear axle. Acceleration to the first 100 km occurs in 4.2 seconds. The maximum speed reaches 250 km/h.
