2023 Cupra Formentor

Behind the second row is a 420-litre luggage area with the rear seats upright. Cupra doesn’t quote a figure for when the seats are folded, but there’s a pretty smooth transition between the boot floor and seatbacks even if it isn’t completely flat.

The Cupra Formentor has a five-star rating from ANCAP, based on Euro NCAP testing conducted in 2021.

The Formentor scored 93 per cent for adult occupant protection, 88 per cent for child occupant protection, 68 per cent for vulnerable road user protection, and 80 per cent for safety assist.

All models come standard with the following safety features:

• AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection
• Lane-keep assist with highway lane centering
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Safe exit warning
• Reversing camera with front and rear parking sensors
• Emergency Assist
• Adaptive cruise control
• Driver fatigue monitoring

A surround-view camera is standard in 2023 VZx models.

The 2023 Cupra Formentor uses 7.0L/100km on the combined cycle in V guise, 6.9L/100km in the VZ, 1.9L/100km in the VZe, and 7.7L/100km in the VZx.

All models run on 95 RON premium unleaded fuel except for the VZx, which requires 98 RON.

The Cupra Formentor has a recommended service interval of 12 months or 15,000 km, whichever comes first.

Each member of the four-strong 2023 Cupra Formentor range comes with its own powertrain.

The Formentor V is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 140kW of power and 320Nm of torque.

It’s mated with a seven-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

The Formentor VZ also uses a seven-speed dual-clutch and a turbocharged 2.0-litre, but its engine produces 180kW and 370Nm and it’s front-wheel drive.

The Formentor VZe mates a turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, for total system outputs of 180kW and 400Nm. It uses a six-speed wet dual-clutch auto.

Power in the Formentor VZx comes from the Volkswagen Group’s ubiquitous ‘EA888’ 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, mated with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

In this implementation, the four-cylinder engine generates 228kW (5450-6500rpm) and 400Nm (2000-5450rpm) – aligned with the Audi S3 Sportback and Sedan.

Cupra claims the Formentor VZx will dash from 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds.

Unlike the bulk of the Volkswagen and Skoda ranges, the Cupra Formentor and its stablemates run the latest powertrain technologies from the Group, meaning all engines are EU6 with petrol particulate filters (PPFs).

The VZx requires 98 RON premium unleaded, and claims to drink 7.7L/100km on the combined cycle. Fuel tank capacity is quoted at 55 litres, and CO2 emissions are rated at 175g/km.

You can find more details on all the options and inclusions across the Cupra Formentor variants on the official website, and within the official Cupra Formentor specifications page.

The Formentor is available in the following metallic finishes:

• Nevada White
• Magnetic Tech
• Midnight Black
• Asphalt Blue

The following premium metallic finishes are a $475 option:

• Desire Red (excludes VZx)
• Graphene Grey
• Dark Camouflage

The following matte finishes are a $2300 option exclusive to the VZx:

• Petrol Blue
• Magnetic Tech

The Cupra Formentor is covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.

Cupra also includes three years of free servicing

The Formentor is a delicious thing; fun, fast and turns heads for the right reasons.

It gives off mini Porsche Macan or Lamborghini Urus vibes, but on its own merits is a very capable all-round performance car that really doesn’t feel like an SUV to drive or live with day-to-day.

Further, the Spanish brand’s distinct design language and more refined takes on the VW Group infotainment and tech suite give the Formentor a distinct personality and feel, so it doesn’t feel like a parts bin special.