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Josh Nevett
2 Months Ago
The first 2023 Cupra Formentors has been updated slightly with a surround-view camera now standard on the VZx, and the flagship model’s price has been increased by $500.
Pricing for the Formentor is otherwise unchanged, though all models receive towing pre-wiring for 2023.
The flagship Formentor VZx now lists for $61,990 plus on-road costs or $66,990 drive-away, there is also the optional Brembo brake package ($4150) and Petrol Blue matte paint ($2000).
If that’s a little exxy for you, the range starts at $54,990 drive-away for the Formentor VZ, which runs a 140kW 2.0 TSI drivetrain shared with the likes of the Audi A3 40 TFSI quattro, Skoda Karoq Sportline and Volkswagen T-Roc R-Line, though retains the bulk of the VZx’s standard specification.
There’s also mid-tier VZ and VZe versions, the former running the VW Golf GTI’s 180kW 2.0 TSI powertrain with front-wheel drive, the latter debuting the VW Group’s 180kW 1.4 TSI plug-in hybrid drivetrain in Australia with a claimed EV driving range of up to 58 kilometres.
Configuration | Price From* |
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2.0L, 7 sp automatic Premium Unleaded 4x4 5d Suv | $66,490 |
Configuration | Price From* |
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2.0L, 7 sp automatic Premium Unleaded 4x4 5d Suv | $65,490 |
Configuration | Price From* |
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1.4L, 6 sp automatic Electric FWD 5d Suv | $67,990 |
See our comprehensive details for the Cupra Formentor
The dimensions shown above are for the base model.
See all 2024 Cupra Formentor DimensionsBehind 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.
CarExpert High Resolution Photos of the Cupra Formentor
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There’s an air of familiarity about the Formentor’s cabin, given a lot of it is a mix of VW Golf, Skoda Octavia and Audi A3.
You get the stubby little shift-by-wire selector, the free-standing 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit that’s common to some extent across all MQB Evo products, and it’s almost identical to the cabin of the Leon hatchback – itself a very close relative to the three vehicles mentioned above.
While the interior is something of a Frankenstein of parts – Golf shifter and headlight controls, Octavia electric park brake, Audi-esque digital cluster, Audi TT and R8 on/off and drive mode buttons on the steering wheel – it doesn’t feel like a parts bin collaboration. In fact, it comes together quite well and has its own distinct personality.
Cupra’s signature bronze theme is reflected in the cabin, with the brand’s bull-shaped logo proudly stamped on the steering wheel in bronze, while the air vent surrounds and various trim accents also don the Spanish brand’s hero colour. There’s bronze stitching for the seats, steering wheel, doors and dashboard as well.
The large touchscreen unit is almost identical to the VW Golf on first impression, though the Cupra/SEAT interface was a little more intuitive in our experience.
Yes, it’s still entirely touch-based and the volume and temperature sliders beneath the displays aren’t backlit, but the array of shortcuts and widgets dotted around the place mean it’s much easier to find what you’re looking for, particularly on the move if you’re in the car by yourself.
The iPhone-like tile icons are always there and allow you to toggle between native system functions and smartphone mirroring quicker and easier, and the Cupra-specific menus and layout are refreshingly different from other VW Group brands – though some sub-menus require a bit of digging to toggle certain settings.
We were expecting a little more from the Beats nine-speaker audio system in the top-spec. It’s fine and offers clear sound, but it’s not quite as deep and bassy compared to some other premium-branded systems on the market.
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:
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.
Cupra Formentor | Fuel Type | Combined |
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2.0L, 7 sp automatic Premium Unleaded 4x4 5d Suv | Premium Unleaded | 7.7 L/100km |
What are the running and servicing costs of a Cupra Formentor?
Our expert take on Cupra Formentor drivability.
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.
What colours are available for the Cupra Formentor
The Formentor is available in the following metallic finishes:
The following premium metallic finishes are a $475 option:
The following matte finishes are a $2300 option exclusive to the VZx:
The Cupra Formentor is covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.
Cupra also includes three years of free servicing
Is this the right car for you? Out experts buy or not guide.
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.
The cheapest Cupra Formentor is the V that starts from $50,700.
The most expensive Cupra Formentor is the VZe Tribe Edition PHEV that starts from $67,200.
The best towing capacity of a Cupra Formentor is 1800 kg offered by the following variants: VZx MATRIX EDITION, VZx and VZx ROJO EDITION.
The largest Cupra Formentor is the VZ which measures 1839mm wide, 4446mm in length and sits 1520mm tall.
The most powerful Cupra Formentor is the VZx MATRIX EDITION which has 228kW of power from its 2.0L TURBO DIRECT F/INJ engine.
The Cupra Formentor is built in Spain and shipped to Australia.
The heaviest Cupra Formentor is the VZx MATRIX EDITION which weighs 2140 kg (kerb weight).
The Cupra Formentor may use different fuel/energy types based on the variant which includes Premium Unleaded Petrol or Premium Unleaded-Electric Hybrid.