We tested the cheapest Cupra Formentor, with the 1.5 TSI 150 CV engine: an SUV that doesn't look like one

Cupra is a young brand with good reason to look to the future with enthusiasm. First, because of the impressions gathered in its first months of life. Second, because of how well it is doing things, not only in terms of positioning and target market, but also in terms of its sales network and the way it will look after its customers. And third, but ultimately the most important, because of the product it is putting on the market.

In this sense, the turning point is already being marked by the Cupra Formentor, the first model with a 100% Cupra identity, following the Cupra Ateca and Cupra León. A car that also proudly boasts of being 100% Spanish.

The Cupra Formentor range: petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid

For the time being, the Cupra Formentor range lets you choose between the new entry-level version we have already had a first hands-on look at, the 1.5 TSI with 150 CV and front-wheel drive. At the other end sits the most powerful Cupra, with all-wheel drive and a 2.0 engine producing 310 CV.

Soon a version of the Cupra Formentor with the 2.0 TDI engine producing 150 CV will also go on sale. Yes, the Formentor will also have a diesel option, and not one with a sporty focus. But among Cupra’s plans to grow as a brand are the company and rental fleet channels, and here diesel still has a lot to say.

We also already know the details of the Cupra Formentor VZ e-Hybrid, the plug-in hybrid version, offered in versions of 204 and 245 CV, with an electric-mode range of up to 55 km. And recently the one that will top the range was announced, the Formentor VZ5, with a 5-cylinder 2.5-litre engine that will reach no less than 390 CV. If I mention Audi and the RS badge, you’ll surely know we’re not talking about just any engine…

The 1.5 TSI with 150 CV: a real guarantee

The engine of this entry-level version of the Formentor range is the well-known 4-cylinder 1.5 TSI used in many models across the Group Volkswagen. It delivers 150 CV between 5,000 and 6,000 rpm, and a maximum torque of 250 Nm between 1,500 and 3,500 rpm. It is a very modern engine, all aluminium, with variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust, a turbocharger with variable geometry, a petrol particulate filter and active cylinder deactivation.

In some models across the Group this engine features Mild Hybrid light hybridisation, which allows the advantages of the DGT ECO label. However, since this advantage applies only to the Spanish market, Cupra has decided not to offer this option in order to start from a very attractive launch price.

Both with the manual gearbox and with the double-clutch DSG gearbox with 7 speeds, which I can already tell you suits this engine perfectly, the Formentor 1.5 TSI reaches a top speed of 204 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds. The combined WLTP consumption starts from 6.3 l/100 km with the manual gearbox, and from 6.6 with the DSG.

Cupra Formentor 1.5 TSI: is 150 CV enough?

The initial doubt raised by a car like the Formentor, an SUV with a clearly sporty approach, is whether the 150 CV engine will be enough to enjoy driving. And the answer is yes. Of course, as we will see, the finely tuned chassis setup plays a big part here.

The 1.5-litre 4-cylinder delivers enough thrust to move the nearly one and a half tonnes the Formentor weighs with agility, no matter what type of road you choose or how you drive. What I mean by this is that you won’t need to work the gearbox to get around with ease. The performance is in line with what you would expect from its power output, and it always responds with sufficiency and refinement.

In this sense, I even found the Formentor to be the car in which the Group Volkswagen 1.5 engine felt most “refined” in its operation; and that was a unit still with little mileage. It is not an engine with character, nor does it have a beautiful or sporty sound. It gives its best in the mid-range of the rev counter. But in the version we tested, with the DSG gearbox, it once again proves that we are dealing with one of the most balanced engines among those of its power.

It is more than enough for daily use, thanks to the great responsiveness it offers at low and medium revs. And you can take it up to 6,000 rpm without complaint when you choose “Sport” mode on the standard driving profile selector. At a relaxed pace the average consumption will hover around 7.5 l/100 km, while if you want to squeeze out the real strong point of this Cupra, which is its chassis, you will go to around 11 l/100 km.

Behind the wheel of the Cupra Formentor: an SUV that doesn’t feel like one

The driving feel is magnificent, and the chassis is more than adequate. Bear in mind that with minimal adjustments it can handle more than double the power the 1.5 TSI offers. That is why the XDS electronic limited-slip differential, fitted as standard, will rarely need to intervene. But it is there just in case, especially to guarantee traction when accelerating out of corners in low-grip conditions.

With a body slightly taller than a Seat León but lower than an Ateca, with progressive steering that offers precision and composure in equal measure, and a multi-link rear axle (not all cars in the group on this platform use this with engines of this power, opting instead for a simpler torsion beam axle), the Cupra surprises with its agility.

It doesn’t feel, not at all, like you’re driving an SUV. And the best part is that it doesn’t sacrifice comfort, at least with the tyres and wheels fitted as standard, 245/45-18. It is a car especially recommended for those who value a sporty driving feel but do not want to give up the comfort needed for daily use.

The overall picture is rounded off by a magnificent driving position. Cupra has given the Formentor a touch of personality not only on the outside but also on the inside: the feel and presence of the materials, the quality of the finishes, and so on. The standard sports seats are very comfortable and hold the body well, the digital instrumentation is very complete and allows many different configurations… if I had to find a fault, I am not convinced by the touch controls for operating the multimedia system, with no confirmation of whether you have actually pressed them or not, something we already noticed in the road test of the Seat León.

As for the rear seats, that is not its strong point either, with a tight width, a narrow centre seat and a transmission tunnel that make the Formentor a poor choice for carrying more than two passengers in the back. The boot, at 450 litres, is sufficient; under the floor it hides an emergency spare wheel as part of the standard equipment.

Equipment and price of the cheapest Cupra Formentor

The entry-level version of the Cupra Formentor range, with the 1.5 TSI 150 CV engine, costs €29,670 for the variant with the six-speed manual gearbox, including the €2,000 promotional discount the brand offers. With the DSG double-clutch automatic gearbox the price rises by €2,200.

The standard equipment is very complete. Take note: 18-inch wheels, sports seats, three-zone climate control, full LED headlights, wireless phone charger, multimedia system with a 10-inch screen, full link and Cupra Connect connectivity, digital instrumentation, keyless entry, adaptive cruise control and pre-installation for a tow hitch.

And the options are not expensive. The Tech pack stands out, costing €1,300 (dropping to €1,000 with the launch promotion), which adds the top multimedia system with navigation and a 12-inch screen, rear camera and lane keeping and lane exit assistants. For another €1,300 you can add the Sound & Shine pack, with the BEATS-signed audio system and panoramic roof. The Safety Cool pack includes an alarm, knee airbag and pre-collision assist for €800.

Alternatives to the Cupra Formentor 1.5 TSI 150 CV

If we compare it with some of its alternatives, you will see that the price is very competitive. Looking among the more sporty ones, a BMW X2 sDrive 18i with 136 CV starts from €37,900. A Mercedes GLA 180 7g-DCT, from €37,800. And neither of the two has the standard equipment of the Formentor.

Nor does the Audi Q2 35 TFSI, with the same engine, which would be the closest in price: it costs €30,190, but you would have to add at least €3,500 in options to get close to the Formentor’s equipment.

Other options would be an Seat Ateca with the 1.5 TSI 150 CV engine and FR trim, which costs around €35,000. In the Group Volkswagen range, the closest SUV by price would be the T-Roc, which costs €30,355 with Sport trim and the same engine. And while we’re at it, we cannot fail to mention the Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid, which in its 204 CV version costs €36,640.

Cupra Formentor 1.5 TSI image gallery

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverCUPRA Formentor17 versions · from 39,062 €