CUPRA is taking a significant step forward as a brand with the unveil of the CUPRA Formentor, the first model developed exclusively for the brand.
The two-tone body is reminiscent of a robust all-terrain vehicle, but the CUPRA Formentor’s design uses the aesthetic technique to lighten the vehicle’s silhouette. Unlike a traditional SUV, the vehicle merges all-terrain attributes with the compact and sporty aesthetics of a hatchback, in coupe crossover form.
The dimensions of the car allow Formentor to meet the needs of today’s customers. The CUPRA Formentor is 4,450mm long and 1,839mm wide. Its height of 1,511mm provides excellent headroom for all the passengers while the wheelbase of 2,680mm offers significant legroom for rear occupants and a boot capacity of 450 litres.
The dynamic proportions of Formentor is represented by the visual emphasis placed towards the rear of the vehicle which is further accentuated by the length of the bonnet. This seamless design continues at the rear with the integration a coast-to-coast light that creates a visual width to the vehicle. The sporty aesthetic is completed with standard 19-inch alloy wheels – available in Copper finish – which house 18-inch performance Brembo brakes.
CUPRA Formentor benefits from a wide colour palette chosen to complement the design: there are four soft metallic paints (Urban Silver, Midnight Black, Magnetic Tech and Candy White); three special paints (Graphene Grey, Dark Camouflage and Desire Red) as well as two matte paint options (Petrol Blue Matte and Magnetic Tech Matte).
The CUPRA Formentor’s exterior design is perfectly matched by its high-quality interior that provides a sense of modernity and sportiness that would be expected of a CUPRA model.
As occupants enter Formentor, the CUPRA logo is projected on to the floor via the puddle lamp. Once inside, they will be cocooned by high-quality materials, with brushed dark aluminium and copper accents making the cabin feel modern and contemporary.
The bucket seats, available in both Petrol Blue and Black leather, are mounted low in the cabin to maximise space, allow a more ergonomic seating position, and give a sense of the dynamic performance before a wheel has turned.
The dashboard appears to float, an impression created by the horizontal full-LED wraparound ambient lighting which runs the width of the dashboard and in both front doors. This light is not only an aesthetic feature, it also includes safety functions, flashing yellow when Blind Spot Detection or Exit Assist are activated.
The centrepiece of the dashboard is the 12-inch touchscreen which provides the functionality and connectivity to all occupants and reduces button count. The driver benefits from a fully-customisable digital binnacle (Digital Cockpit) as well as a flat-bottomed steering wheel that houses the engine start and CUPRA driving mode buttons, as well as earbox shift paddles.
The CUPRA Formentor will be available with two high-performance powertrains ready to provide a unique driving experience that matches the sporty design.
The ultimate expression of CUPRA’s performance promise will be the 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine with 4Drive (4WD) technology. The pulse-raising engine provides peak power output of 310PS (228kW) and 400Nm of torque with an emotive sound that adds to the allure of the vehicle. The 4Drive system constantly monitors numerous sources – steering angle, wheel speed and yaw of the vehicle – to deliver power to the correct wheel at the precise time, giving a sense of confidence behind the wheel in any driving scenario.
The CUPRA Formentor is also the next step in the brand’s electrification offensive, with a high-performance plug-in hybrid available from launch. The 1.4-litre TSI 150PS (110kW) petrol engine is paired to a 115PS (85kW) electric motor, powered by a 13kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which allows the CUPRA Formentor to deliver eco-conscious performance. The eHybrid delivers a total peak power of 245PS (180kW) of peak power and 400Nm of torque with an electric range of 50km (31 miles).
Both powertrains are mated to a seven-speed DSG (direct shift gearbox) dual-clutch transmission. The shift-by-wire technology is designed so that the gear selector is no longer mechanically connected to the gearbox, instead using electronic signals to indicate a shift. This not only enhances efficiency but also offers a more engaging drive.
Underpinning CUPRA Formentor’s dynamic ability is the advanced and intelligent Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) system. The DCC system constantly monitors the road surfaces and driver inputs and makes imperceptible changes to the set-up in milliseconds to guarantee surefootedness in any condition while delivering the most engaging drive. The driver can precisely set-up the vehicle to their preferences, as well as select from four pre-defined driver profiles: Comfort, Sport, CUPRA and Individual.
Deliveries of the CUPRA Formentor will begin in the last quarter of 2020.
