Presentation of the new CUPRA Formentor on April 29. In Madrid, it became an important event, so it was celebrated with a big event, highlighting the role of this model in the range of the Spanish manufacturer. The developers hope that this SUV will be no less successful than its popular predecessor. The sporty crossover has become a real bestseller of the brand and the best-selling model in the A-CUV segment across Europe – last year it reached 120,000 drivers worldwide. these cars. The new Formentor should further strengthen the brand’s position.
Exterior and interior design
With distinctive design details and proportions, the new crossover has been a huge success. The car’s aesthetics and overall visual concept, for which Formentor received the prestigious Red Dot design award in 2021, have been further enhanced and highlighted. Now this model looks even more emotional, impressive and sporty.
Together, Formentor introduces the new DNA of CUPRA’s design language. It consists of a shark nose-like front end, front triangular matrix LED lights and a large, bright lower body front.
The front of the new SUV emphasizes the car’s strength and determination, with the CUPRA logo mounted directly on the hood above the large front grille. These details are complemented by the optional matrix LED headlights, which have a pattern of three illuminated triangles framed by another triangle.
The emotions of the car’s exterior design are also reflected inside, where sportiness and sustainability are combined with various digital technologies and materials. Here is the familiar CUPRA steering wheel with additional buttons. On versions with a DSG gearbox, buttons are fitted as standard for better control and ease of use.
Sports or cradle-shaped seats that provide comfort and stable seating, digital architecture and completely renewed materials – all this allows to improve the car’s handling characteristics. The many seat options not only provide greater comfort for the driver and passengers, but also reflect a more sustainable approach to material selection. Sports seats now use textile upholstery, while the cradle-shaped seats can be covered in laser-perforated, 73 percent. recycled, vegan microfiber or eco-friendly leather.
Digital technology is the focus of the driver’s attention. An improved digital instrument cluster sits behind the steering wheel, while the central infotainment screen has now grown to 12.9 inches and sports a retro-style illuminated slider.
For a more user-friendly interface, the infotainment system has improved the app bar, controls and climate control bar. Climate control is now seamlessly integrated into the main display unit, allowing all vehicle functions and assistants to be accessed at the touch of a button, using both digital and physical interactions.
The CUPRA Formentor can be fitted with a new optional high-quality 12-speaker sound system developed in collaboration with the sound experts at Sennheiser Mobility. The 425-watt sound system immerses the driver and passengers in a unique acoustic depth.
Powerful VZ with Sideslide Mode
At the top of the new Formentor range are the VZ versions. The acronym derived from the Spanish word “veloz” means “fast, sudden” – it probably best describes the most powerful versions of this SUV.
The new CUPRA Formentor VZ will be offered with two power systems. The gasoline engine installed in the first one develops a capacity of 265 hp (195 kW). It reaches the front drive wheels through a 7-speed automatic dual-clutch DSG gearbox.
The second version of the power system produces 333 hp (245 kW) and is also transmitted through a 7-speed DSG gearbox. This version introduces a new driving mode, the options of which include optimized gearbox and accelerator characteristics specially for the race track at the technical center of CUPRA engineers in Martorell.
It also features torque distribution technology and achieves high dynamic torque response through open throttle hold. Akebono brakes can be ordered additionally.
The all-wheel drive drive of the most powerful version of the Formentor VZ allowed engineers to include a sideslip mode. Once out on the race track, a high-performance crossover can show the character of a true recreational vehicle. When the Drift option is activated, the traction control system works in sport mode, and with torque distribution technology, all the power can be directed to one rear wheel, helping to push the car through a corner as if it were sliding.
The SUV will now be available with a partial hybrid system (eTSI). It consists of a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with 150 hp (110 kW), combined only with a DSG transmission, and 48-volt electric hybrid technology. The range of engines also includes diesel power plants – they are extremely important for some consumers in certain markets. The 2-liter TDI engine reaches 150 hp (110 kW) and also works with a 7-speed DSG transmission.
In addition, the new Formentor can be chosen with one of two new-generation eHybrid plug-in hybrid systems: 204 hp (150 kW) or 272 hp (200 kW). Both plug-in hybrid versions use the new 1.5-liter TSI engine, an electric motor and a larger 19.7 kWh battery.
This system allows the new model to combine driving excitement with ecological responsibility and cover more than 100 km in electric mode alone. Now the hybrid battery can be charged at a rate of up to 50 kW (at direct current stations) in public places or using a wall charger with a power of up to 11 kW at home (the previous version supported a rate of up to 3.6 kW).
Driver assistants and safety systems
The new crossover implements a wide range of safety and convenience features that meet all the needs of motorists. Formentor is an integrated set of technologies designed to help, not hinder. This makes it one of the safest and most comfortable models in the segment.
The latest systems include Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Trip Assist, Emergency Assist and more. Predictive adaptive cruise control can determine the exact location of the car based on the GPS data of the navigation system and the route and allow you to adjust the speed according to what awaits on the road ahead – at bends, roundabouts and intersections, speed limit zones or settlements.
Cruise Assist uses information from ACC and Lane Keeping Assist to keep the car in the center of the lane and select a speed that matches the flow of traffic throughout its range.
Side and Exit Assist uses blind spot monitoring to detect what your eyes can’t see. When you want to get out of a parked car, it warns with an acoustic and visual warning if someone is approaching from behind.
Emergency assistance, which uses visual and acoustic warnings, ensures that the driver concentrates on driving and does not become distracted. If the driver doesn’t react, the system can initiate braking, and if nothing continues to change, the car can come to a complete stop and turn on the hazard lights.
