Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) proceed to divide opinion – some will let you know they’re the most effective of each worlds, others say they’re the worst of each.
However that hasn’t stopped Spanish efficiency upstart Cupra, which has seen first rate take up of its two PHEV choices since launching the model some 18 months in the past, although not fairly to the identical stage as its Born electrical hatchback.
What it’s possible you’ll not know is that the 2024 Cupra Formentor VZe, in addition to the associated Leon VZe, are one thing of a check mattress for the Volkswagen Group in Australia.
Thus far the Volkswagen and Skoda manufacturers have been unable to convey their PHEVs with the identical drivetrain to Australia as a result of overwhelming demand in Europe and the UK, and thus haven’t been capable of introduce their native buyer base to the plug-in tech which in Australia hasn’t fairly taken off like standard hybrids and EVs thus far.
However issues might be altering. With Federal tax incentives for PHEVs on novated leases, plug-in hybrids have slowly been gaining floor. In March 2024 there have been 1412 PHEVs bought in Australia, representing 148.2 per cent progress on the identical month in 2023, and the drivetrain kind is up 134.5 per cent to this point this yr.
The Formentor VZe registered 485 models (admittedly not huge numbers) all through the 2023 calendar yr, representing almost 1 in 4 Formentor gross sales in Australia final yr. So, Cupra is perhaps onto one thing.
Ought to it’s in your buying checklist in case you’re on the lookout for an electrified SUV? Learn on to seek out out.
How does the Cupra Formentor examine?
View an in depth breakdown of the Cupra Formentor in opposition to equally sized automobiles.
Cupra
Formentor
How a lot does the Cupra Formentor price?
The 2024 Cupra Formentor VZe is priced from $64,990 plus on-road prices – the underside line can differ relying on the State or Territory you’re registering the automobile in.
For the 2024 mannequin yr, the native Formentor lineup underwent a worth adjustment with raises of $1800-$2000 relying on variant.
The worth rises have been offset considerably by added gear, together with DAB+ radio and an influence tailgate. New choices and choice packages are actually out there too – learn the main points right here.
2024 Cupra Formentor pricing:
- 2024 Cupra Formentor V: $56,490
- 2024 Cupra Formentor VZ: $61,490
- 2024 Cupra Formentor VZe
- $67,990 (ACT)
- $68,990 (QLD)
- $69,990 (NSW)
- $69,990 (SA)
- $70,490 (VIC)
- $70,990 (WA)
- 2024 Cupra Formentor VZx: $70,790
Costs are drive-away
To see how the Formentor traces up in opposition to its rivals, try our comparability device.
What’s the Cupra Formentor like on the within?
The Formentor PHEV options an virtually similar cabin to different fashions, with some additional menus within the digital shows for hybrid-specific content material.
There’s an air of familiarity concerning the Formentor’s cabin in case you’ve sat in any of the VW Group’s newest compact merchandise, given quite a lot of it’s a mixture of VW Golf, Skoda Octavia and Audi A3 – and Cupra/SEAT Leon.
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 frequent to some extent throughout all MQB evo merchandise, and it’s virtually similar to the cabin of the Leon hatchback bar some added width.
Whereas the inside is one thing of a Frankenstein of components – Golf shifter and headlight controls, Octavia electrical park brake, Audi-esque digital cluster – it doesn’t really feel like a components bin collaboration. The truth is, it comes collectively fairly properly and has its personal distinct character.
The model’s signature copper theme is mirrored within the cabin, with the model’s bull-shaped brand proudly stamped on the steering wheel in copper, whereas the air vent surrounds and numerous trim accents additionally don the Spanish model’s hero color. There’s copper stitching for the seats, steering wheel, doorways and dashboard as properly.
Construct high quality feels typical VW Group stable, with soft-touch supplies adorning the higher and center tiers of the cabin, and all of the switchgear (although restricted) feels well-damped and prime quality. I’ll be aware the brushed metal-look bits are plastic, and the transmission tunnel is lined with more durable, scratchier plastics.
The driving force is confronted with a slick steering wheel, full with a skinny, perforated leather-trimmed rim. I personally would admire a bit extra girth (dimension issues, proper?), however myself and colleagues have been impressed with the appear and feel, in addition to the ergonomics of the multifunction controls – no touch-capacitive stuff right here.
What isn’t so nice are the steering-mounted paddle shifters, that are small, stubby, and a bit plasticky. Volkswagen has bigger paddles fitted to its R merchandise, and even these models would have been a welcome enchancment.
I used to be extra impressed by the Digital Cockpit show behind stated steering wheel, which is nearer to Audi’s digital cockpit in feel and appear relatively than the Volkswagen or Skoda equivalents. There’s an out there central tacho structure which may be very previous-gen Audi S and RS, and there are a pair extra totally different configurations than you get in a T-Roc or Tiguan R, for instance. It simply feels a bit of bit extra excessive finish.
The hyperlink to Audi isn’t a coincidence – Cupra’s mum or dad SEAT was owned by the four-ringed marque throughout the 2000s, and has a historical past of providing Audi-based merchandise.
Whereas the entrance sports activities seats are comfy and supportive, it’s a disgrace the VZe requires the $2800 Leather-based and Digital camera Bundle that provides Nappa leather-based trim with energy driver’s seat adjustment and {surround} cameras, particularly as a result of the VZx will get these items as commonplace.
The driving place is surprisingly low for a crossover, actually it genuinely looks like an everyday hatchback from behind the wheel. I’d have beloved to see an extendable base cushion, however that’s a nit-pick actually as that type of function is normally reserved for the premium marques.
The big touchscreen unit is sort of similar to the VW Golf on first impression, although the Cupra/SEAT interface is little extra intuitive – at the very least for my part.
Sure, it’s nonetheless fully touch-based, and the quantity and temperature sliders beneath the shows aren’t backlit (groan). However the array of shortcuts and widgets dotted across the place imply it’s a lot simpler to seek out what you’re on the lookout for, significantly on the transfer.
The iPhone-like tile icons are at all times there and mean you can toggle between native system capabilities and smartphone mirroring faster and simpler, and the Cupra-specific menus and structure are refreshingly totally different from different VW Group manufacturers – although some sub-menus require a little bit of digging to toggle sure settings.
The rear seat seems to be a bit of cosy due to the darkish colors and the fats entrance seats, however being based mostly on the Leon (in addition to the Golf and A3) there’s ample room for 2 adults to take a seat behind adults. I’m 6’1 and I match behind my very own seating place tremendous.
Just like the Golf, the Formentor will get a typical third zone of local weather management with directional air vents, in addition to two USB-C charging factors for cell units.
Different facilities embrace a fold-down centre armrest with cupholders, ISOFIX and top-tether anchors on your baby seat, in addition to rear map pockets and bottle holders within the doorways.
With the high-voltage lithium-ion battery mounted underneath the boot ground, the Formentor VZe quotes 345 litres of cargo quantity in comparison with the 420 litres quoted by the V and VZx. Cupra doesn’t quote a seats-down determine, both.
The location of stated battery additionally means there’s no area saver spare wheel, relatively a tyre restore equipment.
What’s underneath the bonnet?
The Formentor VZe options the best tune of the Volkswagen Group’s 1.4 TSI e-Hybrid drivetrain.
| Mannequin | Cupra Formentor VZe |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.4L 4cyl turbo |
| Energy | 110kW (5000-6000rpm) |
| Torque | 250Nm (1550-3500rpm) |
| Electrical motor | 85kW 330Nm |
| System outputs | 180kW 400Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed DSG |
| Pushed wheels | Entrance-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1712kg (tare) |
| 0-100km/h | 7.0 seconds |
| Gas economic system (declare) | 1.9L/100km 14.1kWh/100km |
| Gas economic system (as examined) | 2.4L/100km 12.6kWh/100km |
| Emissions | 43g/km |
| EV battery | 10.9kWh li-ion (usable) |
| EV driving vary | 58km |
| Gas tank dimension | 40L |
| Gas requirement | 95 RON |
Our real-world gasoline consumption determine was achieved over 380km of combined driving, together with charging most nights to start out the day with a full battery – although this wasn’t accomplished each night time.
All our charging was accomplished through a traditional three-pin residence socket as properly, the equal of round 2kW AC charging which ought to make for round 5-6 hours from empty to full battery.
To see how the Formentor traces up in opposition to its rivals, try our comparability device.
How does the Cupra Formentor drive?
Very similar to the plug-in hybrid Leon, simply barely larger.
Volkswagen’s PHEV tech is among the greatest available on the market. It’s neatly built-in and you may actually simply set and overlook it and reap the effectivity rewards in case you cost nightly. It’ll additionally run as a standard hybrid when the usable EV vary runs out.
I managed to persistently obtain 50-55 kilometres of EV vary all through my week with the Formentor, charging in a single day after which doing my regular commute which is a mixture of suburban, freeway and internal metropolis driving.
When in E-Mode – which the Formentor will begin in by default offered you will have the required stage of cost – the electrical motor has ample shove to get issues shifting at cheap tempo. Don’t let the modest 85kW energy output idiot you, that 330Nm of torque is sort of as a lot as you get from a Golf GTI.
It will get up and going fairly briskly and since the electrical motor is connected to the six-speed DSG transmission you’ll often really feel it snap by ratios even when the petrol motor isn’t working. Some might like how this feels, others might not.
Provided that you pin the throttle to the firewall or flick out of E-Mode into Hybrid mode will the 1.4 TSI be a part of the get together in case you haven’t run out of battery. Collectively the 2 energy sources develop 180kW and 400Nm, which is greater than sufficient to make this electrified crossover really feel fairly sprightly.
The on-paper 0-100km/h time of seven.0 seconds doesn’t sound significantly fast, however the wholesome reserves of torque and quick-shifting DSG make it really feel brisker than you would possibly suppose. If you happen to bury the go pedal it’ll mild up the facility meter in blue and enter Increase Mode, which simply means you’re calling on the Formentor VZe’s full outputs.
It’ll additionally play a meatier engine sound by the cabin, particularly in case you flick the drive mode choose to Cupra mode (accessed through the touchscreen, annoyingly). You’ll be able to’t get the PHEV with the VZx’s satellite tv for pc button on the steering wheel to alter drive modes, which looks as if an oversight given the model’s extra sporting vibe.
Whereas the engine be aware underneath load is kind of clearly pretend, the upper pitched growl from the 1.4 TSI when accelerating onerous isn’t all that dangerous both.
Being FWD solely, the Formentor PHEV isn’t going to be the all out nook carver just like the VZx. Nevertheless, its scorching hatch underpinnings and comparatively mild weight (in comparison with different PHEVs) means that is nonetheless a chuckable factor.
It has that basic front-drive steadiness however the rear stays fairly settled as that li-ion battery provides some additional weight over the again axle. The quoted tare weight of 1712kg isn’t even 100kg greater than the bottom V, and simply over 60kg greater than the VZx.
You’ll get some wheelspin in case you gun it too early, nonetheless, and the shortage of a correct electromechanical entrance differential means it might’t shuffle energy to the entrance wheel with essentially the most grip as successfully as a Leon VZ or VZx would possibly – the Leon VZe’s decrease trip top and smaller physique additionally make it the motive force’s decide of the 2 hybrids.
It nonetheless presents fast steering and tight physique management although, even with the added weight, and in case you time it proper it’ll reward you with a torquey blast out of corners. You too can use the paddle shifters to manually take management.
The varied drive modes tailor powertrain response, steering really feel and the dampers to your tastes, and there’s even a person mode with a wider vary of settings so you may make this extra comfy than Consolation and sportier than Sport.
Cupra’s suite of driver assists function very like any VW Group equal’s, they usually’re accessed through correct buttons on the steering wheel right here.
Journey Help stays a favorite, with its seamless adaptive cruise and Adaptive Lane Steerage capabilities coming collectively for person pleasant semi autonomy on the freeway.
In Consolation or Eco modes it’s a bit of conservative with distances although, which generally is a ache in low-etiquette jurisdictions like Victoria the place persons are susceptible to chopping you off.
Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are additionally helpful, as is the extra Exit Warning perform that can alert of you of an approaching automobile in case you’re about to open the door.
What do you get?
The Formentor VZe is equally outfitted to the VZ, regardless of costing the identical because the flagship VZx.
Formentor V highlights:
- 140kW/320Nm 2.0 TSI 4Drive
- 18-inch black-silver alloy wheels
- Heated, power-folding exterior mirrors
- LED headlights, daytime working lights
- Auto headlights
- Auto high-beam
- Fog lights with cornering perform
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Rear privateness glass
- Adaptive dampers
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
- 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- Wi-fi telephone charging
- 2 x entrance, 2 x rear USB-C ports
- Fabric upholstery
- 3-zone local weather management
- Leather-based-wrapped heated steering wheel
- Paddle shifters
- Keyless entry, begin
- DAB+ radio
- Fingers-free energy tailgate
Formentor VZ provides:
- 180kW/370Nm 2.0 TSI FWD
- Entrance-wheel drive
- 19-inch Unique Sport black-silver alloy wheels
- 18-inch space-saver spare
Formentor VZe provides:
- 180kW/400Nm 1.4 TSI PHEV FWD
- Mode 3 charging cable
- Tyre restore equipment
Is the Cupra Formentor protected?
The Formentor wears a five-star ANCAP security ranking, based mostly on Euro NCAP checks carried out in 2021.
It scored 93 per cent for grownup occupant safety, 88 per cent for baby occupant safety, 68 per cent for weak street person safety, and 80 per cent for security help.
Commonplace security options embrace:
- AEB with Pedestrian, Bike owner detection
- Adaptive cruise management incl. cease/go
- Driver fatigue monitoring
- Emergency Help
- Lane departure warning
- Lane hold help
- Parking sensors entrance, rear
- Reversing digital camera
- Facet Help
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Protected exit warning
- Journey Help
- Adaptive cruise management
- Adaptive Lane Steerage
Formentor VZx provides:
You too can add the surround-view digital camera system as a part of the elective Leather-based and Digital camera Bundle on the V, VZ and VZe.
How a lot does the Cupra Formentor price to run?
Cupra covers its line-up with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee. Fashions with high-voltage battery elements get a further eight years or 160,000 kilometres cowl in opposition to manufacturing defects or “extreme lack of web battery power”.
The model now not presents three years of free servicing with buy, as a substitute consumers can select from three- and five-year service packs. The three-year pack is priced at $990, whereas the five-year pack is $1990.
If you happen to go for the five-year package deal, you additionally get entry to Cupra’s Concierge Service advantages, which covers pick-up and drop-off of your automobile for the 5 scheduled providers offered your tackle is inside 10km of an authorised Cupra Service Associate.
We additionally managed a really spectacular indicated consumption readout of two.4L/100km and 12.6kWh/100km, the latter beating the marketed declare.
It’s not dangerous given we didn’t cost the Formentor each night time, and there have been various days the place we exceeded the hybrid battery’s EV vary and the Formentor’s drivetrain nonetheless delivered spectacular economic system in Hybrid mode.
CarExpert’s Tackle the Cupra Formentor
It might not go fairly as onerous because the VZx, however there’s loads to love concerning the Formentor VZe.
For these wanting an electrified SUV or crossover there’s fairly restricted selection if you’d like a extra performance-oriented choice. The checklist additional shortens if you’d like a plug-in hybrid with usable EV vary.
The plug-in Formentor seems to be and feels fairly particular, presents lifelike zero emissions driving vary and nonetheless retains a stable stage of efficiency and dynamism relative to its stablemates. Get one on a novated lease and also you’ll reap the rewards of Fringe Advantages Tax (FBT) exemptions along with the continued gasoline financial savings.
It’s getting fairly expensive although, matching the sticker worth of a Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV Aspire which is a a lot larger automotive with extra driving vary – although trails the Cupra when it comes to dynamics and efficiency.
And, like all PHEVs, you have to be sure you educate your self on get essentially the most out of it. Whereas environment friendly in its standard hybrid mode, there’s no level in spending all that more money on the Formentor VZe in case you’re not going to commonly cost it and spend most of your time driving in EV mode – in any other case, save $10,000 and get the V.
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