Passion for Performance

Cupra is the performance brand of Seat, so its cars will be familiar to those who know Seat's range.

But the Formentor is exclusive to Cupra - there is no bog-standard Seat version. It is a different beast, too, with aggressive looks and a mean face.

There are plenty of trim levels, but it's the 2.0 TSI VZ2 310PS version tested for this review.

The VZ2 grade comes with 19-inch alloys, dynamic chassis control, smart interior lighng, LED lights, a 12-inch touchscreen with voice control and keyless entry/start. It also boasts SatNav, a DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital cockpit, lumbar support, sports pedals, an electric tailgate, a heated steering wheel and sports suspension.

The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine is linked to a seven-speed DSG automac. The powertrain provides a good deal of performance, geng to 62mph in just 4.9 seconds, and the handling is excellent.

This Cupra possesses an envious blend of comfort and performance, one that might push those seeking the former towards a SEAT Ateca and the laer towards a hot hatch. But that would be an injusce, as the

Formentor has plenty of agility and doesn't wallow about.

Inside, the cabin impresses with plenty of so-to-the-touch surfaces, an imposing steering wheel and a large infotainment screen. Frustrangly, though, there are few physical buons. Instead, nearly everything is done through the touchscreen, which is inconvenient when moving. Mind you; the digital instrument display is nicely laid out, informave and customisable.

You are not short-changed on space, either, with lots of room in the front and rear, plus decent headroom. However, the driving posion is lower than expected, partly as you sit in, rather than on, the deep bucket seats.

Four hundred and twenty litres of boot space is offered, but if you need more room, the seats fold flat in a 60:40 split at the pull of a handle.

You will get up to 33mpg (I averaged 31mpg), producing 192g/km CO2 in the process.

Safety-wise, the Formentor earned a five-star rang from Euro NCAP. It is equipped with adapve cruise control, a rear-view camera, forward collision warning, driver aenon alert, and lane-change assist, along with other technology.

Cupra Formentor

Overall, the Formentor is a car to be reckoned with, with generous equipment levels, a spacious cabin, good looks, and impressive performance.

It is not cheap, though, and that could count against it, but lower trim levels will shave off some of the expense.

Fast Facts

Cupra Formentor (2.0 TSI 310PS, VZ2 trim) as tested:

Ÿ Max Speed: 155mph

Ÿ 0-62 mph: 4.9 seconds

Ÿ Combined mpg: 33.2mpg (WLTP)

Ÿ Engine layout: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol, four-wheel drive

Ÿ Max Power: (PS): 310PS

Ÿ CO2: 192g/km

Ÿ Price: £42,795