Design. Performance. Passion. The CUPRA Formentor

It’s a mark of progress that the 2.0 TSI version of CUPRA Formentor produces more than twice the power of the engine fitted to the first road car ever to carry the CUPRA name: the  SEAT Ibiza Mk2 GTI Cupra Sport 16v of 1996.

While it punched above its weight for the era with a 150PS 2.0-litre engine good for 0-62mph in 7.6 seconds, today’s 310PS CUPRA Formentor can race from 0-62mph in just 4.9 seconds, thanks to its seamless seven-speed DSG transmission and intelligent 4Drive all-wheel drive providing dependable traction. It’s progress indeed that CUPRA’s Formentor eHybrids – in 204PS and 245PS form – are both quicker than their ancestor, while capable of covering up to 34 miles on emission-free electric power alone.

Power from the Formentor 310PS’s engine is supplied to via CUPRA’s electronic differential lock, which adapts to your inputs and road conditions to maximise traction and acceleration in all conditions. Formentor carries the CUPRA name into a new era, with new challenges, but it maintains the traditional values of true hot hatchback performance.

The relentless march of progress means that while such impressive performance is always on demand, it’s always under control. Five driving profiles span the breadth of Formentor’s ability, with Comfort, Sport and CUPRA mode ramping up the car’s throttle response, steering weight, engine note and suspension stiffness to match your mood.

Individual mode is yours to tailor to your personal favourite combination. And Off-Road is on hand to maximise Formentor’s adventure-seeking vibe. All these profiles are within easy reach via a press of the dedicated CUPRA button fitted on the steering wheel.

Joining it is the engine start/stop button, while the reverse of the steering wheel features the paddles to manually override the automatic gearbox whenever the mood takes you – bringing motorsport know-how to the road.

Standard-fit Dynamic Chassis Control is joined by bespoke Brembo brakes for powerful, assured stopping power, while the fast-acting traction and stability control can be manually disabled for spirited driving on racetracks.

And don’t think that CUPRA will stop there. Coming later this year, Formentor’s range will be crowned with the limited-edition Formentor VZ5, featuring a 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine developing a colossal 390PS and 480Nm of torque. Driving all four wheels through a standard DSG transmission, VZ5’s sonorous powerplant will propel it from 0-62mph in just 4.2 seconds, and on to a limited top speed of 155mph. Look out for those tell-tale stacked exhaust pipes, before it’s gone, fast.

The CUPRA Formentor is available to order in the UK now, from just £27,400 on the road, with the e-HYBRID now also available. Head to the official CUPRA Formentor site to explore the options and find out more!