THERE are other electric and hybrid models in the range, but CUPRA’s Formentor with a good old infernal combustion engine still makes a case for ownership.

Sleek, stylish, sporty and decently equipped, it’s also shows up well as a family car.

And while a 1.5 litre engine under the bonnet might seem at odds with the brand’s sporty pretensions it still hits the spot as a desirable and alternative premium product.Formentor was the first model that’s exclusive to the Spanish spin-off brand, rather than being a hotted-up version of an existing SEAT. It was Cupra’s first stepping stone to having its own identity, but there’s still a heavy influence from other SEAT models – and the wider VW Group. No bad thing really.

You could look on the 1.5 litre version as a good-value way into Cupra ownership, and there’s plenty to like inside as well, with a digital dashboard and a 12-inch sat nav screen coming as standard. Actually, standard equipment is very generous, with all cars getting adaptive cruise control, LED lights all-round plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.The CUPRA name was first used back in 1996 on the SEAT Ibiza – and it’s a name that has grown in popularity with UK buyers.

Formentor is a coupe SUV that looks like it means business. It majors on sharp lines to give it a distinctive, stand-out look, so well done Juan and all at the HQ design team.

Stylish, sporty and very well equipped, and as a bonus it’s practical enough for family use.

There’s still a heavy VW Group influence – you can’t miss it on the inside. But it’s given a different feel by the subtle use of copper/bronze coloured stitching and the big brand logo in the middle of the multi function steering wheel that houses the plethora of buttons, cruise control and the gear shift paddles. Even the black nappa leather seats in the V2 get neatly stitched CUPRA logos in the headrests.
Hard to miss is the big 12 inch sat nav screen, standard on all versions, and the equipment list extends to adaptive cruise control, LED lights all round, and a wireless phone charger.

The entry level 1.5 litre petrol – one that does service across the VW Group – does seem a bit at odds in a range that majors on performance, but it’s actually no slouch itself. It’ll dispatch the romp to 62mph in just under nine seconds and tops out at 126mph. Fuel consumption is around the 40mpg mark.

The DSG gearbox is very user friendly with slick changes as you hit the accelerator, and still pretty smooth at lower speeds.

V2 trim level gives you bigger alloys, heated leather seats, park assist, a rear view camera plus a few other goodies  over the entry level V1.

With a lower roofline than its stablemate Ateca, Formentor is a bit more restricted in the back but not majorly so, and there is still a decent amount of room for occupants, as well as a healthy sized boot area.

CUPRA Formentor V2

Price: £36,445
Engine: 1.5 litre, four cylinder, petrol
Power: 148bhp
Torque: 184lb/ft
Transmission: 7 speed DSG
Top speed:126mph
0-62mph: 8.9 seconds
Economy: 40.9mpg
CO2 emissions: 155g/km

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