2022 Cupra Formentor VZx review: Australian preview drive

This is our first preview of the 2022 Cupra Formentor VZx. Stay tuned for a full on-road drive in the near future.

Australian buyers love two things. Performance cars, and SUVs. Handy then, that to lead its charge into Australia for the first time, Spanish brand Cupra has arrived with a 228kW SUV as its flagship model – the Formentor VZx.

We’ve headed to Sydney Motor Park to get our first hands-on experience with Cupra locally before the brand’s official Australian launch mid-year. Of its three-model line-up, the Formentor is at the forefront, flanked by the Leon hatch and Ateca small SUV.

All three models were available to drive, so make sure to read our initial impressions of those after this.

74

The cars available for assessment have been brought to Australia from New Zealand. Unfortunately, that means there will be no road driving today. We’ll have to leave a definitive verdict on the Formentor until we get the opportunity to drive it on Aussie roads, which should be in the near future.

The range starts at $50,690 before on-roads for the entry-level V. Powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the V puts 140kW and 320Nm to the ground via all four wheels using a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The V also has drive-away pricing of $54,990.

All variants come with three years of free servicing, and a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.

Instead of pitching backwards dramatically on launch, nose waggling in the air, the Formentor VZx simply squats and fires forward with purpose

74

That 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine remains throughout much of the Formentor range. Stepping up to the VZ, priced at $53,790 before on-road costs ($58,490 drive-away), brings a bump in power to 180kW/370Nm. Next in the line-up is the VZe plug-in hybrid, which has a $60,990 price before on-road costs, with the drive-away figure varying state-to-state depending on incentives.

Powering the VZe is a 1.4-litre turbocharged engine and 12.8kWh battery with an electric motor, boasting a total system output of 180kW and 400Nm.

Sitting atop the four-car family is the VZx. The EA888 engine returns, this time with 228kW and 400Nm available, along with generous standard equipment including a nine-speaker sound system with 340W amp, heated front seats with electric driver adjustment and memory, hands-free powered tailgate, 19-inch alloy wheels and quad exhaust tips.

74

Unlike the Ateca and Leon, which started life as Seat models, the Formentor is Cupra through and through. It’s the spearhead for the brand in Australia, and will likely become its most popular model locally. Though the Formentor does use some key Volkswagen Group componentry, it represents Cupra’s values and youthful spirit.

The chassis is VW Group’s MQB Evo architecture, which is seen throughout the line-ups of Audi and Volkswagen. While overseas markets are sold versions of the Formentor with torsion beam suspension on the rear axle, the only variants available to Australian customers use multi-link suspension front and rear.

You can hustle the Formentor on track, pitching it into corners thanks to direct steering that responds positively to inputs

74

Compared to its Ateca sibling (which is much more traditional in its SUV proportions), the Formentor is a touch longer, but notably has a roofline 100mm lower. This gives the car a much more hunkered-down stance, which then flows into its driving dynamics.

By virtue of marketability, the Formentor is an SUV. The slightly raised ride height, 420 litres of boot space, and styling denote as much. However, it doesn’t feel like it sitting behind the wheel. You can get its sports bucket seats into the kind of low driving position you’d usually associate with a fast wagon. It’s a dynamic sleight of hand that continues when you press the accelerator.

74

Instead of pitching backwards dramatically on launch, nose waggling in the air, the Formentor VZx simply squats and fires forward with purpose. Power is put to the ground with ease in the Formentor, the all-wheel-drive system apportioning the 228kW and 400Nm as required.

Weight is the main thing that breaks the illusion, making its undeniable presence known during braking. Not in a way that ruins the experience but having just jumped out of the Leon hatch, the extra heft of the Formentor was particularly noticeable.

Braking stability is very impressive. Optional Brembo brakes ($4150) are available, which is sure to add to the Formentor’s stopping power, but it tracked true with impressive pedal feel during a number of hard applications throughout our laps behind the wheel.

Optional Brembo brakes are available … it tracked true with impressive pedal feel during a number of hard applications

74

You can hustle the Formentor on track, pitching it into corners thanks to direct steering that responds positively to inputs. Steering weight isn’t particularly meaty – no doubt a conscious decision to appease the Formentor’s more appropriate daily driver commitments than outright track use – but it still has plenty of feedback. Fidelity isn’t crystal clear, but it is easy to parse what the tyres are doing through the bends.

While body roll isn’t completely eliminated, the lateral movement is minimal and well controlled, settling into each corner with purpose and remaining composed when the driver makes liberal use of Sydney Motorsport Park’s yellow kerbing.

Adaptive dampers are standard, but we are unable to provide a proper assessment of the Formentor’s ride until we drive the car on road. It is there that the Formentor will be more comfortable. That said, its ability to be hustled on track is impressive for the class.

An SUV for driving enthusiasts? We wouldn’t be so bold as to lock it in just yet, but the early signs are certainly positive.

74

What the Formentor best exemplifies is Cupra’s willingness, and ability, to turn what could be a pedestrian and mundane product into something altogether more engaging, regardless of body shape.

Cupra could have launched here focused entirely on outright value and practicality, but that’s not true to its roots. This is a brand that wants you, the driver, to have fun, and it has engineered its products to facilitate that as best as possible.