CUPRA presents the production version of the Formentor

Today, during a special video conference, the CUPRA Formentor, a vehicle that combines sporty performance with the comfort of an SUV, was unveiled. The Spanish manufacturer's first model exclusively for the CUPRA brand will go on sale in the fourth quarter of 2020.

CUPRA Formentor

The CUPRA Formentor has been designed to provide an intuitive and dynamic driving experience through innovative solutions. The model represents values that fit into the brand's sporting DNA, responding to the growing popularity of CUV vehicles.

“The Formentor is another important step towards making CUPRA a desirable brand for drivers,” says Wayne Griffiths, CEO and newly elected CEO of CUPRA. – Attractive design, high performance skewers, including a plug-in hybrid version, confirm that the CUPRA Formentor is a unique model for exceptional people.

Exterior: the essence of CUPRA

The name of the new model of the Spanish brand was inspired by Cape Formentor, one of the most beautiful and inaccessible corners of Mallorca. The charm of this place is reflected in the appearance of a dynamic crossover.

"Formentor's appeal comes from its combination of handling, technology and proportional aesthetics," notes Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos, the brand's director of design. — This can be seen both in the silhouette of the car and in the detailed details.

The body of Formentor, designed in two shades, resembles SUVs, but thanks to stylistic decisions, the car becomes light. Unlike the rough finishes of traditional SUVs, the new CUPRA combines the performance of an all-terrain vehicle with the compactness and dynamics of a hatchback. The distinctive carving character of the coupe body makes it even more distinctive.

The CUPRA Formentor is 4450mm long, 1839mm wide and 1511mm high, giving the car plenty of room for all passengers. The wheelbase of 2680 mm and the trunk volume of 450 liters also contribute to comfort. The sporty character of the car is accentuated by an extended bonnet, full-width rear lights and 19-inch alloy wheels, also available in copper, which are hidden by 18-inch Brembo brakes. The CUPRA Formentor also features a welcome display on the ground next to the door.

Complementing the exterior of the car is a palette of available paints: four standard metallic finishes - Urban Silver, Midnight Black, Magnetic Tech and Candy White, as well as three specially created colors - Graphene Grey, Dark Camouflage and Desire Red. The CUPRA Formentor will also be available in Petrol Blue Matt and Magnetic Black Matt with an exclusive matte finish.

Interior design: sporty character with a modern twist

The interior of the car, thanks to the use of high-quality materials, copper parts and dark aluminum accents, acquires a unique expressiveness. The instrument panel is a combination of ergonomics and ultra-sporty character, which is further emphasized by full LED lighting surrounding the front of the cabin and the door. Interior lighting not only creates an aesthetic impression, but also provides safety features such as blind-spot monitoring and vehicle exit. The focus is on the 12-inch widescreen touchscreen for network connectivity. The digital cockpit provides the driver with all the necessary information and also allows access to the most important vehicle functions.

With genuine leather bucket seats, available in Petrol Blue and Black, the driver sits lower for a more ergonomic and sporty posture. Driving is also more comfortable thanks to a new steering wheel with engine start button and drive mode switch.

Engine: high performance and drive of the future

CUPRA Formentor will be launched on the market with two efficient powertrains - internal combustion and plug-in hybrid.

Under the hood will be a 2.0-liter TSI turbocharged petrol engine with 310 hp. (228 kW) and 400 Nm of torque. The solution will be supported by 4Drive technology, which constantly monitors vehicle parameters and driver behavior to deliver the right power to the right axle.

CUPRA is also continuing its electrification strategy by introducing a plug-in hybrid drive in another model. The system integrates a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine with 150 hp. (110 kW) and a 115 hp electric motor. (85 kW) with a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 13 kWh. The total maximum power of the system is 245 hp. (180 kW) at a torque of 400 Nm. In addition, it allows you to drive about 50 km in electric mode.

Both engine versions are compatible with the DSG Dual Clutch Transmission for safer, faster and smoother shifting. The mechanism is based on shift-by-wire technology - the gear lever is not mechanically connected to the gearbox, and electronic signals are used for control. This solution improves efficiency and also ensures greater driving pleasure. When shifting gears, the driver can also use the paddles integrated into the steering wheel.

The Adaptive Suspension System (DCC) and progressive steering make for a smooth and confident ride. The driver can quickly select the most comfortable driving mode using the handle on the steering wheel.

Security and connectivity: the highest level of control

CUPRA Formentor is equipped with a multimedia system with a 12-inch screen and voice and gesture control. The system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless features. Passengers can also connect their smartphones via USB or Bluetooth technology.

Thanks to the built-in SIM card, the car supports the Connect app, which includes all additional online services - with it you can download other applications and turn on Internet radio, as well as expand the ecosystem of functionality.

When users are away from the vehicle, they can remotely access vehicle information via a smartphone app, including parking data, driving direction, and vehicle status. In addition, once configured correctly, they will receive speed notifications. In the case of the hybrid version, drivers can control the charging process and remotely control the air conditioner.

Passenger safety is ensured by a range of driver assistants, thanks to which the CUPRA Formentor reaches the second level of autonomous driving. The most important features for a comfortable journey include Proactive Cruise Control, Intelligent Emergency Assistance 3.0, Drive Assist and Blind Spot Assist with Exit Assist.

The model will go on sale in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Photo: KUPRA