2022 Cupra Formentor Australian details

A fresh new car brand out of Europe is preparing its assault on Aussie shores this year with a range of dynamic machines.

New European brand Cupra has revealed its final weapon ahead of its assault on Aussies roads this July.

The compact Cupra Formentor SUV has coupe-like styling and will join the already detailed Ateca small SUV and the Leon hatchback in the brand’s local line-up.

It will be available in four model grades, each with a high level of specification according to Jeff Shafer the head of Cupra Australia’s product planning.

“As with the Leon and Ateca, the highest feasible level of standard specification has been our objective,” Shafer says.

The Formentor’s coupe-styling gives it a sporty vibe.

The Formentor has accounted for almost two-thirds of Cupra’s sales overseas and the trend is likely to continue in Australia where SUVs are the most popular type of vehicle.

Cupra is part of the giant Volkswagen Group and its vehicles share the same underpinnings as VWs and Skodas, but they have a sportier vibe with punchy engines and dynamic styling.

The base Formentor V is powered by a feisty 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine making 140kW and 320Nm, this is matched to a seven-speed dual-clutch auto and all-wheel drive.

You also get multiple driving modes including “Sport” mode, which alters the suspension firmness, exhaust note and throttle response.

Each model grade is well equipped.

Some of the exterior highlights include 18-inch alloy-wheels, LED head and tail lights, rear spoiler and plenty of gloss black touches.

Inside you get a 12-inch digital infotainment screen that is compatible with wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and there is a wireless device charging pad.

This is matched to a 10.25-inch digital instrument display and a heated leather wrapped steering wheel. There are also cloth bucket seats and three zone climate control.

Stepping up to the VZ grade you get a punchier version of the same engine making 180kW and 370Nm, but it ditches the entry-level versions all-wheel drive set-up for front-wheel drive.

Next up is the VZe plug-in hybrid version that combines a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor for a total of 180kW and 400Nm.

The Formentor VZx brings potent performance.

The hybrid ditches the seven-speed dual-clutch for a six-speed unit and replaces the temporary spare tyre for a repair kit.

Overseas Cupra claims the VZe can drive up to 55km on electric only power.

The range-topping VZx brings a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine that blasts out 228kW and 400Nm that is matched to a seven-speed dual-clutch auto and all-wheel drive.

You get big 19-inch black and copper alloy wheels, hands free tailgate, quad exhaust, leather bucket seats and a nine-speaker Beats stereo.

All Formentors come with a selection of standard safety equipment including auto emergency braking, lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control among others.

Originally published as 2022 Cupra Formentor Australian details