Volkswagen’s Cupra spinoff aims to take down motoring giants

Eye-catching European style, clever technology and high-performance engines could make this brand a problem for established manufacturers.

Anyone who has been in a Volkswagen will notice plenty of similarities when they slip behind the wheel of a Cupra.

The Spanish newcomer is part of the Volkswagen Group and shares engines, underpinnings and technology with the German heavy hitter.

Cupra customers can choose between the Formentor, Ateca and Leon – for now.

The brand is launching with three models: the Leon hot hatch and Formentor crossover in four grades each and the one-size-fits-all Ateca mid-sized SUV.

Prices start at about $48,000 drive-away for the Leon and rise to $66,990 for a Formentor with the fieriest engine.

As the prices suggest, Cupra is looking to straddle the space between mainstream brands and luxury marques. Its point of differentiation is distinctive styling, an emphasis on driving enjoyment and a lavish array of equipment.

The Cupra Formentor is a quick, well-appointed SUV.

As the company points out, it doesn’t aim to be liked by everyone, just loved by some.

Executives say it’s “a brand that zags when everybody else zigs”.

So, has it worked?

On the styling front, it’s a tick. There are whiffs of Lamborghini in some of the details and the copper colour highlights are unique.

Cupra’s cabins borrow heavily from Volkswagen.

There’s also a healthy smattering of standard gear. All Cupras have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, smart-key entry, a digital driver’s display, wireless phone charging, blind-spot monitoring and dynamic chassis control that allows tailoring of the steering feel and dampers. Most have heated seats and steering wheels and three years of servicing is included until the end of this year.

The Cupra Formentor VZe offers hybrid power.

There’s also a full complement of airbags (seven on the Ateca, 10 on Leon and Formentor). Dynamically, too, there’s lots to like – in a very Volkswagen way.

The Formentor is the car commanding the most buyer interest of the models initially available, in part because it has the broadest breadth of ability.

There’s an entry-level Formentor V driving all four wheels with a 140kW/320Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo, while a 180kW/370Nm version of the same engine powers the front-drive VZ. The all-wheel drive VZx has 221kW and 400Nm, allowing it to scamper to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds.

Cupra’s Formentor VZe cuts an interesting shape on the road.

The VZe plug-in hybrid uses a 110kW/250Nm 1.4-litre turbo teamed to an 85kW/330Nm electric motor. A 12.8kWh lithium-ion battery provides a claimed 58km of all-electric motoring before requiring a circa-six-hour charge from a home power point. From a wallbox the charge time is less than four hours.

It’s officially a small SUV – about the size of a Lexus UX or Audi Q3 – but that doesn’t do justice to its clever interior packaging, which ensures those in the rear have generous head and foot space. Knee room is tighter if there’s a car full of adults.

The faster Formentor VZx has imposing street presence.

Finishes and materials are high quality and the front seats hug you tightly, making for a welcoming cabin.

Less impressive is the infotainment system. As with newer Volkswagens it’s eschewed real buttons for virtual ones and finding what you want in the vibrant 12-inch touchscreen can be fiddly; adjusting the tri-zone ventilation is a lesson in patience. The steering wheel is the opposite, with an over-abundance of buttons that require familiarisation.

A digital dash and widescreen display join copper-coloured highlights in the cabin.

The most affordable Formentor V ($54,990 drive-away) mounts a solid case with its flexible turbo engine and all-wheel drive surety. Grippy 18-inch Continental tyres aid with crisp steering responses and slick cornering manners. The seven-speed twin-clutch auto is occasionally clumsy during suburban manoeuvring but seamless and slick once under way.

The VZx ($65,990) steps that up with serious punch and added bark to the exhaust. It’s a brisk crossover that steps up the dynamic ability with 19-inch rubber and added tautness that still delivers respectable comfort. Added trinkets such as the wheel-mounted drive mode selector and quad exhausts add to the sense that the Formentor isn’t mere transport.

Cupra’s Formentor VZe has plenty going for it.

VERDICT

Volkswagen flavour with a sportier demeanour and distinctive crossover styling.

CUPRA FORMENTOR V

PRICE From $54,990 drive-away

WARRANTY/SERVICING 5 yrs/unlimited km, $1200 for 5 yrs

SAFETY 10 airbags, auto emergency braking, lane-keep and blind-spot assist, driver fatigue detection, exit assist

ENGINE 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo, 140kW/320Nm

THIRST 7.0L/100km

SPARE Repair kit

BOOT 420L

The Leon hatchback is the entry point for Cupra in Australia.

WANT MORE?

The most affordable way into a Cupra is the Leon hatchback, although the cheapest V model doesn’t arrive for another few months. We sampled the VZe plug-in hybrid, at about $65,500 drive-away.

In electric mode there’s decent pull from the 85kW/330Nm motor, although to experience the real character you need to waken the 1.4-litre turbo to make a combined 180kW and 400Nm.

Cupra’s Leon VZe is a sharp-looking option.

It’s fun and fast, although braking can be inconsistent due to the interaction of the hybrid system. As with the Formentor, the cabin looks special, although there are the same infotainment gripes. The boot is shallower than the petrol model due to batteries beneath.

The $65,990 Ateca is arguably the dark horse in the Cupra range.

The Cupra Ateca VZX shapes up as an alternative to VW’s Tiguan R.

Its 221kW/400Nm engine is among the most powerful four-cylinders produced by Volkswagen and it’s easy to use courtesy of all-wheel drive. Cupra says it’ll dart to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds.

Cupra’s crossover won’t be mistaken for a more demure VW.

The dash doesn’t look as modern but there are more buttons for basic functions, which isn’t a bad thing. As the largest of the Cupra crop there’s generous rear seat space and the Ateca is engaging through bends for a family SUV.