Cupra Formentor plug-in hybrid review

The Cupra Formentor plug-in hybrid is one smooth and thrifty operator.

Miserly fuel consumption and a discount. That would be music to the ears of most drivers in the current economic climate.

That is the current reality for fledging Barcelona brand Cupra.

Its Formentor SUV managed an average of four litres for every 100km covered over a week-long test featuring short trips, some highway journeys and rural travels which encompassed nearly 800km.

That fuel consumption figure is more than two litres thirstier than the official lab test claim, nonetheless still thrifty for a plug-in hybrid.

Falling under the Volkswagen umbrella and an offshoot of European marque Seat, Cupra has edged its way into the Australian market as a niche product – and playing a pivotal role in the early success have been hybrids.

Plug-in hybrids accounted for a third of all Cupra sales last year. Aided by generous incentives through novated leases, hybrid popularity has been consistent across all brands.

The deal just got better, with nearly $6000 coming off the drive-away price of the Formentor VZe PHEV.

Base Formentor V petrol models are currently available for $47,990 drive-away, whereas the plug-in hybrids are now just over $63,000.

What do you get?

Sharing various architecture and infotainment aspects with the Volkswagen Golf, the family lineage is at the forefront once you step inside.

Plug-in hybrid Formentors gain the top-shelf kit, with bucket seats, tri-zone aircon, six-speaker stereo, 12-inch touchscreen with satnav, 10.25-inch driver digital display, push-button start, wireless phone charging, wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice control and power tailgate.

Usually, those wanting leather seat trim need to dig further into their pocket, with a $2050 package also including heated front chairs with driver power adjustment and mirror memory functionality. It came standard with the Tribe Edition featured in our test.

The same applies to the panoramic sunroof which is typically an additional $2100, while premium metallic red or grey adds $475. Both were also complimentary on the special edition variant.

Like Volkswagen, Cupra offers prepaid servicing plans. Five services cost $1990, while it’s $990 for three, and the plan can be transferred if the vehicle is sold.

Cabin features of the Cupra Formentor VZe Tribe Edition PHEV.

How was the drive?

Able to operate in pure electric mode for about 50km, the Formentor PHEV offers gentle power delivery rather than neck-snapping acceleration.

With a 0-100km/h sprint time of seven seconds, the combination of a turbocharged petrol engine and the small electric battery is sedate and serviceable. Once under way it’s more adept for the keener driver, capable of rapidly changing direction with confidence, and it also grips nicely on the bends where some SUVs would start to scrub wide and battle for traction.

It’s a refined amalgamation of power. The four-cylinder engine operated quietly and worked well in tandem with the electric injection – some hybrids sound gruff when the petrol powerplant takes control, but the Cupra remained composed.

It’s among the smoothest to transition between pure electric, hybrid and petrol power, you’ll find.

Boot space is compact and 75L less than the petrol-powered Formentors due to the underfloor battery.

Two charging cords come with the car, with the faster 7kW home wallbox able to recharge the battery in a couple of hours … a standard 10-amp power point takes about seven.

The Cupra Formentor VZe Tribe Edition PHEV.

Would you buy one?

Kel: Cupras have quickly forged a reputation for great looking cars. But most people still don’t know the brand. For that kind of coin, it’s edging toward petrol BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA territory, while similar to an Audi Q3. I know I’m a badge snob, but I’d probably take an Audi instead even without the plug-in hybrid technology.

Grant: You really need to compare apples with apples. Getting into a prestige plug-in hybrid would have you parting with more than $90,000 and stepping up into a medium-size SUV. With the current discount the Cupra looks tempting for those chasing plug-in hybrid technology. Being Volkswagen-backed I’d be more tempted to get into a Cupra than any other new brand.

Originally published as Cupra Formentor plug-in hybrid review