MOTORING

Super Cupra

ADAM TUDOR-LANE reviews the Cupra Formentor

Cupra, the young, hip brand by SEAT. Its first-ever bespoke model is here, the Formentor. Just don’t tell them that my 67-year-old father really wants one. Wrong demographic.

Thinking that Cupra was meant to be a sporty brand, it’s odd that the least powerful engine is this 1.5 litre turbo, producing 147 BHP. Not slow, not rapid, but it’s half the oomph of the most potent model. Prices start at £28,895.

Yes, it’s yet another crossover; everyone loves them…right? This one does however look slightly different. It’s wide, low at the front and looks mean; there’s an LED strip that runs right across the rear to give it a unique light signature, although there’s still a third brake light which is odd.

It’s certainly more stylish than a Nissan Qashqai and sleeker than the Hyundai Tucson.

Drive wise, the Formentor is firm, as you’d expect. It matches the looks and gives it a slightly sporting dynamic worthy of those svelte lines. It still does an excellent job of soaking up the lumps and bumps but becomes more jittery at slower speeds.

With a 0-62 time of 8.6 seconds, it’s nippy enough for most; this one had the optional DSG gearbox, which didn’t miss a beat over 300 odd miles. It picked up pace when I needed it and became an eco-cruiser over those longer jaunts.

MPG came in at a respectable 39 over a mix of A-roads, motorway and town driving. The lowest official figure is 41.5, which is probably doable over a long journey.

Jumping inside and the SEAT heritage is clear to see; the dark trim is brightened by a few bronze touches here and there. It’s all very cocooning; the low seating position also makes you feel as hunkered down as the Formentor looks.

A super large 12.3-inch touchscreen handles everything, and I mean everything. You won’t find any heating controls below, nor a tactile dial for the volume. For me, it’s something manufacturers should avoid, as it becomes a faff to do something as easy as demisting the windscreen.

You have to take your eyes off the road for far too long while you prod and poke at menus. A touch-sensitive bar enables you to turn the heating up and down, but trying to do so while on the move can be hit and miss – the same goes for anything on the touchscreen to be honest.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

Top Speed: 127 MPH Performance: 0-62 in 8.6 secs Power: 147 BHP Economy: 39 MPG

Rear seat leg and headroom is decent considering the coupe-esque lines; shorter passengers or children won’t be able to look out of the windows though, as they’re incredibly high up and small.

The same goes for the rear window; it’s tiny. Luckily you have a reversing camera to stop you from hitting things at wheel arch height.

Boot space is easy to access thanks to a low, lip-less opening. It measures in at 450 litres, but that shrinks if you opt for the four-wheel-drive model and even further for the hybrid version.

Cupra’s Formentor feels more like a hatchback than an SUV; its lower centre of gravity and wider track are to thank for that. It gets a ton of looks while out on the road, so that helps set it apart from the rest of the monotonous crossover crowd. Overall, it’s a yes from me.