Read Caroline’s review of the updated Cupra Formentor—Cupra’s bestselling sporty crossover in Ireland—for everything you need to know.
Cupra has come a long way in the space of just a few years. Under the VW Group, the famous performance badge bestowed upon many fast Seats became a brand in its own right in 2018.
It’s gone from strength to strength in Ireland since the launch of the Formentor back in 2021. It was the first Cupra designed specifically for the brand and a bestseller in the Irish market, followed by the Tavascan, Born and Terramar.
Now the Cupra Formentor has been facelifted for 2025 with new styling that brings it in line with other models in the range.
Let’s take a closer look.
Design
The 2025 Cupra Formentor gets the new face of the brand, just like the latest Leon and the newly-launched Tavascan and Terramar. Styled as a sporty coupé-SUV, the Formentor is quite distinct already, with a palette of moody colours to match. The test car is finished in Graphene Grey, which is a special colour for it.
For 2025, the Formentor gets the brand’s new shark-nose front-end and triangular LED light signature, so it’s quite different from before. At the back, the Cupra logo is integrated into the rear light for the first time and lights up to dramatic effect. Roof rails and plenty of cladding give trendy crossover vibes that make it more desirable than a humble hatch.
Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, while the more high-performance VZ models get 19-inch.
Cupra Formentor Interior
Inside the Formentor feels sporty and driver-focused, with the brand’s copper detailing featuring and very comfortable seats. The satellite buttons on the steering wheel add a sporty touch: one to turn the car on/off and the other to toggle between drive modes quickly.
For 2025, the materials and full digital driver have been updated. Infotainment is controlled now via a larger 12.9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The software and layout has been improved, so it looks and performs better than before. A Sennheiser stereo is also available as an option.
Standard features include heated front seats, heated steering wheel and wireless smartphone charging. VZ versions add power adjustment for the driver’s seat, bucket seats, parking camera and a powered tailgate as standard. There are a number of packs that can be added with more equipment.
Practicality
The Formentor has plenty of legroom in the back, though it’s not exceptionally bright back there and headroom is not as generous as in boxier SUVs.
Tri-zone climate control is a standard feature so rear seat passengers can keep themselves cool. There is also a rear armrest with cupholders, and two USB-C ports.
For family buyers, the Formentor has Isofix child seat fixtures on the two outer seats in the back and the front passenger seat.
Cupra Formentor boot space
Petrol and diesel versions are the best for boot space with a generous 450 litres. The plug-in hybrid has a shallower boot at 345 litres.
What are the different engine options for the Formentor?
The Formentor is offered with a good spread of engine options. There are petrol, diesel, mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid Formentors available.
First up is a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine with 150hp and a 6-speed manual gearbox. There’s also a mild hybrid automatic version of the same engine with the same power output. For diesel fans there’s a 2.0-litre TDI, also with 150hp and a 7-speed DSG automatic.
The plug-in hybrids are the most powerful: the eHybrid with 204hp and the VZ version with 272hp. Both now come with faster charging and a bigger battery for more range on the battery alone: up to 126 kilometres (or 118 km in VZ versions).
There’s also a range-topping 2.0-litre TSI with 333hp.
Driving the Formentor
On the road, the Formentor boasts a secure planted feel and strong grip in cornering. Every version comes with an electronic differential lock, more direct steering and sport suspension that contributes to the high precision handling, tight turn in and stability. VZ versions also come with DCC (Dynamic Chassis Control), which elevates things behind the wheel even more when it comes to the ride quality and general poise. The ride was very good in the diesel test car with optional DCC, though there is road noise at high speeds on the motorway.
I tested the Formentor diesel, which shines for its power, torque and efficiency. It has strong pulling power (360Nm) and is at ease across town, rural roads and of course motorway. 0-100km/h is 9 seconds. Drive modes are also included, which can spice things up a little more. It’s a relatively well-behaved unit too, easy to drive smoothly in traffic and not too noisy, though there’s no getting away from the diesel gurgle, which does perhaps not blend so well with the Formentor’s sporty pretensions.
But it’s a great car for its all round usability and economy. Over a week of driving my average consumption was 5.6 litres per 100 kilometres. Motor tax is €210 per year.
Cupra Formentor Price
The range kicks off at €39,885 for the Formentor 1.5 TSI petrol manual. Next up is a mild hybrid petrol automatic version of the same engine from €43,580. The 2.0-litre TDI diesel automatic starts from €44,820. The Formentor eHybrid (204hp) is available from €45,550.
There are two VZ models: the eHybrid with 272hp is priced from €53,600 and the 2.0-litre TSI with 333hp from €73,535.
Is the Cupra Formentor a good car?
The Formentor has been a big success for Cupra and it’s easy to see why. It strikes the right chord with its sporty crossover styling and practicality. Being well-equipped and fun to drive is also a massive bonus.
It’s a car that keen drivers will enjoy. The extensive engine line-up manages to offer something for a wide range of buyers, from economy to more outright performance-oriented versions. The updates for 2025 keep the Formentor at the top of its game.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
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