Cupra Formentor VZ 310 KM - Panie! Co to jest? (PL) - test i jazda próbna

Summary

The Cupra Formentor is a sporty crossover that blends performance with everyday comfort. Built on the Seat Leon platform, it offers a range of powertrains from a 150 hp 1.5 TSI to a 310 hp Formentor VZ. The car features adaptable drive modes, sporty handling, and a refined interior, though the infotainment system could use improvement. While offering great comfort and performance, its design leans towards subtlety, with the Cupra badge only visible on the tailgate. Priced between 31,500 and 50,000 euros, the Formentor competes with models like the Golf R, but with a unique, lesser-known identity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cupra Formentor is a sport-oriented vehicle, originally derived from Seat’s sport branch, and aims to become a separate performance brand.
• 😀 The 'Formentor' name comes from a peninsula in Majorca, a popular location for cycling and press launch events for cars.
• 😀 The Cupra Formentor is essentially a Seat Leon with raised ground clearance and a sportier design, offering more powerful engines than the Leon.
• 😀 The Cupra Formentor’s engine lineup includes options from 150 hp to a powerful 310 hp VZ version, with performance figures like 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds.
• 😀 The Formentor VZ, with 310 hp, features an AWD system, comfortable suspension, and configurable drive modes including Normal, Offroad, Sport, Cupra, and Individual.
• 😀 The car is easy to drive fast, offering a balance of comfort and agility, making it appealing for daily drives while still offering sporty driving experiences.
• 😀 Visibility in the Cupra Formentor is limited due to thick A and C pillars, although the seats are very comfortable and adjustable, especially the bucket seats.
• 😀 The interior of the Formentor shares many components with other VW and Skoda models, but includes Cupra-specific touches such as copper accents and a virtual instrument cluster.
• 😀 The Cupra Formentor’s infotainment system can sometimes lag, and features like volume and temperature controls lack backlighting at night, which can be inconvenient.
• 😀 The Formentor offers practical storage with cup holders, a smartphone cubby, and good rear seat space, with a boot volume ranging from 345 to 450 liters depending on the engine type.
• 😀 Prices for the Cupra Formentor start around 31.5k EUR for the 1.5 TSI version, with the high-performance 310 hp model costing up to 50k EUR with options.
• 😀 The Formentor fills a niche between the Golf and Tiguan, offering similar performance to the Golf R and Tiguan R but with the added benefit of its unique Cupra branding.

Q & A

What is the Cupra Formentor, and how does it differ from the Seat Leon?

The Cupra Formentor is essentially a sportier version of the Seat Leon with raised ground clearance and longer overhangs. While the Seat Leon offers up to 204 hp in its PHEV variant, the Formentor starts with more powerful engines, including up to a 310 hp version.

What does the name 'Cupra' refer to, and how is it related to Latin, chemistry, and geography?

The name 'Cupra' is derived from 'Cup Racing,' a reference to the brand's racing heritage. It also seems to reference copper or 'cuprum' in Latin, with the chemical symbol 'Cu'. Geographically, 'Formentor' refers to a peninsula in Majorca, Spain, known for its stunning views and great roads.

How powerful is the Cupra Formentor VZ, and what is its performance like?

The Cupra Formentor VZ boasts a 310 hp engine, capable of accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. In testing, it achieved 4.6 seconds with Launch Control. It can also accelerate from 80-120 km/h in less than 3.2 seconds, though there is some gearbox hesitation.

How does the Cupra Formentor's all-wheel-drive (AWD) system perform in terms of handling?

The AWD system in the Formentor is designed for performance, allowing the car to easily slide the rear end out when pushed hard. The suspension is balanced enough for daily driving while remaining stiff enough for spirited driving and cornering.

What are the driving modes available in the Cupra Formentor, and how do they affect the driving experience?

The Cupra Formentor offers multiple driving modes: normal, off-road, sport, Cupra, and individual. The individual mode allows customization of the suspension stiffness, steering feel, and other settings. The car is notably easy to drive fast, with its sport modes offering a balance of comfort and performance.

What is the fuel economy like for the Cupra Formentor VZ, and does it live up to its official claims?

The Cupra Formentor VZ is expected to use about 9 liters per 100 km combined, and the tester's experience matched this figure. This is relatively efficient for a high-performance car in this class.

How does the interior of the Cupra Formentor compare to the Seat Leon?

The interior of the Cupra Formentor shares many elements with the Seat Leon, including the infotainment system and overall layout. The key differences include Cupra-specific accents, a unique virtual instrument cluster, and two extra buttons on the steering wheel. The interior is practical but not overly luxurious.

What is the driving experience like in terms of comfort and visibility?

The Cupra Formentor provides a comfortable driving experience with adjustable bucket seats and a well-tuned suspension. However, visibility is somewhat limited due to thick A and C pillars and a high window line, making it harder to see out of the car.

How does the Cupra Formentor perform in off-road conditions?

In off-road mode, the Formentor was able to navigate a diagonal test on an incline, though it struggled slightly in normal mode. The off-road mode didn’t feel dramatically different in terms of driving experience, but it did allow the car to continue moving despite losing grip on two wheels.

What are the pricing options for the Cupra Formentor, and how does it compare to competitors like the Golf R or Skoda Octavia RS?

The Cupra Formentor starts at €31,500 for the 1.5 TSI variant, with the 310 hp AWD version priced around €45,000 before options. In terms of performance, it’s similar to the Golf R and Skoda Octavia RS, but it stands out because it’s not as widely recognized, giving it a bit of exclusivity.