Cupra Formentor review | Plug-in hybrid version or regular petrol?

Summary

In this review of the Cooper Fermentor, the presenter discusses the car's design, performance, and fuel efficiency, highlighting its stylish appearance and variety of engine options, including the plug-in hybrid. They delve into the benefits of the hybrid, such as better fuel economy and increased performance with 245 brake horsepower when charged. The reviewer also touches on the ride quality, interior features, and some minor software bugs. Ultimately, while the hybrid offers some extra punch, the 1.5 TSI engine is noted as a great choice for those prioritizing a more straightforward driving experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Irish government imposes high taxes on certain cars, such as the 310 Golf or the Cooper Fermentor, with rates exceeding 40% VRT and prices over €70,000.
• 😀 The Cooper Fermentor offers multiple options, including a 1.4 plug-in hybrid, 1.5 TSI, and 2.0 TDI versions, giving buyers a variety of choices.
• 😀 The Cooper Fermentor is praised for its stylish and striking design, considered one of the smartest looking hatchbacks on the market.
• 😀 The entry-level Cooper Fermentor starts at over €41,000, but the high price is justified by its appearance and features.
• 😀 The plug-in hybrid version of the Cooper Fermentor offers better fuel economy, achieving 5.5 liters per 100 km compared to the 1.5 TSI, which uses 7.5 to 8.5 liters per 100 km.
• 😀 The hybrid's electric range is between 40 to 60 km, depending on driving conditions, but the car needs regular charging to maximize fuel efficiency.
• 😀 Charging the plug-in hybrid improves performance, with a combined output of 245 brake horsepower, almost on par with the higher-end models in the range.
• 😀 The car's boot space and rear passenger comfort are highlighted, with features like air vents and customizable ambient lighting, enhancing the overall experience.
• 😀 The Cooper Fermentor offers different driving modes, including e-mode (fully electric) and hybrid mode, allowing drivers to select between using electricity or both the petrol and electric engines together.
• 😀 While the car’s ride quality is exceptional, there are a few software bugs, such as an occasional issue with voice commands and wireless charging, but these are relatively minor.
• 😀 The 1.5 TSI version is considered powerful enough for the car's needs, and while the hybrid version offers more power, the 1.5 TSI is still a strong choice for many buyers.
• 😀 The Cooper Fermentor's design ensures that it's a car people will take pride in owning, with a visual appeal that makes drivers want to keep looking back at it.

Q & A

What is the tax rate on cars like the 310 Golf or equivalent versions of the Cooper in Ireland?

The tax rate on these cars is over 40% VRT (Vehicle Registration Tax), which makes the total cost exceed €70,000 for these models in Ireland.

What are the available engine options for the Cooper in this review?

The Cooper offers several engine options, including a 1.4 plug-in hybrid, a 1.5 TSI with 150 brake horsepower, and a 2.0 TDI with 150 brake horsepower.

How does the 1.4 plug-in hybrid perform in terms of fuel economy compared to the 1.5 TSI?

The 1.4 plug-in hybrid offers better fuel economy, with a figure of 5.5 liters per 100 km, compared to the 1.5 TSI, which consumes 7.5 to 8.5 liters per 100 km.

What is the electric-only driving range of the Cooper's plug-in hybrid?

The electric-only range of the plug-in hybrid Cooper is between 40 to 60 km, depending on driving style and external conditions like temperature.

What is the fuel economy advantage of the plug-in hybrid version of the Cooper?

By charging the plug-in hybrid, drivers can save around 3 liters of fuel per 100 km compared to the 1.5 TSI version, assuming the battery is kept topped up.

What performance benefits does the plug-in hybrid Cooper provide?

The plug-in hybrid Cooper delivers 245 brake horsepower, offering a performance boost close to that of higher-end versions like the 'OR' variant.

Does the Cooper provide any special features in the interior?

Yes, the Cooper features a high-quality interior with details such as ambient lighting, customizable seat textures, air vents for rear passengers, and a highly functional dashboard screen.

How does the ride quality of the Cooper compare to other models?

The Cooper's ride quality is excellent, especially on Irish roads, due to a combination of well-tuned tires and suspension, offering comfort even without the dynamic chassis control found in some other models.

What are some of the minor software issues noted in the review?

The review mentions some minor bugs in the car's software, such as the voice command system activating unexpectedly and an issue with a wireless charger not clearing the tray properly.

What is the main drawback of the hybrid system in the Cooper?

The main drawback of the hybrid system is the transition between electric mode and petrol engine, which can sometimes feel clunky, especially in hybrid mode.