Cupra Formentor VZ e-Hybrid (2021): price, hp, consumption

And the trunk is big enough and also quite variable. Last but not least, the fact that the practical aspects are convincing should be an argumentation aid at the family table as to why it has to be a Formentor of all things as a new car.

The real pluses of the Spaniard are less sober, but clearly emotional and concern the extroverted styling. On the outside, the copper-colored trim on the rims, exhaust trims and the brand logo based on a tribal tattoo act as eye-catchers. Almost a unique selling point of the brand and optically implemented quite coherently and valuable.

There is even more fan service in the cockpit, where additional buttons on the steering wheel with a red border create a Formula 1 feeling, the finely embroidered sports seats with integrated headrests offer a firm hold and the graphics of the digital instrument and central touchscreen are red and pulsating appeals to the instincts.

The list of little gags and upgrades could be continued, for example with the small projector in the exterior mirrors, which throws a light logo onto the asphalt when you get out of the car. The Formentor becomes a southern temperament bolt and sheds all remnants of the North German sobriety that the VW Group construction kit gave it in the cradle.

The Spaniard does not have the technology under the sheet metal exclusively, but of course shares it with his group siblings VW, Skoda and Audi. Unlike the other Cupra models, the Formentor is not only available with high-performance engines, but also in more civil versions from 110 kW / 150 PS. In the test car, however, the 180 kW / 245 hp plug-in hybrid engine was installed, which is at the upper end of the performance spectrum.

The combination of 1.4-liter gasoline engine and electric motor is, like all drives from 245 hp, coupled to the “VZ” equipment line, which features 19-inch instead of 18-inch models and the aforementioned sports seats. The double drive goes well with the 4.45 meter long and not necessarily light crossover. The electric motor with its 85 kW / 115 PS provides pressure when starting and high elasticity during intermediate sprints.

Overall, at least with a full battery, the driving performance is at a level that perfectly matches the visual dynamics, even if the drive as a whole is more confident than decidedly sporty. The interaction is flexible and smooth, only when approaching a traffic light or similar situations does the combination not always work harmoniously and irritates with unexpected torque peaks.

If the demand for power is low, for example when sailing at the recommended speed on the autobahn or when swimming in city traffic, the electric motor can also take over the propulsion on its own. However, only with a well-filled battery – which brings us to the Formentor’s design-related weak point. In theory, the 12.8 kWh are sufficient for 58 kilometers – in practice, however, this is only feasible in city traffic. In everyday life with mixed traffic, values ​​around 40 kilometers are more realistic.

In many cases that would still be enough if Cupra – like many competitors – had not saved itself a fast on-board loader. The built-in copy sucks in the best case with 3.6 kW on the AC line. It takes at least 3.5 hours to fully charge the small battery. It is better to save yourself the connection to a public charging station while shopping or doing other errands.

Cupra has completely dispensed with a direct current fast charging connection. In many cases, the result is likely to be a relatively high proportion of non-electric driving; and then the consumption is 7 to 8 liters. Ultimately, the plug-in hybrid is particularly interesting because of the subsidies that exist in the form of the e-car bonus and company car tax. After all, the inclined buyer has another argument up his sleeve against a spouse or employer.

But deep in the heart, completely different reasons are likely to play the main role in the decision to transfer the at least 44,120 euros (list price) minus the environmental bonus to Spain.

Technical data – Cupra Formentor VZ e-Hybrid

• Five-door crossover with five seats
• Length: 4.45 meters
• Width: 1.84 meters (width with exterior mirrors: 1.99 meters)
• Height: 1.53 meters
• Wheelbase: 2.68 meters
• Boot space: 420 – 1,415 liters
• Tank capacity: 40 liters
• Plug-in hybrid drive
• 1.4 liter turbo gasoline engine with 110 kW / 150 PS
• E-motor with 85 kW / 115 PS
• System output 180 kW / 245 PS
• System torque: 400 Nm
• all wheel drive
• 7-speed double clutch automatic
• 0-100 km / h: 7.0 s
• Vmax: 210 km / h
• Standard consumption
• 1.5 liters / 100 kilometers plus 15.9 kWh / 100 kilometers
• CO2 emissions: 32 g / km
• electric range: 58 kilometers
• Emission standard: Euro 6d-ISC-FCM
• Efficiency class A +
• Test consumption with empty battery: 7.7 liters
• Test consumption with a fully charged battery: 3.4 liters / 100 kilometers
• Price from 44,120 euros

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