Cupra Formentor 1.5 Review: A Sporty Alternative to Premium German SUVs
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
The Cupra Formentor 1.5 is reviewed as a sporty and characterful alternative to premium German SUVs, priced at 226,000 shekels. Sharing a platform with the Audi Q3, it offers a distinct design and a well-equipped interior, though it has some ergonomic drawbacks and limited rear space. Despite a base engine that is adequate rather than thrilling, its driving dynamics are praised. The Formentor's main advantage is its significantly lower price compared to its German competitors, offering strong value.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- The Cupra Formentor 1.5 is reviewed as a sporty and affordable alternative to premium German SUVs.
- It shares a platform with the Audi Q3 but is priced significantly lower, starting at 226,000 shekels.
- The Formentor features a distinct design, a well-equipped interior with large screens, and good cargo space.
- Ergonomic issues with touch controls and limited rear passenger space are noted as drawbacks.
- The base 150 hp engine offers adequate performance, while higher trims provide more power.
- Driving dynamics are praised for their sporty tuning and adaptive suspension, offering good comfort and handling.
The Cupra Formentor 1.5, reviewed by Odi Etzion, is presented as a compelling alternative to premium German compact SUVs, offering a distinct character and significant cost savings. Priced at 226,000 shekels, it competes with models like the Audi Q3, Volkswagen Tiguan, BMW X1, and Alfa Romeo Tonale.
The Formentor, part of the Volkswagen Group, shares its platform with the Audi Q3, being manufactured in Audi's Hungarian factory. Despite this close relationship, the Formentor is positioned as a more affordable option, effectively offering an "Audi deal" due to Cupra's branding as a sportier, more youthful marque than its parent, Seat. This strategy has proven successful, with Cupra now outselling Seat and being significantly more profitable.
In terms of design, the Formentor features Cupra's signature "shark nose" front and some sculpted lines, but is otherwise very similar to the Q3, especially at the rear. Its dimensions are comparable to the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage, though it sits lower for a sportier stance. The interior boasts a dramatic design with ambient lighting, a 13-inch multimedia screen, and a 9-inch digital instrument cluster. Even the base model is well-equipped, including electric bucket seats, LED headlights, and a power tailgate.
However, the review notes drawbacks in human-machine interface, particularly the reliance on touch controls for functions like climate adjustment, and limited rear legroom for a third passenger. The cargo space is generous at 508 liters, and it includes a spare tire. Safety is strong, with a 5-star Euro NCAP rating and a comprehensive suite of active safety systems.
The base 1.5-liter turbocharged engine produces 150 horsepower and achieves 0-100 km/h in 9.3 seconds, with a claimed fuel economy of 16.4 km/l, though the test yielded 12 km/l. Higher trims offer more powerful engines, including a 2.0-liter with up to 265 horsepower. The driving experience is described as enjoyable, with sporty suspension tuning providing good body control and precise steering, while adaptive dampers ensure decent comfort. The review concludes that the Formentor offers unique character and value, especially when compared to its German rivals, which are priced significantly higher in Israel.