Launched in Ireland back in 2021 as Cupra's first standalone model, the Formentor compact SUV coupé has been upgraded and refreshed for 2025, receiving improved engines, more tech and new looks.
By far the most popular Cupra model on Irish roads, the latest Formentor is now available with the choice of four different engines: TSI (petrol ), mild hybrid (eTSI ), TDI (diesel ) and eHybrid (plug-in hybrid ).
The new plug-in hybrid is said to deliver 272PS (200kW ), while offering more than 100km of all-electric range and is now also compatible up to 50kW DC charge. The new TSI petrol engine, according to Cupra, delivers 333PS (245kW ) with torque splitter technology and optional Akebono brakes.
Tested here was the 2.0-litre TDI with 150hp and an automatic seven-speed DSG gearbox - a diesel engine that has been something of a stalwart within the Volkswagen Group stable of cars (VW owns both Cupra and sister-brand SEAT, if you did not already know ).
Out on the road, the Formentor's newly buffed chassis and tuned weight distribution delivered comfort across a mix of asphalt. The diesel engine is nothing fancy, but did provide an adequate amount of power with 360nm the quoted amount of max torque. While the new hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the Formentor may appeal to the majority of discerning buyers, the diesel engine still warrants a prominent place in Cupra's growing line-up, especially for fuel economy (4.8l/100km in this instance ).
The key takeaway from my test drive was that the Formentor remains an excellent car to drive, and while slight changes have been made to the interior and infotainment, I am pleased to report that its ease-of-use is still intact. It is also a much better looking car on the outside, in my opinion.
Clean and comfortable interior modifications
A new and improved digital cockpit sits behind the steering wheel, which has been paired with a larger 12.9-inch infotainment system with a retro-illuminated slider. While there are no physical dials or knobs under the screen, the system is within fingertip's reach while driving and is rapid in response. The steering wheel also houses a number of shortcuts.
Elsewhere inside the new Formentor, is a cleaner looking centre console and updated door panels, dashboard, and upholsteries. The wireless phone charger now offers faster charging speeds of up to 15W, while audio from the new Sennheiser Mobility 12-speaker system sounded crisp. We are also told that the comfortable bucket seats are wrapped in either 73 per cent recycled microfibre or environmentally conscious leather. A 450-litre boot still feels plenty given the car's sloped roofline.
Volkswagen Group has always said that Cupra sits between the mass and premium brands, and the Formentor's pricing structure certainly backs that up. Prices start from €39,885 for the Formentor 1.5TSI petrol, 150hp; and from €44,820 for the diesel 2.0TDI 150hp DSG.
My press car had almost €11k worth of extras on it, bumping the price up to €55,765. This included 19-inch copper machined wheels, a panoramic sunroof, an emergency spare wheel and a plethora of other techie bits.
If you find yourself sitting opposite a Cupra salesperson soon, just go easy filling out the Formentor's spec sheet!
