Test: Cupra Formentor VZ 310 4Drive (2020) // Not Just Another Sports Utility Vehicle ...
Test Drive

Test: Cupra Formentor VZ 310 4Drive (2020) // Not Just Another Sports Utility Vehicle ...

Although in the previous edition I talked a lot about the new Cupra Formentor, this time it will certainly be right to repeat the basics. So, the Formentor is the Spanish premium brand's first "autonomous" car (which is still under the Seat umbrella), but it's not their first sports utility vehicle. Even before Formentor, Cupra offered customers the Ateca model, the technology and mechanics of which are almost the same. While the Cupra Ateca is said to be fast and very "comfortable" in the corners, it doesn't differ much in design from the standard Seat. Be that as it may, the Formentor is a premium model that also plays into the emotion card for customers.

And boy, Formentor, when it comes to what the eye likes to see, he definitely has something to show. The fact that he was assigned the role of the house seducer from the very beginning, so that he was not just a "folded" version of the standard house model, manifested itself in his seductive muscular image, clear lines and silhouette, which at least at first glance strongly resemble some more dear representatives of automotive exotics.

My point is that the larger air intakes and slots, the larger exhaust tips and especially the larger brake discs are not necessarily upgrades, but an integral part of a carefully planned and necessary whole. I definitely dare to say that the Formentor group, after a long time, really worked hard on their idea and created a car in which the main focus was not to achieve the best result with the least possible contribution to design.

Unfortunately, the freedom of design in the interior has been lost in the forms and solutions to which you are already accustomed, both in the Group and in the Seat brand. While the Cupra is in the premium car class with at least one pair of wheels, I can't say that the interior exudes special grandeur.but this is certainly far from disappointing. A play of colors, materials and upholstery is usually enough to achieve a sporty and premium look, and Formentor is no exception. Cupra's designers have done a good job in this area and everything has been updated in a modern spirit with its own driver graphic and a central multimedia screen.

At the international Cupra presentation, where I first met Formentor live in early fall, they especially emphasized his family orientation and versatility... I think it is quite justified. Namely, the Formentor is in size side by side with SUVs such as Ateca, Tiguan, Audi Q3 and the like, but with the only difference that it is actually below those listed.

Test: Cupra Formentor VZ 310 4Drive (2020) // Not Just Another Sports Utility Vehicle ...

On average, a good 12 centimeters, and if a little differently, The Formentor is just 5 centimeters taller than conventional five-door sedans.... To be even more precise, it also shares its basic MQB Evo platform, which translated into spaciousness means that it has enough room for the needs of most families whose members have grown at least roughly within ready-to-wear standards. ...

Although the roofline drops towards the rear like a coupe, there is also plenty of room in the rear seats (as already mentioned - for most passengers), and, above all, passengers will never experience a feeling of crampedness, no matter what the seat, on which they sit. The driver and passenger enjoy an almost spatial luxury. The offset of the seats is extremely large, the same goes for the rise and fall heights of the seats, but they mostly mean lower ones, because regardless of the position of the seat, it always sits a little higher.

But in the manner of SUVs (or at least crossovers), of which Formentor is not the least. The trunk is not the largest in its class (including because of the all-wheel drive), however, with a volume of 420 liters, this should be sufficient for a longer holiday. In fact, trust me, with the most powerful Formentor, you'll miss out on more practical benefits like luggage nets and straps, not more luggage space.

Test: Cupra Formentor VZ 310 4Drive (2020) // Not Just Another Sports Utility Vehicle ...

It seems logical to me that they were at Cupra. decided to first offer Formentor in the most powerful version... Firstly, because in this case it is an extremely confident car, occupying a place in a market where there are not many direct competitors. However, rare ones are usually much more expensive. Secondly, also because the performance flag bearer will get some interest and respect from customers before weaker versions come along. However, the most ardent people rarely ask the price anyway. Otherwise, the external (and internal) image, most of the technologies and especially the driving dynamics will remain the same even with weaker models.

Let me just say before the most important points about such a model: The Formentor is not an extreme car in terms of sportiness. However, this could be happening soon as Cupra is already whispering quite loudly that we can also expect an R-marked version.

Despite its 228-kilowatt configuration, the turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine conceals its sporty and moderately exciting character relatively well.... Among the likes, I put it at the very top in terms of cultivation, which is also helped by the excellent synchronization with the automatic (or robotic, if you like) dual-clutch transmission. Namely, the gearbox helps best to hide the fact that the engine actually wakes up at 2.000 rpm and from there a steady torque wave propagates to the red field at 6.500 rpm of the main shaft.

Even when the main part of the 310 "horsepower" is released from the reins, there is not too much noise around, and in the cabin in both sport settings (Sport and Cupra) the sound resembles the rinsing of a V8 engine. helps to create a speaker under the seat. I understand that two liters of working volume is hard to produce concrete thunder, but still I think that with the Cupra proud of its powerful engine, we were able to fill the ambience and salon with sounds of different frequencies. and less constant, say, these are jump-like amplitudes. At least in those sports driving programs.

Test: Cupra Formentor VZ 310 4Drive (2020) // Not Just Another Sports Utility Vehicle ...

During the test, with the exception of two-way rides, I always chose the Sport or Cupra program, but the Sport program (pleasant crackling from the exhaust system) suited my ear better. Namely, the basic program for driving comfort on open and fast roads presupposes too light steering (electric power steering) and an almost slow gearbox response when braking and before accelerating into a corner. I confess, despite the four crosses on my shoulders, I'm still not convinced that a 310 horsepower car can handle the same as an economical diesel.

Well, in principle, the Formentor could, because with some self-discipline and a normal driving pace, consumption easily drops to a favorable eight liters, even a deciliter less. It should not be forgotten that it accelerates from zero to 230 kilometers per hour in five seconds, fires to 250 in the blink of an eye (where permitted), and then accumulates this difference relatively quickly to an electronically limited XNUMX kilometers. in hour. This is information that owners of valuable Cayenne should also take seriously.

From a performance standpoint, Formentor is fair to say as an exceptional athlete, but I will not recall him as an extreme athlete. There are two reasons for this. The first, of course, lies in physics. I am confident that the Cupra Leon with less weight and with the same engine will be a significantly more extreme and explosive car, while the Formentor, although one of the lowest in its class, has a much higher center of gravity compared to the classic " hot hatches ". (similar sizes).

Of course, with the support of electronics and the individual suspension of all wheels in fast corners, the car is still very economical. Good traction in all phases of sporty driving, whether accelerating on level ground or decisive cornering. Of course, all-wheel drive adds its own, which, with the help of an electronically controlled clutch, always ensures that the front doesn't get out of the corner, while the rear wheelset follows the front one exactly. As a result, you can press the gas all the way almost immediately after entering a turn and just enjoy the almost sharp acceleration by adding a steering wheel.

By replaying the accelerator and brakes, however, it's not hard to get the rear end to want a slightly different radius when cornering.... In fact, I could tell the rear of the Formentor is just as fast, but the driver can still count on the assistance of the safety electronics. The stability control system consists of several stages and allows you to be quite tough to restrain yourself, but at the same time the sheet metal and passengers remain safe. Well, if someone really wants to, then in the Cupra program, you can also completely disable the security electronics. And even then, Formentor still plays the role smarter.

Test: Cupra Formentor VZ 310 4Drive (2020) // Not Just Another Sports Utility Vehicle ...

When the rear end is removed in the event of oversteer, the rapid and controlled acceleration of the rear wheelset is sufficient for quick acceleration acceleration and small steering wheel direction adjustments that are obtained. precise steering gear, which, by the way, well informs the driver about what is happening.

Another reason the Formentor is still more family-friendly than an off-road racer in my opinion, I found, you wouldn't believe it, to be a great powertrain. The notoriously fast and responsive seven-speed DSG is too lazy when shifting manually, and even in manual mode, it responds to the driver's commands with some delay. It's just that given the brand's origins and the sporty undertone of this SUV, I wish the transmission electronics were a little more trusting of the driver - in manual and automatic modes. You see, my gearbox is my answer. There is definitely a margin of safety.

I allow for the possibility that I am being picky, but I always do so when the whole package is very close to perfection. And if the gearbox is not to blame for the mentioned laziness, then the reason for not keeping up with it when braking is to look into the brakes. Ahead, Brembo signed the braking system. And what this brake kit can do (several times in a row) is simply abnormal... I mean, in this price range, it really is rare for a man to experience body fatigue in front of brakes. You should definitely count on the fact that the belly of many passengers is simply not used to such intense harassment. Lift your finger up for effective braking and pedal feel.

However, as the kids and the lady sometimes join the gentleman who finally approves of the purchase of this “family express” with his blessing, Cupra has made family travel moderately comfortable and, above all, quiet as part of Comfort. driving program. Engine displacement can be limited to that of the quite normal Ateca, and the chassis moderately comfortably softens lateral bumps on the road. The Formentor still has a stiffer suspension than conventional SUVs. In truth, on good roads it doesn't cause any discomfort, even when the electronically controlled shock damping is set to its toughest value.

In terms of connectivity and multimedia platform, Formentor brings a lot of freshness as a new car. Well-described, praised and criticized platforms will now seem to get used to us faster than we thought.... Personally, I still consider myself a “dinosaur” in this area, so the management impressed me significantly less than most of my fellow travelers, who, for obvious reasons, found it easier to focus on all the available functions while driving.

Test: Cupra Formentor VZ 310 4Drive (2020) // Not Just Another Sports Utility Vehicle ...

However, I have to write under the line that after the first connection to a mobile phone this thing works more than great, so I am sure that the latter group approach will soon be adopted by all drivers of all ages. ... Mainly because the most basic commands related to excellent audio and heating and cooling settings quickly jump into engine memory, and the sea of ​​remaining options is, in fact, not vital at all.

Shortly before the end, briefly about why the strongest Cupro Formentor is chosen at all. Of course, because for a reasonable price (including in terms of cost of ownership) it offers a good compromise between prestige, sportiness and everyday convenience. Primarily because excess does not cause headaches. Formentor's 310 "horses" are just right.

Cupra Formentor VZ 310 4Drive (2020)

Basic data

Sales: Porsche Slovenia
Test model cost: 50.145 €
Base model price with discounts: 45.335 €
Test model price discount: 50.145 €
Power:228kW (310


KM)
Acceleration (0-100 km / h): 5,9 with
Maximum speed: 250 km / h
Mixed flow ECE: 8,2-9,0l / 100km
Guarantee: 2 years general warranty with no mileage limitation, up to 4 years extended warranty with 160.000 3 km limit, unlimited mobile warranty, 12 years paint warranty, XNUMX years rust warranty.
Systematic review 30.000 km


/


24

Cost (up to 100.000 km or five years)

Regular services, works, materials: 1.519 XNUMX €
Fuel: 8.292 XNUMX €
Tires (1) 1.328 XNUMX €
Loss of value (within 5 years): 31.321 XNUMX €
Compulsory insurance: 5.495 XNUMX €
CASCO INSURANCE (+ B, K), AO, AO +8.445 XNUMX


(
Calculate the cost of auto insurance
Buy up € 56.400 0,56 (km cost: XNUMX


€)

Technical information

engine: 4-cylinder - 4-stroke - turbocharged petrol - front mounted transversely - displacement 1.984 cm3 - maximum output 228 kW (310 hp) at 5.450-6.600 rpm - maximum torque 400 Nm at 2.000-5.450 rpm / min - 2 camshafts in the head (chain) - 4 valves per cylinder - common rail fuel injection - exhaust gas turbocharger - charge air cooler.
Energy transfer: engine drives all four wheels - 7-speed DSG transmission - 8,0 J × 19 rims - 245/40 R 19 tires.
Capacity: top speed 250 km/h - acceleration 0-100 km/h 4,9 s - average fuel consumption (WLTP) 8,2-9,0 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 186-203 g/km.
Transportation and suspension: crossover - 4 doors - 5 seats - self-supporting body - front single suspension, coil springs, three-spoke transverse rails, stabilizer bar - rear single suspension, coil springs, stabilizer bar - front disc brakes (forced cooling), rear disc brakes (forced-cooled), ABS , parking electric brake on the rear wheels (switching between seats) - steering wheel with rack and pinion, electric power steering, 2,1 turns between extreme points.
Mass: empty vehicle 1.569 kg - permissible total weight 2.140 kg - permissible trailer weight with brake: 1.800 kg, without brake: 750 kg - permissible roof load: np kg.
External dimensions: length 4.450 mm - width 1.839 mm, with mirrors 1.992 mm - height 1.511 mm - wheelbase 2.680 mm - front track 1.585 - rear 1.559 - ground clearance 10,7 m.
Inner dimensions: longitudinal front 890-1.120 mm, rear 700-890 - front width 1.480 mm, rear 1.450 mm - head height front 1.000-1.080 980 mm, rear 5310 mm - front seat length 470 mm, rear seat 363 mm - steering wheel diameter 55 mm – fuel tank XNUMX l.
Box: 420

Our measurements

T = 17 ° C / p = 1.063 mbar / rel. vl. = 55% / Tires: Continental Conti Winter Contact 245/40 R 19 / Odometer status: 3.752 km
Acceleration 0-100km:5,9s
402m from the city: 14,6 years (


163 km / h)
Maximum speed: 250km / h


(D)
Fuel consumption according to the standard scheme: 8,3


l / 100km
Braking distance at 130 km / h: 62,4m
Braking distance at 100 km / h: 38,0m
AM table: 40m
Noise at 90 km / h59dB
Noise at 130 km / h64dB

Overall rating (538/600)

  • The most powerful version of the Formentor is far from sporty, but at the same time even further from the quite average family car. If you feel like you don't need all that it has to offer, that's okay. The engine and the price range of the models are wide enough.

  • Cab and trunk (95/110)

    Formentor's interior is politically correct. At the same time, she is not too arrogant and at the same time not too modest. Formentor can specifically blink on the road, so the boxes and trunk must be adapted to strong impacts.

  • Comfort (107


    / 115)

    The interior does not hide a close affinity with the SEAT, but the dark copper details make it pleasing. We find it hard to believe that someone in Formentor will feel bad.

  • Transmission (87


    / 80)

    Sure, there are faster and more powerful cars out there, but given the criteria of the class it belongs to, the drivetrain is more than convincing. We absolutely recommend. After all, you will humiliate the owners of more prestigious and larger hybrids at half the price.

  • Driving performance (93


    / 100)

    Even in its most comfortable settings, Formentor is less comfortable than any conventional crossover. However, the comfort is enough to make even everyday family use bearable.

  • Security (105/115)

    Security is ensured by a complete set of security systems. However, with such a powerful machine, there is always a good chance that something is seriously wrong.

  • Economy and environment (60


    / 80)

    Formentor is somewhere between reasonable compromises. With some self-discipline, it can also be family-friendly, and for those who want to take it a step further, a powerful hybrid version will soon be available.

Driving pleasure: 5/5

  • Formentor has everything you need for a dynamic and sporty ride, so even more experienced drivers will love it. However, some sporting racing reserves were retained for the (already announced) Model R.

We praise and reproach

driving performance, driving dynamics

exterior and interior appearance

satisfactory capacity

transmission, four-wheel drive

chassis and brakes

overly narrowed rear view camera image

sensitivity of seat covers to stains

multimedia center control (a matter of habit)

luggage belts were not fastened in the trunk either

Add a comment