What is it?
Seat's push of the newly independent Cupra brand has now extended to its first standalone model, the Formentor.
Traditionally, Seat tried to pitch itself as the dynamic badge of the Volkswagen Group (remember Volkswagen's answer to Alfa Romeo?), but I’m not sure it ever really managed it. So here comes Cupra to, perhaps, do the job instead. We’ll see.
It’s clearly serious about the Cupra project, because it has gone to the lengths of launching its own vehicle. At least, a vehicle as different as a Volkswagen Group car gets; we’re not talking Alpine A110 levels of differentiation.
The Formentor sits on the MQB architecture, from which the Cupra Ateca crossover already hangs, and this is even more cross or over – whichever means it’s lower. It’s as much a tall hatchback as a short SUV, with its height of 1511mm being a full 150mm less than the Ateca and only around 50mm more than the Cupra Leon.
If anything, it has the vibe of an Audi Allroad or Volvo XC model or, when you gaze at the silvery plastic that runs around the bottom rim of the body, perhaps even the Subaru Forester, a car to which we’ll return.
The bodywork appears far more cab-rearward than on most Volkswagen Group SUVs and crossovers, there’s a long bonnet and, in this colour and with these surfaces, it looks as much like a Mazda as much as anything else. And I’ll admit that I quite like it.
Our test car came with a 306bhp 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine and a drivetrain familiar to those who know the Ateca, Leon or Volkswagen Golf R.
Join the debate
Add your comment
I think this performance SUV
I think this performance SUV makes sense, considering Cupra's rallying heritage but I hope they dont offer a Seat version of it, otherwise Cupra won't ever work as a 'stand alone' brand. I suspect there will be badge conscious BMW /Audi drivers who will consider buying one, but would have never considered 'just' a Seat Cupra...
Maxi Cooper wrote:
Previous articles have said that there will be a Seat version to follow.
So much for a 'stand alone' model.
Maxi Cooper wrote:
What are you, an idiot?
I like the idea, not the execution
This isn't a crossover, it's just a slightly jacked up hatchback. Like a Kia Xceed or even a Focus Active. The Ateca is a crossover, not this. But actually the idea of a slightly raised hatchback appeals. It will be fine on a dirt track, won't ground on kerbs and will deal with speed humps a little better. But why make it sporty? This would be better with Seat badges and a 1.5TSI under the bonnet. Then slash at least £10k from the price (preferably £15k but I'm probably being to optimistic) and you'd have quite a tidy all round car.
I think it looks good and has
I think it looks good and has a decent interior. Where I struggle with it is in the branding. SEAT should have been enough, but VW never let it be. I don't think there is any need on seperating the brand. This could have been the only crossover SEAT needed at this size, leave the practical Ateca where is should be, at Skoda's door. SEAT should be sporty with some practicality, Skoda should be sensible and well priced.