Should You Buy a CUPRA FORMENTOR?
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- čas přidán 5. 09. 2024
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Today, I'm in this Cupra Formentor. Let's see what it's like...
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So I've got a 2021 Leon FR with the same infotainment system. Yes first few days it felt very awkward, but much like a new phone after a few weeks you get used to it. It's absolutely fine. Don't use the volume controls on the screen use the volume controls on the steering wheel.
Also, you can turn off lane assist, speed assist and the in-car "listening" voice feature so none of that annoys.
I agree and I have the same year Fr, I also had a 17 plate FR beforehand which had a much better infotainment system for me, although no wireless CarPlay/charging. So a backwards step.
Absolutely agree with you about the tendency of some manufacturers to bury every control within a touch-screen menu on an infotainment system. Lethally dangerous and I'm surprised that various legislative bodies haven't defined a requirement for certain controls (heater, fans, demist, etc) to be immediately accessible to drivers without their having to take their eyes off the road.
Totally agree.
Seems to have the power of a Kenwood Chef, and the rear space is only fit for Mary Antoinette..... absolutely brilliant !!! please keep them coming Matt 🤣we all love um
Thanks! 😂
Please give us a diesel automatic Juke review... I really want to see a 10 mins full-on trashing 🙏
😂
Yes they are flawed, i have a 1.6 petrol cvt 155000 mile work car, just had a new water pump, everything else original. 42 mpg . never let me down
@@HighPeakAutos please do it
Yeah do it! 😂😂
I have a Formentor, the e-Hybrid in a pretty nice spec. Camouflage green with the awesome 19" rims, upgraded leather, etc. I've had it for six months, and it still baffles me how good it looks. I still turn around walking away from it almost every time. I bought it for exactly the reason you mention, it's rare! It's so much more interesting to have a car that no one else have. Here in Sweden everyone is driving Volvo, Kia, BMW, Audi, Mercedes. I think I've seen around 10 Formentors here in total.
I'm very happy with it so far. But I do agree about the 150 HP petrol engine (that accompanies the electric motors). It's so dull, sounds terrible and has no torque what so ever. For me it's fine as I mostly cruise in leisurely pace or drive fully electric. Build quality is great and the interior is very very nice with the full leather option.
I highly recommend it for someone that wants one of the prettiest cars you can buy for a reasonable amount!
They are great looking cars. As a sensible everyday car there are much worse options
Your hybrid actually has the older 1.4tsi engine from the Passat GTE. That's got even less low down torque than the newer engine. I had that in a Leon FR and it was quick in that, and smooth but no fun to rev or listen to, and I did notice performance drop off when fully loaded and as your car is 300kg heavier. So it might struggle. I'm curious to know if the bigger engines sound better because if you want a sporty drive a good engine sound is a key part of that. The compromise with the 2.0s will be economy in low to mid 30s I guess.
Seat and Skoda have really nice build quality. I don't take anything but those two, whenever I rent a car. Cheaper than a VW, but a lot better than the equivalent from Toyota, Ford, Vauxhall, etc.
Reminds me of a Jaguar E pace hence I like the looks because I only opened up to see if in fact it was a jag.
What about the fuel consumption if you are doing long commutes
i own one starting the third year, and the gear lever is the best idea they had. it is very comfortable, useful, easy to use end engaging to use.
Had the eHybrid now for some time. And all good reports. So long as you do use the plug in, use the battery management system to its best effect - it is economical and has decent performance too, with a a fairly respectable electric range only.
Lack of boot space is a slight miff, but overall I really love the car. Incidentally, the car in the review, judging by the alloys, appears to be a V1 - the base spec - (which still comes with a heated steering wheel!).
The eHybrid also benefits from Bronze (fake) exhausts, and the ability to preheat or cool via the Cupra App.
Most people seem to comment on the car. Can't argue with that - nice car, but really I have to say Matt, your reviews keep on getting better and better. So we'll observed, nuanced and entertaining. There's one in the eye for Mr Watson with his pointy stick 🤣
😂 thank you for watching
I'm glad I ordered the 245hp petrol version!
It's a very good daily but I like the one that has the 5-pot engine 🙂
Sadly they aren’t coming to the uk, Audi agreed limited numbers
I love the shape of this car, I'm not sure about the talking laptop though. That would freak😕 me out. Good review👍
I've got the 300bhp VZ2, everyone who's been in the car have loved it. Personally I just use Apple car play with Waze and Spotify, avoid the in-built system.
I almost didn’t watch this as I’ve owned a Cupra Formentor since July 2021.
It’s been one of the most reliable cars I’ve had, glitchy screen notwithstanding. I still turn to look at it when I’ve parked up.
Which model did you go for?
@@HighPeakAutos I went for the 245bhp PHEV. It’s on 19” wheels, which are absolutely beautiful.
I had a 2019 Leon Cupra 290 lease car that I handed back in April this year. I have to say, it was one of the best cars I’ve ever had, both for performance, handling and interior/trim level. I went for it as I got a cracking deal on monthly lease rate (outgoing model in 2019). I love the look of the formentor and looked at the 310hp model (the only one to go for imo), but the lease deals earlier this year were terrible - more than double what I was paying on the Leon. So, I thought completely logically and declined to go for one - and bought a 2011 L322 4.4 Tdv8 instead!! (Of course....). 👍
Same situation here - bargain deal through Leasing Options, went back in July. Miss it so much! I stupidly bought an aging S320 to replace it, which I had to scrap after just a few months. Nightmare.
@@JosephRedfern that’s a bummer. Have to admit, though it’s a completely different car and style of drive, I’m loving the L322 (I do have my mk1 Mx5 turbo for those fun moments still! 😉). Did you sort something out?
@@mickcresswell1031 Sounds like a good combo. I’ve not sorted a replacement out yet. Having had my fingers burnt, I’m tempted to get something like a Lexus IS250, which I’m hoping would be a little more reliable 😬
So you have come here
To brag to people you don’t know
About the car you bought instead?
Correct me if I’m wrong here 😆
It's a shame we only get the most boring version of european cars here in the U.S. And no Seat or Cupra at all! I would have a Formentor in a heartbeat, albeit with one of the uprated engines. Definitely one of the best looking small SUVs on the market! Thanks for this review, Matt!
It needs a V6 really and a proper gearbox
You guys have the Bronco... why on Earth would you want a Seat? 😀
Trust me, Europe has far too many crossovers and SUVs that all look too alike. As others have said - you have far better cars in the US, like the Bronco which we don't get. This just drives like a Golf with jacked up suspension and has some supermarket Christmas fairly lights slapped on. I really wish American cars looked a bit more traditional with long hoods, plenty of chrome and white wall tyres. So unique!
It only came to Australia less than a year ago. They will probably take a run at the US but remember its a weird market that has far more regulations so geberally models have to be designed to meet those requirements.
A lot of cars sold in ghe US are designed for US consumers and laws
@@HighPeakAutosThere is 2.5 tsi which is basically RS 3 engine. Never drove one but considering to be my next car.
I've done about 5k in a Formentor 310hp, and personally own a Mk4 Cupra Leon 245 petrol. I totally believe that the Formentor with the 2.0 245ps petrol would be a perfect match (they are very rare so far). All of the tech niggles you mention can indeed be switched off with two taps on the screen (literally). I find the ride height and quality far superior in the Formentor, but maybe because ours has DCC. Really enjoy the honest reviews and didn't even realise until now that I wasn't subscribed!
I'd take the 310 version all day, infact i did.... i have the leon 290 as well, both are savage at stock, but the leon is a different animal
Had it as a company car, I hated every second of it for the same reasons you do. I gave it back after two months after CEO told me they would pay for my own car if I stop complaining; so now I drive my own f31 and they pay me 2 euros per km, so I get to drive to work and make money. 😀
😂 that’s the perfect outcome
The other engines, except the 2.5 VZ5 and 2.0 VZ, are there just for balancing the CO2 charts per manufacturer fleet, they should be totally ignored if you want a Formentor.
You’re right mate, I’ve never understood his fascination with putting sticks up a car’s exhaust!
Lamborghini Urus you say? Go on, you know you want to.
Great-looking vehicle. I will say, I can understand why a lot of car-makers don't incorporate space inside the vehicle to accommodate key-fobs. It's the same reason why when you go to use an ATM, the machine gives you your card back _first_ and then the money you withdrew. Otherwise a ton of folks in a hurry would just grab the cash and take off! Leaving their cards in the machine. Early ATMs used to dispense the cash first. So, because the majority of people are "geniuses," ATMs had to be specifically built to ensure folks took their cards back.
These same individuals are why car-makers tend not to give you a convenient place to put your fob. Some "genius" will park outside of a convenience store. Run inside for just a moment to buy their beer, or smokes, or lottery tickets; and leave their key-fob inside their vehicle. Opportunistic thief jumps in, and drives off! With no convenient fob spot inside the vehicle, drivers are forced to keep their fobs in the pockets. That way, when they run inside to indulge whatever pathetic vice they're addicted to, their cars will beep at them that the fob is no longer within proximity.
The user interface is what puts me off the current range of Vw group cars
I am not that keen on these keyless cars, went to the supermarket today and couldn’t find the key on my return. Turned out I had left it in the car 😮
Last week I walked away from it and the car was still running 😅 it is either me getting old or habits of old 🤔 hate technology in cars, took my Jaguar F pace back to the dealer after a month as I was so tired of being told off. Wish I could take my wife back 😊
Well I was about to buy a used one for £26k, the V2 1.5L, guess I’ll rethink that one. Great review 👍
I was due to test drive the car in two days ( work commitments) I’ll still do this, but already decided against buying.
Thanks for review Matt. We have a Graphene Grey 190bhp AWD Formentor and love it. Travelled about 5600km since getting it in Sept. Have had many people stop me to ask about its provenance and admire it. To me, this is a car that has got all the proportions right, especially in colours that accentuate its bold lines. All the issues you talk about are true, especially the infamous touchscreen and light switches, They are courtesy of VW's parts bin and are synonymous with many Volkswagen AG cars. However, all the good bits that you talk about are thanks to SEAT/CUPRA. My guess is that CUPRA didn't get much choice in the infotainment/lighting systems - or it they did, the price of the Formentor's would make them much less affordable. All cars are compromises. To me the Formentor's compromises aren't at the expense of the driving pleasure for your dollar, or Euro.
Keep up the good work Matt, great channel.
Looks good, we get the diesel version here in Ireland, 150bhp 2.0l
I'll keep my BMW g30 520d though. 😁
Ah that’s interesting. Spanish people used to love diesel so not sure they’ll be happy about the switchover
A cool video from the road and fun to see the High Peak holiday backdrop✌
Thanks! Always makes a nice change 😎
Hi Matt, i've owned the 2.0 VZ2 Model, its probably the best car i've had and goes like an absolute rocket.
I thought as much. That would be the one I’d go for
@@HighPeakAutos unfortunately i have to hand it back in 3 weeks as my lease is up but if you get chance to drive one of the 310bhp models then do it. I've also heard they're making a limited amount of ones with the same engine as the RS3
@@mattycooper316 yeah that would be interesting
I wish we could get that in the US. We only get the crappy SH** Boxes. You guys across the pond have a better selection all day long
Had the same version for a few months now, and this guy nailed everything about it. If we had the budget we should have gone for the top version. Subscribed!!
Thanks!
5:30 no volume button and touch controls ,i agree with you but.....why to have a knob in between the seats or dash when you have all the necessary controls on the steering wheel ?Good vid as always ;)
My neighbour has a 1.5 litre manual in grey, don’t think he’s driven it more than a few times since 2020 as it’s genuinely always on his driveway (yes I know I need to get out more). Looks good though, if not uninteresting to drive
Turn the volume down from the steering wheel. Simples, iv got the fr Leon plug-in with the same entertainment system, and turn off the driving assists, that’ll stop the beeping
Drove this for 2 weeks around mallorca, loved it, so easy. I do drive an old audi a3 back in London so explains it. Found the tech easy to use and those alarms you can turn off
Just bought a brand new unregistered Formentor eHybrid V1 in Graphene Grey for £33.5k. Looking forward to taking delivery.
I have one ordered phev for July 23 ,coming from a superb combi ,wanted something different,,I drove the 150 bhp for 4 days and liked it
Thanks now l know what a Cupra is l have seen a couple around they are selling them in Australia and l knew there would be a you tuber reviewing one l am a car nut to have been since the 1960s and glad to see your a car spotter also
There are some speculations which say that Cupra is taking design inspiration from INFINITI such as QX70, Q30, even though they don't activate in Europe anymore. To some degree, this can be actually noticed. I own a Infiniti Q30S (which I considered purchasing thanks to your review on it) and where I live someone always parks a Cupra Formentor next to it and they almost bloody look identical as if they come from the same brand, with the exception that the interior material quality of the Infiniti is much more superior(alcantara, chrome, leather and piano black trims) it being a 2016, whereas Cupra's interior feels way cheaper. That being said it's still a head turner. Great job on the review!
Infiniti 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
So excited when I saw the thumbnail for this video! Shame they gave you the V1, the V2 is a lot better inside
Gracioso oír comentarios en castellano.... You can see that car in every parking lot here in Spain, even more than the León or Ibiza, It's the low-income hooligan car
I had a friend in Australia who has one, the in car entertainment system does not like the heat and shuts down (strange for a Spanish car) but, aside from a recall because the radiators where falling out of them, it's been OK.
Excellent review of a very nice car.....mine is coming first week in March! Ps V2 wheels are even nicer!
I guess you could always keep both hands on the wheel and use the volume control on the wheel.
With that motor, it is hardly sporting. In Australia, we have a choice of 3 motors starting from 140 kw and initial sales in the last 3 months for the brand have been very encouraging.
Only one good pat in Formentor is 2.5 TSI R5! :)
Great video Matt hope you're having a great time best wishes
Cheers! All the best
@@HighPeakAutos all the best to you as well Matt
Matt is a legend 🤘🏻
Cheers!
I love this brand nearly got a new leon. Interiors look great and performance is great. Plus a very cool unique badge
I saw one parked up the other day and was impressed by the looks (in red), thought it was a new Jaguar E pace until I got a closer look.
I do like these and have been thinking of chopping in the GLA I currently have for one. Thanks for the video, and the weather certainly looks better than Stockport.
It’s definitely better looking than the GLA
@@HighPeakAutos Yes they are very stylish. I saw my first one with a pan roof recently which was a pleasant surprise, as I didn’t think it was an option on the Formentor. I like the V2 spec we get over here which has the all in one seat and headrest (like AMG line Mercedes seats) and larger wheels. It certainly seems better value and more interesting than VW’s Tiguan too.
Different review from "I bought a vw passat for 300 quid" but you've done a good job. This car is on my shortlist for my next car so a very useful review. The i30n is also on my list but no auto😢
A man who can speak many languages to his car great report and great video as ever Matt
Spot on comment re the mechatronic unit. Wife’s Golf mk6 has a dry DSG and within a year of buying what was a 6 year old car it needed a new one, then six months later dual clutch pack. Didn’t do the flywheel then so that’ll need doing before long too. Once over that (around £2.5k all in from VW) it’s been a decent car. With hindsight I’d have gone for a manual petrol instead of the TDI with DSG.
Those Spanish lessons paid off Matt, great review as always.
Easy answer: Yes. No doubt. With all weird engines and stuff coming out I will run and buy one today ... but I own one nice too so ... I want one but I have the right one for me ... (A LR ... i like country rides)
I have the 1.5l V2, comes with a few more bells and whistles, I’m used to SEAT, I’ve had 6. Miss my Leon Cupra. Gets me to work and back, everyone always asking what car is that? Top spec engine would be ideal, I just couldn’t justify spending that much. My boy racing days are over, and just need something to say I’m back driving a Cupra!
Your a sado mate 😂
I took delivery of the 310 bhp VZ2 version on 1st Dec, as CZcamsr PetrolPed says 'it's formidable' and I absolutely agree, yes underneath it's very Golf R.
Those annoying interruptions can all be turned off within the infotainment system and once set up you can almost forget about it and as complex as it is you get used to just what you want at the time with like now being winter but I do agree it could well be dangerous operating it while on the go so I leave that to the wife.
I also agree that the 1.5 litre model shouldn't be worthy of the Cupra logo, it's just suited as a hire car or a commuter or a shopping car and God forbid my VZ2 (veloz) may be mistaken for one. Lol.
They are killing Seat off that’s why
I’ve had a cupra born for the last 7 months love the car but the tech especially the infotainment screen is a challenge lol it sends you new settings every time you drive which if you press ok will change all you’re personal settings like heating then fight you if you try to change them back lol it’s becomes a battle of willpower where the user usually gives in
To me, it looks like a failed Mazda Skyactive thing. And the rear airport landing strip light..., I do feel that American Garish of the 50's and 60's did it so much better.
Bring the Spanish weather back with you Matt!!.
I would say the "niche" for Cupra is a normal everyday driving car that looks good and sporty but is also relatively well priced. Here, an used 2021 Kia Niro Plugin would have been about 24-26k€ and an used Cupra Leon plugin was 26-28k€. Considering it looks way better, has more features and is bit faster, it was a great extra 2-3k€.
It is not necessarily the car (Formentor and Leon) for people who want to take it to the track, but people who want something bit more cooler looking that also works as a "shopping cart"
Another great video, ,loving your grasp of Spanish
Funny you mentioned the Urus. First thing I said when I saw it was budget Urus.
Cracked up at the singing versus voice recognition - that would do my head in proper!
I had four days of that 😂 Always interrupting my Radio Planeta
Agree with you that it’s a great looking car. I would never buy one or any VW group new car until they ditch their stupid infortainment systems. They are so hard to use. Totally put me off updating my Golf.
Exactly. I did a test drive a couple of months ago and the only bad part was the vw infotainment system. All this touch control madness nowadays means that you can't use it while you are driving. A touchscreen is great when using a map or a playlist, but for almost everything else I prefer a dial. It's just quicker and safer when you are moving. This plus the non illuminated climate and volume controls (who thought that was a good idea!!) where deal breakers for me. At least it still has regular buttons on the steering wheel instead of touch sensitive ones like in the golf
Just found my limits at 72… single track road passing places and deep verges,,, a touch screen at 40mph is not to be played with and any car designer that😢 thinks it’s safe has lost the plot.. No I’m not ok, it’s a pride thing. But the car is. Never went off road but close enough,
Looks exactly like Mazda CX-5. By the time Mazda was introduced in 2012 that was a new shape. But not now.
With that stand out of the crowd look it’s a hit but too much to go wrong 😑 temping on lease tho..cheers Matt
'...rear space only fit for Marie Antoinette' 🤣🤣🤣I need to write these gems down!
Generally speaking, I love the cleaner interior of modern cars, but the increasing number of screens and christmas tree LEDs just makes it look cheaper overall and the lack of physical climate, radio and light switches is a total dealbreaker for me.
Hey Matt! It’s nice to see blue skies and some sun!! I saw this model today from my bus ride in my home of Aachen. It was in Gunmetal Grey and it must of been an electric car as all German plates that end with E indicates it’s an Electric Car. They look a stunning car close up.
We are having some nice weather here in Malaga 👍
Always. I’ll be back soon
CUPRA leant me the Formentor 245 hybrid for a week, and I really enjoyed it. In my review I praised the styling as you did. I don't however like the touch climate controls AT ALL. The carplay crashed on me constantly too. And if you don't keep it charged, its slow and useless on fuel just on petrol alone. However, I also drove the 310 4drive, which is rapid, and basically a golf R after a few gym sessions. Overall, I'd probably take one just for the fact that people look at it in awe.
Looks amazing in black. One of the best cars out there 👌
The last time I went to the Post Office was years ago before I retired.
Awesome looks without sacrificing practicality. And you can get with all kinds of engines.
Every time you say, ‘easy to get in and out of’ you have to add the ‘you know’. Top gear reference.
I have to stop myself from saying that
@@HighPeakAutos lmao, ahahaha
I have this model, 150hp,it does what it needs to get around, unless you're happy to pay the extra £15k + £500py Road tax for the 310hp then fine,
2 different worlds...
That infotainment system would do my head in
There are loads of these in the UK. You'll start seeing them everywhere now
The 2.5 v5 from RS3 is also in this car...now that's a proper hotcross...or hotover!?
Wow.. I would love to test drive that version.
Good review Matt. You are too young to remember probably but worth you looking up the Dave Allen talking car sketch around the time of the Austin Maestro.
The country roads not ideal for Seat suspension. Ok on the well maintained motorways but anything off the A7 etc and it will rattle and clonk. So its you that drives all over the shop on the N340 is it. 100% agree about Torremolinos, only good things about the place are the roads out.
I have the 2.0 245TSI model, had it for 9 months now it's been brilliant! Luckily have had no major issues apart from the over sensitive voice control which you experienced- turned it off straight away!
Ah very good
Is the 2.0 not the hybrid
Great video, love those hills😊 that infotainment system would annoy the hell out of me but very smart indeed
"the crossover for people who haven't given up...." classic!
Thanks for the update - I'd seen the badge and had no idea what it was!
Your singing that song made my day. 😂😂😂😂😂😂 Thank you so much.
De nada 😂
I like the look of this car too x
Ordered the vz2 310bhp version last week, cant wait, just sucks as the wait time is loooong
By your standards I'm probably considered 'old' at 62. But I'm not a fan of the 'touch-screen-multi-menu' nonsense that (as you mentioned) takes your eyes off the road. If I want to turn the heating down, I want a simple knob rather that selecting 'air quality (select yes/no) - temperature (select yes/no) - increase (select yes/no) - decrease (select yes/no) and so on. I'm probably exaggerating but you get the idea....
I agree with you. I’m the same. It’s all to reduce costs I imagine but they don’t work
Great video. Looking forward to some new ones next year.
Really like the rear of the car , lights layout looks well 👍👍
Motor of a Kenwood Chef. Comments are hilarious. Great review too.
Thanks
I would choose this over it rivals especially for its styling and its cheap price
Cheap price?
Cheap? 😂
It's a taller Seat Leon for almost double the price 🤣
My guy they’re like £400 a month which is just slightly more than a leon
The 310 is around £44k, the 1.5 around £31k.
@@leeandjancruise in a lease or finance the difference in price is very small within £70.
Style over substance. I have the V2 hybrid as a company car. It’s quick. But I’m getting only 40mpg, the tank is very small so I have to fill up almost every day now. The boot is very very small. It’s full of gadgets. But there’s too many distractions inside for me. Looks good, but who cares when you’re inside? I would not spend 42 thousand pounds on it. Loud road noise too.
I think you should be on a stage matt your own comedy act you would make a fortune 😂 !!
😉
Love the Torremolinos dig ;-)
This week, I moved my Cupra Formentor on. Your assessment is bang on. It looks stunning, feels luxurious and drives pretty well. But…… the infotainment system is truly awful. I’ve been driving VW group cars for many years now. This one has turned me away from VWs (and sister brands).
It’s a shame, I thought I’d love it but sadly not.
Reminds me of a Smeg fridge. Looks great but only moderately adept at doing its job.
The accents are copper, not rosegold. Cuprum in Latin either as a noun means "copper" or "of copper" as an adjective, what I think it is in this case, with the female singular (nominative) or neuter plural ending -a ( something like "the copper one/s" probably referring to the car)
It’s a Leon, but a bit taller, I can see why they are so popular. I think the Peugeot 408 looks even better. It’s so stunning. The Renault Arkana is also a nice option. If you got a Formentor as a rental you’d be pleased.
Top spec Arkana does 0-100 in 9.8 sec, 408 7.5 sec while Formentor 4.2. There is nothing common in driving experience either. Even though those french FWD hybrids are nicely designed, they are slow and clumsy. But probably it works for most of the audience.
@@melluzi obviously I was comparing the 408 and Arkana to the 1.5 TSI as shown here.