The car? A Cupra Formentor VZ 2.0 TSI 4Drive DSG, the new flagship with 333 hp under its hood, flanked by the latest facelift touches, a digital cockpit upgrade, and a new powertrain lineup underneath the same svelte fastback profile. The old one was already good; this one wants to be great.
Let’s talk about what changed, and what didn’t, after four days of high-revving, tire-shuffling miles through one of Germany’s quietest corners.
Optics: The Formentor Becomes Independent
The first encounter came on a fog-draped morning in the tiny village of Clenze. Even in low light, the new Cupra DNA pops. Gone is the familiar Seat-esque nose, replaced with a prowling shark-nose front end. It doesn’t shout; it glares. The triangular LED signature up front now pairs with a full-width light bar at the rear, and yes, the Cupra logo lights up, just in case the twin tailpipes weren’t enough of a warning.
Side-on, not much has changed, but that’s not a complaint. It still looks like it’s crouching, ready to pounce, with coupe-SUV lines and new 19-inch wheels that fill the arches like they belong on a track car. The Formentor doesn’t beg attention. It earns it, and with this facelift, it no longer needs to explain itself as the “sporty Seat.” This is a Cupra with its own face, finally.
Interior: Larger Central Display
Inside, it’s immediately familiar, yet better. Cupra hasn’t thrown out the formula but refined the important bits. Most noticeable is the new 12.9-inch infotainment screen, wider and cleaner, with new graphics and a faster processor. The climate control sliders are finally backlit, and thank the gods of ergonomics for that.
The steering wheel remains classic Cupra, flat-bottomed, with metal-rimmed drive mode and start buttons. The optional bucket seats, covered in eco-friendly microfiber, hug like an old friend. During longer stints through the forest roads, they never once asked for a stretch break.
I blasted Sennheiser’s new 11-speaker, 390-watt system, tuned for punchy highs and resonant bass. Combine that with minimal wind intrusion, except at Autobahn speeds, and the Formentor feels like a well-insulated performance lounge.
Test Drive in Formentor 2024
It didn’t take long for the Formentor to show its dual personality. In Comfort mode, it’s docile. The suspension smooths out minor imperfections along the rolling country roads, and the steering is relaxed but direct. Even Drawehn’s broken tarmac, a true suspension stress test, was handled without the usual SUV shudder.
But hit Cupra mode, and the crossover gets serious. The adaptive dampers firm up, the throttle sharpens, and the exhaust note gains a synthetic snarl from the interior speaker-enhanced sound actuator. I found myself addicted to flicking the wheel paddles, downshifting into corners, and leaning into every one of those 420 Nm of torque.
Traction is absurd. Thanks to 4Drive all-wheel drive and rear axle torque vectoring, the Formentor claws into tight bends and pulls itself out like it’s rear-driven. It’s not just fast, it’s clever.
VZ 2.0 TSI: Overwhelmed by 333 hp?
Numbers are one thing. But how does 333 hp feel in the real world?
Short answer: potent, but not terrifying. The 2.0 TSI engine is now tuned to deliver a consistent wall of power, all the way to 5,600 rpm, but it’s the sub-5-second 0–100 km/h launch that redefines how far Cupra has come from its humble SEAT roots. The DSG snaps through gears, and with Launch Control, it pushes you back into the bucket seat like a rollercoaster slingshot.
On a particularly remote stretch near Lüchow, the Formentor danced between tight corners and blind crests like it had memorized the map. Despite a curb weight over 1.6 tons, it never once felt lazy. Braking? Solid. Steering? Progressive and quick, though never twitchy.
The only thing overwhelming was how consistently competent the car felt. This is a fast car for every day, not a track diva that sulks at traffic lights.
Engines for the Formentor Facelift
The 2024 Cupra Formentor isn’t a one-trick pony, it offers a wide selection of powertrains to suit different driving styles and needs. Starting with the entry-level 1.5 TSI producing 150 hp, buyers can choose between a six-speed manual or DSG automatic transmission. For those who value efficiency and smoother start-stop performance, the 1.5 eTSI mild-hybrid version also delivers 150 hp but comes exclusively with DSG.
Diesel fans still have a place here too, with a 2.0 TDI offering 150 hp, also paired with DSG. Stepping up in performance, there’s a 2.0 TSI version producing 204 hp with all-wheel drive.
The VZ trim levels are where the real power comes in. One variant sends 265 hp to the front wheels through DSG, while the range-topping model delivers a potent 333 hp to all four wheels. All engine options comply with the latest EU6d emissions standard. he VZ5 five-cylinder is gone, the lineup still delivers plenty of variety, whether you’re a purist or pragmatist.
Plug-in Hybrid with Up to 272 hp
Cupra hasn’t ignored the electrified future either. The PHEV is now smarter, quicker to charge, and more powerful. Thanks to a 19.7 kWh battery, it can cover up to 100 km electric-only. Fast-charging capability up to 50 kW DC means you can top up significantly in a lunch break.
In hybrid mode, the 1.5 TSI and electric motor play tag with remarkable fluidity. Ideal for commuters or those stuck in city loops. Just don’t expect hot-hatch punch in pure EV mode, it’s tuned more for smoothness than snap.
Pre-Facelift Model in the Test
The VZ 2.0 TSI 310 hp variant impressed with road manners and chassis tuning, even on stiff 19-inch wheels. It scored well in evasive maneuver tests and offered premium comfort on highways, though suspension comfort in town was a tradeoff.
Fuel consumption was 8.3 l/100 km, decent, but not groundbreaking.
The previous 245 hp PHEV was lauded for responsiveness and seamless drive blending. But it didn’t match the pure combustion model in evasive agility, with some front-to-rear imbalance.
Technical Specification
| Feature | Specification |
| Model | Cupra Formentor VZ 2.0 TSI 4Drive DSG |
| Engine Type | Otto (Petrol) |
| Displacement | 1,984 cc |
| Power (HP) | 333 hp |
| Torque | 420 Nm |
| Transmission | 7-speed DSG |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive (4Drive) |
| Acceleration (0–100 km/h) | 4.8 seconds |
| Top Speed | 250 km/h |
| Fuel Consumption (WLTP) | 8.7 l/100 km |
| CO₂ Emissions (WLTP) | 198 g/km |
| Trunk Volume (standard) | 420 liters |
| Trunk Volume (seats folded) | 1,505 liters |
| Vehicle Weight (EU) | 1,641 kg |
| Payload Capacity | 519 kg |
| Towing Capacity (braked) | 1,700 kg |
| Warranty | 5 years / 150,000 km |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 4,451 x 1,839 x 1,511 mm |
| Starting Price | €55,345 |
Conclusion
The 2024 Cupra Formentor doesn’t just bring cosmetic changes, it finally grows into its identity. With a unique look, a cleaner interior, and a more defined engine lineup, it’s ready to carve out an independent legacy. It’s not pretending to be a Porsche, and that’s why it works. It’s just quick, competent, and surprisingly clever.
In the Drawehn’s rugged twists, it proved something simple: performance isn’t about speed. It’s about how a car reacts, how it feels under pressure, and how easily it puts a grin on your face.
The Formentor? Grin guaranteed.
Is the Cupra Formentor good for daily use?
Yes, the Cupra Formentor is well-suited for everyday driving. Despite its sporty character, the adaptive suspension and Comfort mode make it smooth and comfortable for both city commuting and long-distance travel.
Can the Cupra Formentor Plug-in Hybrid be used as a pure EV?
Absolutely. The Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid offers up to 100 km of electric-only range, making it ideal for short daily commutes, errands, and city driving without using any fuel.
Is the Cupra Formentor VZ with 333 hp too aggressive for everyday use?
Not at all. The Cupra Formentor VZ 333 hp delivers strong performance when you want it, but remains composed and manageable in daily traffic. It strikes a perfect balance between everyday usability and weekend driving excitement.
