Cupra Formentor 2.0 TSI 190 4Drive. Only for the brave. So I dared

Let’s start with the glory and the glory. The Spaniards and the Germans owe a famous manager from Italy. It is Luca de Meo (now moved to Renault) who is the father of Cupra’s success. The father of a brand that has gained independence (for many years, the name Cupra was reserved for the sportier versions of Seat) and is already beginning to surpass the old power of Spain – Seat. Cupra sales are increasing as the revenue is higher. Very nice! And it’s very good that in the family of the Volkswagen Group, Cupra is one of the brands that generate the most profit (which means priority access to important components in times of shortage). And shareholders like that.

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Formentor is a special model of Cupra. It is the first in the history of the brand that has no equivalent in the Viti range. However, it is close to the powerful versions of the Audi Q3, which certainly improves its image. This was quickly appreciated by customers. Formentor is currently the brand’s most purchased model. However, few people know that most of the sales are not powerful versions with a power of more than 300 HP, but the most common and cheap ones. Why? Well, the price works wonders.

Cupra Formentor 2.0 TSI 190 4Drive Tomasz Okurowski

How much will you spend on a Cupra? You will pay around PLN 100,000 extra. zloty?

For Formentor with a power of 310 HP, you need to prepare at least PLN 229,000. zlotys. Around 100 thousand You will save PLN when you choose the cheapest front-wheel drive version, 1.5 TSI 150 HP. If 150 HP isn’t enough, you can pay a few thousand zlotys more to get 190 HP, a DSG dual-clutch automatic gearbox and 4Drive all-wheel drive. PLN 164,000 paid. zlotys. And I looked at this version during a long trip across the country.

Cupra Formentor 2.0 TSI 190 KM DSG 4Drive Tomasz Okurowski

I admit that I still have fond memories of driving the powerful version of the Formentor 2.0 TSI 310 HP. In short, gentle as a lamb in everyday use and strong and hot enough when dealing with heavy leg disease. So how does the less powerful version fare? Contrary to appearances, the 2.0 TSI 190 HP version is also as smooth as a lamb in everyday use. It is so subtle that the average person does not even realize that he is driving a car with almost 200 HP. Of course, everything will change after choosing the right driving mode. And there you can enjoy great power, excellent effects of pressing the gas pedal and the long-awaited ease of crossing, for example, long rows of trucks on a one-way road. Does the 190 horsepower Formentor leave you unsatisfied with its performance? I don’t think so. It acts like its technical relatives from the Volkswagen Group after the diesel scandal. It’s beautiful and has a nice little adrenaline flavor when you somehow lose traction when you start.

Seeking adrenaline

It is important that it is easy to get adrenaline in the case of computer reading on board. Our model and model mileage required on average is not less than 8 liters of gasoline. With a heavy leg, it is easy to reach two-digit values, ie to exceed the threshold of 10 liters. It is possible that as the mileage increases, the desire for fuel will decrease. However, compared to the competition, it’s not bad. Contrary to appearances, it is not difficult to achieve the same results with a powerful diesel engine under the hood of a competitive SUV with an all-wheel drive (of course, big wheels with big rims and attractive wide tires).

It’s easy to forget about the adrenaline when driving the Cupra Formentor. Engineers managed to achieve a lot to maintain a predictable and stable ride on twisty sections (without the feeling of lifting the front end). The car responds effectively to every movement of the steering wheel (sometimes even sluggishly), but it does so gently that passengers will not ask for a quiet car. The suspension also works surprisingly well, giving no reason to complain about tilting the body or transferring the passenger’s imbalance. The first feeling of stiffness quickly gives way to comfort and effective handling of bumps (regardless of surface conditions). The only thing the Cupra Formentor doesn’t like the most are the speed bumps shown at higher speeds.

Cupra Formentor 2.0 TSI 190 KM DSG 4Drive Tomasz Okurowski

The Cupra Formentor is surprisingly gentle in driving mode with cruise control and lane keeping assist. The most important thing is that he no longer rushes between the lines. It also doesn’t overact when approaching a slow moving vehicle (regardless of the distance you set). However, you need to get used to gentle acceleration when the path is cleared. Unfortunately, this can cause allergic reactions and flashing lights in some left lane drivers.

Use Travel Help. It’s worth it

During long journeys, I really appreciated the Travel Assist package with the road hazard warning and assistant functions that help maintain a smooth ride. Even on local county roads, the Cupra gave an early warning when approaching a roundabout or junction. The alerts appeared so early that it was enough to take your foot off the gas pedal to calmly slow down and avoid sudden cuts. This is one of those helpers that I thank, I praise, and at the same time I regret that the competition does not use the same solution.

Cupra Formentor 2.0 TSI 190 4Drive Tomasz Okurowski

Unfortunately, not everything can be praised. Like other Volkswagen Group vehicles, the Cupra uses a rough touch panel below the screen. It is used to adjust the volume and control the weather. Unfortunately, the panel still responds poorly to touch and is still not illuminated, which makes it annoying when trying to control it while driving at night. It is difficult for me to understand how such nonsense was approved for mass production.

Cupra Formentor 2.0 TSI 190 4Drive Tomasz Okurowski

Comfort is an improved multimedia system (also known from, among others, Golf, Leon and Octavia), which, after many updates, now works quietly. I even liked the Beats sound system (for years I had a poor opinion of that brand’s sound systems, which I considered overrated). I also have no major reservations about the finish. Although the Spaniards used many complex materials, they managed to maintain a satisfactory harmony, thanks to which the interior of Formentor cannot be considered as an example of poor finishing.

Cupra Formentor 2.0 TSI 190 4Drive Tomasz Okurowski

Cupra Formentor can also be appreciated for its width. There is plenty of space in the cabin for front and rear passengers. Even behind a tall driver you can fit and get room for your knees (finishing the line behind the seats) or legs. Importantly, no expense has been spared in the rear ventilation controls and additional USB-C ports. At least the driver won’t hear those in the back complaining that it’s too hot and they have no way to charge their phones.

The width in the cabin has its consequences in the trunk. The capacity is the same as in a compact car, ie in the case of the Formentor 2.0 TSI 190 it is 420 l (in the front wheel drive 1.5 TSI it is 450 l). This means that if you are going on a long family vacation, you should pack more economically or invest in an additional roof box. In this regard, there are no miracles, no matter how Cupra moves the senses and awakens emotions. The car was available for testing by Volkswagen Group Polska. The company had no knowledge of or influence over the content of the publication prepared.

How much will you spend on a Cupra? You will pay around PLN 100,000 extra. zloty?

Seeking adrenaline

Use Travel Help. It’s worth it

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