2021 Seat Cupra Formentor

The dashboard appears to float, an impression created by the horizontal full-LED wraparound ambient lighting which runs the width of the dashboard and in both front doors. This light is not only an aesthetic feature, it also includes safety functions, flashing yellow when Blind Spot Detection or Exit Assist are activated.

The centrepiece of the dashboard is the 12-inch touchscreen which provides the functionality and connectivity to all occupants and reduces button count. The driver benefits from a fully-customisable digital binnacle (Digital Cockpit) as well as a flat-bottomed steering wheel that houses the engine start and CUPRA driving mode buttons, as well as earbox shift paddles.

Powertrains: performance for the future

The CUPRA Formentor will be available with two high-performance powertrains ready to provide a unique driving experience that matches the sporty design.

The ultimate expression of CUPRA’s performance promise will be the 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine with 4Drive (4WD) technology. The pulse-raising engine provides peak power output of 310PS (228kW) and 400Nm of torque with an emotive sound that adds to the allure of the vehicle. The 4Drive system constantly monitors numerous sources – steering angle, wheel speed and yaw of the vehicle – to deliver power to the correct wheel at the precise time, giving a sense of confidence behind the wheel in any driving scenario.

The CUPRA Formentor is also the next step in the brand’s electrification offensive, with a high-performance plug-in hybrid available from launch. The 1.4-litre TSI 150PS (110kW) petrol engine is paired to a 115PS (85kW) electric motor, powered by a 13kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which allows the CUPRA Formentor to deliver eco-conscious performance. The eHybrid delivers a total peak power of 245PS (180kW) of peak power and 400Nm of torque with an electric range of 50km (31 miles).

Both powertrains are mated to a seven-speed DSG (direct shift gearbox) dual-clutch transmission. The shift-by-wire technology is designed so that the gear selector is no longer mechanically connected to the gearbox, instead using electronic signals to indicate a shift. This not only enhances efficiency but also offers a more engaging drive.

Underpinning CUPRA Formentor’s dynamic ability is the advanced and intelligent Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) system. The DCC system constantly monitors the road surfaces and driver inputs and makes imperceptible changes to the set-up in milliseconds to guarantee surefootedness in any condition while delivering the most engaging drive. The driver can precisely set-up the vehicle to their preferences, as well as select from four pre-defined driver profiles: Comfort, Sport, CUPRA and Individual.

You can find more visual details of the 2021 Seat Cupra Formentor gallery by scrolling up.

Safety and connectivity for every occupant

The CUPRA Formentor will integrate the most advanced infotainment and connectivity solutions, bringing customers’ digital lives with them into the vehicle and offering a more intuitive experience behind the wheel.

The 12-inch infotainment system, which reduces the number of hard buttons to a minimum, integrates both voice and gesture control. The touchscreen is a portal to the Full Link system which is compatible with both Apple CarPlay (wireless) and Android Auto (wired). Passengers can plug their phone into the vehicle via the four USB-C connection points or connect using Bluetooth to access their eco-system of apps.

Thanks to the embedded SIM (eSIM) card, Formentor customers will benefit from the CUPRA Connect app that brings online services directly into the vehicle, allowing customers to access downloadable apps, online radio and remote access to vehicle data.

At the touch of the screen, users can access driving data of previous journeys and remaining range, parking position, lock and unlock the doors, set up speed alerts so you can be warned if someone using your vehicles is driving too fast, be alerted if your vehicle has been stolen, or activate the horn and turn signals to find the car more easily in a crowded car park.

In Plug-in Hybrid variants, the driver can review and manage the charging process via the e-Manager, prepare the cabin for a journey by controlling the electronic air conditioning, as well as manage departure times, all from the smartphone app.

The built-in eSIM delivers the eCall service, which directly contacts emergency services should an incident occur, adding yet another level of safety to the vehicle. If an eCall is triggered, vital data is sent to the emergency services also, including position (based on GPS data), engine type, and number of passengers, making it easier for them to assist.

The range of driver assistance and safety systems makes the CUPRA Formentor one of the most relaxing and safest vehicles on the road.

Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) uses feeds from GPS data delivered from the navigation system and input from the front-mounted camera and Traffic Sign Recognition, allowing it to proactively adjust the cruise speed depending on the road layout ahead – bends, roundabouts, junctions, changes in speed limits and built-up areas. This reduces the requirement for driver input and mitigates against sudden speed changes and manoeuvres.

Blind Spot Detection alerts the driver to another vehicle in their blind spot when on the motorway (the wraparound LED light flashes yellow).

Exit Assist provides additional assistance when exiting the vehicle to protect other road users, as well as the vehicle. When stationary and opening a door, the vehicle will give an audible warning if traffic is coming – this can be other vehicles if on the road side, or cyclists and pedestrians if on the kerb side.

Deliveries of the CUPRA Formentor will begin in the last quarter of 2020.