2025 Cupra Formentor VZ Review

Each time we’ve driven the Cupra Formentor crossover, we get the feeling we’ve experienced about the best there is in the compact crossover sector. But can that last forever? Er, apparently, because there’s still nothing much else in the area that thinks it’s a hot hatch in disguise. This still goes like stink and corners like a car, so what’s not to like? Perhaps a price rise precisely when the global economy seems to be on a knife edge. 

Things have changed somewhat though, for the Formentor has undergone a recent facelift. There’s a new more go-get-em look up front, with an aggressive prow and reshaped bonnet line. Down the back are new lights, and a Cupra sign that illuminates at night, along with a full-width light bar. But the shape is still familiar, as is the urban friendly size of Formentor (4.45m long, by 1.84m wide). It fits easily enough in our garage and will tote five adults at a pinch, better for four though. A turning circle of 10.7m is city friendly too, not that rearward visibility is exactly first rate. Nevermind as a surround camera circumvents that issue.

Then there were two 

The Formentor line-up slims down for this year; the hybrid is now to-order only. Meantime, Cupra is making moves to become a national player. Outlets are on the up. Previously, there was just the single ‘garage’ in Auckland but now there are six. Five are scattered about the North Island, two in Auckland, either side of the bridge. There’s a lone Christchurch site on the mainland. 

Cupras are now more expensive but what isn’t subject to price creep? The entry-level V model is asking $65,500. When we drove it in 2022 it was under $50k. That’s in part due to a repositioning of Cupra as a more premium brand. So it competes now with a different calibre of rival, as does the VZ you see here. At one time this model with the hot 2.0T engine and DCT tranny was available for under $70k but now commands a price tag of $87,500. At least now you can haggle over the price however, Cupra moving away from the agency model. As if to emphasise its shift in status, the retail outlets are placed in close proximity to Audi dealerships, putting it in good premium company. You buy the Audi if you want the conservative choice, the Cupra if you want something a bit more dynamic with outgoing style.

More models though

Despite fewer models in each area, the line-up is growing. Aside from Cupra Formentor and Leon SportsTourer – the hatch has dropped out, as has Cupra Born – there’s also the new Terramar SUV, along with the electric Tavascan due here later this year. 

So now most Cupras you can buy have ICE power and electrification…except for the one you see here. It’s pure 2.0T power, hooked up to a seven-speed twin-clutch transmission and driving through all four wheels. It can honk, naturally, given its output of 245kW and 420Nm, cutting the sprint out in 4.8sec. We near as dammit managed that on a damp road. That’s so far ahead of the V it isn’t funny, being almost twice as quick. You pay more up front and at the pump of course. That said, we easily met its mean fuel consumption figure of 8.3L/100km (8.8 rightcar) on the motorway at cruising speed, even if the long term average was just into double figures. The mild hybrid V model uses a suggested 5.5L/100km.

Does the Cupra Formentor VZ fly?

Yes, it’s still a proper riot, especially in the more vibrant Cupra mode where it’s amongst the fastest, most dynamic and tastiest of compact crossovers available at present. And the best bit is that the ride is, if anything, even better. Sure, it’s firm in the go-hard Cupra and Race modes, but not jarringly so. And in the Personal mode, you can dial up adaptive damper settings from Comfort to Cupra. In the Comfort mode it borders on pampering, midway is ideal for regular out-of-town drives and Cupra is for, well, Cupra driving. This is the main difference from its natural Eastern rival, the LBX Morizo RR. It also feels more premium and is somewhat roomier. It’s also more potent, sounds better and is a half second quicker in the sprint. Like the RR, this is a limpet in the dry, confident in the wet. And its quick steering and Cupra bark make it feel even more like a hot-hatch.

Beware the options boxes as they add up. With Akrapovic exhaust ($7400), the Century Bronze matte paint ($4k), matrix LED headlights ($2k), panoramic sunroof ($3100) and special copper-coloured forged alloy wheels ($3300) that put the price over the top to $107,300. You can also order an Akebono front brake upgrade for $4500 but we’d not bother for the standard items are good as is.

Other rivals are more expensive and not as quick, like X2 M35i, and Q3 Sportback (ditto). VW’s T-Roc R costs less but isn’t as ornery.  

Cupra Formentor VZ 
$87,500  /  8.3L/100km  /  200g/km
0-100 km/h 4.78s
Engine  1984cc / IL4 / DI / T
Max power  245kW@5600-6500rpm
Max torque  420Nm@2100-5500rpm
Drivetrain  7-speed-twin clutch / AWD
Weight (claimed)  1679kg