The automotive landscape in Australia welcomes a breath of fresh Mediterranean air. With European styling and performance credentials to match, the 2025 Cupra Formentor arrives on Aussie shores ready to shake up the status quo.
Cupra might not ring immediate bells for some Australian drivers. This relatively young Spanish brand, however, brings a distinctive character and performance pedigree that deserves your attention.
Gone are the days when SUVs meant compromising driving enjoyment for practicality. The Formentor tears up that tired old rulebook with Spanish flair and attitude.
The Spanish Invasion: Cupra’s Australian Journey
The journey of Cupra to Australian shores represents more than just another vehicle launch. It signifies the growing diversity of our automotive market and consumer preferences.
Spanish automotive engineering has historically played second fiddle to German and Japanese manufacturers. The 2025 Formentor aims to change that narrative through its compelling mix of style and substance.
Cupra began as SEAT’s performance division before becoming its own standalone brand. This heritage gives them unique insights into creating vehicles with sporting credentials baked into their DNA.
Many Australians might wonder about this newcomer’s legitimacy. Understanding Cupra’s connection to the Volkswagen Group provides reassurance about quality and engineering standards.
The timing couldn’t be better for Cupra’s Australian assault. Our market increasingly favors distinctive European alternatives to the mainstream Japanese and Korean options that dominate sales charts.
What Makes the Formentor Stand Out?
First impressions count, and the Formentor makes a strong one. Its aggressive stance and sharp bodylines represent a significant departure from conservative SUV styling.
Most SUVs struggle with identity crises—neither truly sporty nor properly rugged. The Formentor suffers no such confusion, embracing its performance-oriented character without apology.
You’ll notice the distinctive copper accents immediately. These signature Cupra design elements appear throughout the vehicle, creating a cohesive aesthetic that stands apart in parking lots.
The sloping roofline gives the Formentor a coupe-like silhouette. This design choice sacrifices some cargo space but rewards drivers with head-turning looks and improved aerodynamics.
Traditional SUV buyers might find the design polarizing. That’s entirely the point—Cupra didn’t create this vehicle for those seeking bland, forgettable transportation.
Performance That Backs Up the Looks
Under the sculpted bonnet lies technology that delivers on the visual promises. Engine options range from efficient turbocharged four-cylinders to powerful hybrid setups.
The base 2.0-liter TSI produces substantial thrust. With 140kW and 320Nm of torque, it provides spirited acceleration that matches the vehicle’s sporting pretensions.
Step up to the VZ performance variant for genuine excitement. Its uprated powerplant delivers 228kW—enough to propel this SUV from 0-100km/h in just 4.9 seconds.
Environmentally conscious drivers haven’t been forgotten. The plug-in hybrid variant combines electric efficiency with performance, offering up to 58km of all-electric driving range.
Every engine connects to a sophisticated dual-clutch transmission. The quick-shifting DSG gearbox optimizes both performance and efficiency across the Formentor range.
Behind the Wheel Experience
Slide into the driver’s seat and the Formentor’s sporting intentions become crystal clear. The low seating position and wraparound cockpit create a driving environment that feels more sports car than family hauler.
The thick-rimmed steering wheel feels substantial in your hands. Copper-accented controls and the prominent drive mode selector button encourage enthusiastic driving sessions.
Adaptive chassis control transforms the vehicle’s character at the push of a button. From comfortable cruiser to back-road carver, the Formentor adapts to your mood and driving conditions.
Digital displays dominate the dashboard area. The customizable 10.25-inch digital cockpit and 12-inch infotainment touchscreen deliver information clearly while maintaining visual appeal.
Weekend warriors will appreciate the all-wheel-drive system’s capability. Though not designed for serious off-roading, the Formentor handles wet roads and light trails with confident assurance.
Practical Considerations for Australian Buyers
Despite its sporting focus, the Formentor remains fundamentally practical. Five adults can travel in reasonable comfort, though rear headroom feels the pinch of that stylish roofline.
Boot space measures a usable 450 liters. While not class-leading, it provides sufficient capacity for weekly shopping runs or weekend getaways with careful packing.
Fuel economy varies significantly depending on your engine choice and driving style. The 2.0 TSI returns around 7.7L/100km combined, while the hybrids naturally perform much better.
Servicing costs align with premium European competitors. Cupra offers capped-price servicing packages to provide peace of mind, though intervals come every 12 months or 15,000km.
The ownership experience includes Cupra’s five-year, unlimited-kilometer warranty. This matches mainstream brands and exceeds some European competitors, addressing potential reliability concerns.
Technology and Connectivity
Modern drivers demand seamless connectivity, and the Formentor delivers. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard across the range, reducing cable clutter.
The infotainment system features crisp graphics and reasonable response times. Some functions feel buried in submenus, representing the system’s only significant usability weakness.
Voice control functionality understands natural language commands. This feature proves especially valuable given the touchscreen-centric control scheme that can distract while driving.
Audiophiles will appreciate the available Beats sound system. With nine speakers and 340 watts of power, it delivers rich sound that elevates the driving experience on long journeys.
Over-the-air update capability keeps the vehicle’s systems current. This forward-thinking approach means your Formentor can actually improve over time without dealer visits.
Safety Features and Driver Assistance
Safety credentials remain impeccable throughout the range. ANCAP’s rigorous testing awarded the Formentor a full five-star safety rating—crucial for family buyers considering this sporty alternative.
The comprehensive safety suite includes autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection. This potentially life-saving technology operates across a wide speed range.
Lane-keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control make highway journeys less taxing. The system maintains appropriate distances from surrounding traffic while keeping centered in your lane.
Blind-spot monitoring compensates for the somewhat limited rear visibility. Visual alerts in the side mirrors warn when vehicles occupy your hard-to-see zones.
Predictive cruise control uses GPS data to anticipate upcoming road conditions. The system automatically adjusts speed for corners and speed limit changes—a genuine technological marvel.
Market Positioning and Competitors
The Formentor occupies an interesting market position in Australia. It’s neither a mainstream volume seller nor an ultra-premium offering, instead carving its own distinctive niche.
Primary competitors include the Volkswagen Tiguan R, Mazda CX-5 GT, and even entry-level versions of the Audi Q3 and BMW X2. Against these vehicles, the Formentor offers compelling value.
Pricing starts around $50,000 and extends beyond $65,000 for fully-loaded variants. This positions the Formentor precisely between mainstream and luxury segments.
Brand cachet remains the biggest hurdle for Cupra in Australia. Many buyers still gravitate toward established names, though the distinctive Formentor might change some minds.
The exclusivity factor works in the Formentor’s favor. Driving something different from the ubiquitous Japanese and Korean SUVs has genuine appeal for many Australian consumers.
Living With the Formentor: Ownership Experience
Day-to-day practicality matters even in sporty SUVs. The Formentor’s cabin includes thoughtful storage solutions for phones, water bottles, and other daily essentials.
Ambient lighting creates a premium atmosphere after dark. The customizable system offers 30 colors, allowing personalization to suit your mood or coordinate with the copper accents.
Climate control effectiveness deserves specific mention. Australia’s harsh summers demand powerful cooling, and the Formentor’s three-zone system maintains comfort even in extreme conditions.
Material quality throughout the cabin impresses consistently. Soft-touch surfaces dominate areas you frequently contact, while harder plastics appear only in less visible locations.
The optional panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with natural light. While it reduces headroom slightly, the airy feeling it creates transforms the interior ambiance completely.
Environmental Considerations
Increasingly environmentally conscious Australian buyers will appreciate the hybrid options. The plug-in variants offer genuine electric-only commuting potential for those with home charging.
Emissions figures compare favorably to similarly-sized performance SUVs. Even the petrol-only variants utilize efficient engine management and start-stop technology to minimize environmental impact.
Recycled materials appear throughout the interior. Seat fabrics and certain trim pieces incorporate sustainable materials without compromising on quality or appearance.
Forward-thinking buyers might consider the Formentor as a stepping stone toward electrification. The hybrid models provide a taste of electric driving without the range anxiety.
Cupra’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond individual vehicles. The brand has announced ambitious carbon-neutrality targets for its manufacturing operations.
Is the Formentor Right for You?
The 2025 Cupra Formentor makes a compelling case for drivers seeking something different. Its blend of style, performance, and reasonable practicality offers a fresh alternative in Australia’s crowded SUV market.
Those prioritizing maximum space and value should look elsewhere. The Formentor unashamedly puts driving enjoyment and design ahead of ultimate practicality and bargain pricing.
Tech enthusiasts will find much to appreciate in the comprehensive digital interfaces. The learning curve might frustrate technophobes, however, with many functions buried in touchscreen menus.
Brand loyalty represents the biggest obstacle to Formentor sales success. Convincing Toyota, Mazda, and Hyundai loyalists to try something new requires compelling differentiation.
The Formentor delivers precisely that differentiation through its striking design and engaging driving experience. For the right buyer, this Spanish interloper offers a welcome escape from SUV conformity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Cupra a new car brand?
A: Cupra began as SEAT’s performance division before becoming a standalone brand in 2018. It’s part of the Volkswagen Group.
Q: What’s the fuel economy like?
A: The base 2.0 TSI returns approximately 7.7L/100km combined, while hybrid variants offer significantly better efficiency.
Q: Does the Formentor have a good warranty?
A: Yes, Cupra offers a five-year, unlimited-kilometer warranty in Australia, matching mainstream brands.
Q: Is it expensive to service?
A: Service costs align with premium European competitors, with capped-price service packages available.
Q: Does it have good safety ratings?
A: The Formentor boasts a full five-star ANCAP safety rating with comprehensive active safety features.
Q: Can it go off-road?
A: While equipped with all-wheel drive, the Formentor is designed primarily for on-road performance rather than serious off-roading.