The automotive landscape of Australia welcomes a bold newcomer with open arms. Spanish automotive brand Cupra has officially launched the refreshed Formentor for 2025, bringing European flair and performance to Australian shores. This isn’t just another SUV joining the crowded market.
It represents a distinctive alternative for drivers seeking something beyond the mainstream. The Formentor strikes a delicate balance between practicality and excitement, challenging established premium brands with its unique approach.
Distinctive Design Language That Turns Heads
First impressions matter, and the Cupra Formentor makes a statement right from the start. The refreshed 2025 model maintains its coupe-like silhouette while introducing subtle yet meaningful updates.
Sharp lines flow across the body, creating a dynamic appearance even when stationary. The front fascia features a more aggressive look, with the signature copper-accented Cupra emblem prominently displayed.
The redesigned LED headlights incorporate a distinctive light signature that makes the Formentor instantly recognizable day or night. These aren’t just functional elements but contribute to the vehicle’s visual identity.
Australian customers can choose from several new exterior colors, including Enceladus Grey and Fiord Blue, expanding the palette beyond traditional options. Each shade complements the vehicle’s character differently.
The rear maintains its striking appearance with full-width LED taillights connected by a light bar. The quad exhaust tips on higher-trim models hint at the performance potential lurking beneath the stylish exterior.
Interior Excellence Meets Practical Luxury
Step inside the 2025 Formentor, and you’re greeted by a cabin that balances sportiness with everyday usability. The driver-focused cockpit wraps around you, creating an environment that encourages spirited driving.
High-quality materials adorn touch points throughout the interior. Soft-touch surfaces, genuine aluminum accents, and optional leather upholstery create an atmosphere that punches above its price point.
The copper detailing continues inside, appearing on air vents, steering wheel stitching, and seat patterns. These small touches reinforce the Formentor’s unique identity without becoming overwhelming.
Ambient lighting allows drivers to customize the cabin atmosphere with multiple color options. The system even reacts to driving modes, shifting hues as you switch from comfort to sport settings.
Practicality hasn’t been forgotten despite the sporting intentions. Rear passengers enjoy surprising headroom considering the sloping roofline, and the trunk offers competitive cargo space for weekend getaways.
Performance That Delivers on the Promise
Underneath the stylish exterior lies the real heart of the Cupra Formentor – its performance credentials. The Australian market receives several powertrain options, starting with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder.
This engine produces 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, delivering spirited acceleration without excessive fuel consumption. The 0-100 km/h sprint takes just 6.8 seconds, impressive for an entry-level variant.
Higher in the range sits the VZ performance model, featuring a more potent version of the 2.0-liter engine. Output jumps to 310 horsepower, accompanied by 295 lb-ft of torque for truly engaging performance.
All variants come paired with a quick-shifting seven-speed DSG transmission. The dual-clutch unit provides near-instantaneous gear changes, enhancing both acceleration and the overall driving experience.
Power delivery feels linear and responsive, with minimal turbo lag across the rev range. This creates confidence when overtaking or merging onto highways, knowing the Formentor will respond immediately to throttle inputs.
Handling Dynamics That Excite
The Formentor’s platform strikes an excellent balance between comfort and handling prowess. Adaptive dampers come standard on higher trim levels, allowing drivers to tailor the suspension to road conditions.
The progressive steering system delivers precise turn-in response without feeling nervous at highway speeds. Feedback through the wheel keeps you connected to the road surface, encouraging spirited driving when appropriate.
Body roll is well controlled through corners despite the SUV’s slightly elevated stance. The Formentor remains composed even when pushed hard, instilling confidence in the driver.
Braking performance matches the powertrain capabilities, with strong initial bite and good pedal feel. Repeated hard stops show minimal fade, suggesting the system is well-engineered for enthusiastic driving.
All-wheel drive comes standard on VZ models, providing enhanced traction in varied conditions. The system can send power to the rear wheels when needed, reducing understeer and improving handling balance.
Technology That Enhances the Experience
Modern connectivity and driver assistance features abound in the 2025 Formentor. The 12-inch touchscreen dominates the center console, offering crisp graphics and responsive performance.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration comes standard across the range. The implementation works flawlessly, maintaining connection even on longer journeys.
The digital cockpit replaces traditional gauges with a customizable 10.25-inch display. Drivers can configure information priority, from traditional speedometer and tachometer to navigation directions and performance data.
Voice control functionality understands natural language commands for various vehicle functions. This reduces distraction while driving, allowing you to keep hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
The premium sound system delivers impressive audio quality, with clear highs and substantial bass response. Music enthusiasts will appreciate the attention paid to sound staging and clarity.
Safety Features That Provide Peace of Mind
The Cupra Formentor comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety systems. Autonomous emergency braking works effectively, detecting potential collisions and responding accordingly.
Lane keeping assist provides subtle steering inputs when drifting across markings. The system feels natural rather than intrusive, complementing rather than fighting the driver’s inputs.
Adaptive cruise control maintains set speeds while adjusting to surrounding traffic. The system works smoothly, without abrupt acceleration or braking that plagues some competitor implementations.
Blind spot monitoring proves valuable given the Formentor’s styling-induced visibility constraints. The system reliably alerts you to vehicles hiding in difficult-to-see areas.
A 360-degree camera system aids parking maneuvers, providing clear views from multiple angles. The high-resolution display makes navigating tight spaces significantly easier.
Pricing and Value Proposition
The 2025 Cupra Formentor enters the Australian market with competitive pricing considering its equipment levels and performance capabilities. The range starts from $56,990 plus on-road costs.
This positions the Formentor against established premium brands while offering distinctive styling and driving dynamics. The value equation strengthens when comparing standard equipment to similarly priced competitors.
Higher trim levels naturally command premium prices, with the range-topping VZ model starting at $65,990 plus on-road costs. The additional performance and equipment justify the price increase for enthusiast drivers.
Cupra offers a five-year unlimited kilometer warranty across the range, providing peace of mind for buyers considering this relatively new brand in Australia. This warranty matches or exceeds many competitors.
Service intervals are set at 12 months or 15,000 kilometers, with capped-price servicing available for the first five years. This transparency helps owners budget for ongoing maintenance costs.
Real-World Ownership Experience
Fuel efficiency remains reasonable despite the performance focus. The entry-level variant achieves around 7.5L/100km in mixed driving, while the more powerful VZ model returns approximately 8.5L/100km.
Premium unleaded fuel is recommended for optimal performance, slightly increasing running costs compared to mainstream alternatives. However, this remains typical for European performance vehicles.
Insurance costs align with comparable European models, reflecting the vehicle’s performance capabilities and repair costs. Shopping around between insurers can yield significant differences in premiums.
Resale value remains somewhat unknown given the brand’s relative newness to Australia. However, limited initial supply and distinctive positioning should help maintain stronger residual values than some mainstream alternatives.
The dealer network continues expanding across Australia, addressing initial concerns about service availability. Major metropolitan areas now have dedicated Cupra facilities, offering specialized knowledge and support.
How It Compares to Key Competitors
Against the BMW X2, the Formentor offers similar performance at a more accessible price point. The Cupra delivers a more extroverted design and greater standard equipment.
The Audi Q3 Sportback provides comparable interior quality but commands a price premium. The Formentor counters with more engaging driving dynamics and distinctive styling.
Compared to the Volkswagen Tiguan R, the Formentor shares some mechanical underpinnings but wraps them in more expressive styling. The Cupra brand also offers exclusivity that Volkswagen cannot match.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA presents a more traditional luxury approach. The Formentor appeals to drivers seeking something different while maintaining European engineering credentials.
Against the Mazda CX-5, the Cupra offers significantly higher performance and more distinctive design, justifying its premium positioning and price difference.
Why Consider the Cupra Formentor?
The 2025 Cupra Formentor succeeds in carving out its own identity in the crowded premium SUV segment. It offers a compelling alternative for buyers seeking something beyond established brands.
Performance enthusiasts will appreciate the engaging driving dynamics and responsive powertrains. The Formentor delivers genuine fun without sacrificing everyday usability.
Style-conscious buyers will find the distinctive design language refreshing. The Formentor stands out in parking lots dominated by more conventional premium offerings.
Technology lovers will enjoy the comprehensive suite of digital features and driver assistance systems. The implementation feels polished and thoughtful throughout.
Value-seekers will appreciate the competitive pricing and generous equipment levels. The Formentor delivers premium experiences without the traditional premium price markup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Cupra a new car brand?
A: Cupra was established as a standalone brand in 2018, having previously been the performance division of SEAT, which is part of the Volkswagen Group.
Q: What engines are available in the Formentor?
A: Australian models feature 2.0-liter turbocharged engines with either 228hp or 310hp depending on the variant.
Q: Does the Formentor have all-wheel drive?
A: The VZ performance models come standard with all-wheel drive, while base variants use front-wheel drive.
Q: How much cargo space does the Formentor offer?
A: The Formentor provides 450 liters of cargo space with the rear seats up, expanding to 1,505 liters when folded.
Q: What warranty coverage comes with the Cupra Formentor?
A: Cupra offers a five-year unlimited kilometer warranty on all Formentor models sold in Australia.
Q: Is the Formentor a good value compared to European rivals?
A: Yes, the Formentor typically offers more standard equipment at lower price points than traditional European premium brands.