Seat’s performance brand took the
near-production-ready Formentor concept to Mallorca for its first photoshoot on
actual roads. The location was not chosen randomly, as Cupra’s latest creation
is named after the Cape Formentor on the northern tip of the island.
Once it goes on sale next year, the Formentor will
become Cupra’s first standalone model. Based on the same architecture as the
Seat Ateca, it is wider and sits lower than its Seat cousin, posing as a
high-performance crossover coupe.
Power comes from a new plug-in hybrid powertrain
with a combined 242 hp and an all-electric range of up to 50
km. While Cupra remains mum on the technical details, the new powertrain
is expected to pair a 1.5-liter TSI to electric power paired and a dual-clutch
automatic transmission, a combo we’re going to see in most electrified compact
VW Group models in the near future.
Design-wise, the Formentor looks dynamic enough
without going OTT. The front end appears similar to that of the next-gen Leon,
albeit with its own unique touches like the front grille and bumper. The strong
character lines on the sides, striking LED taillights that are connected with a
full-width strip and the aggressive rear diffuser give the Formentor the sporty
looks to match its maker’s claims.
The dark matte blue paint finish of the concept
combined with the bronze and matte aluminum detailing also helps the case of
the Formentor, from a visual aspect. The interior can’t hide its relationship
with less sporty VW Group cars, but it does come with a digital instrument
cluster and a big 10-inch infotainment system.
The final production version of the Cupra Formentor
is expected to be offered not only with the aforementioned PHEV powertrain but
with petrol options too, which might adopt the VW Group’s latest 48-volt
mild-hybrid tech.
