CUPRA Formentor Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

In the middle of the spring of 2024, Cupra unveiled the facelifted version of its best-selling model, the Formentor, and changes were significant in all areas.

CUPRA evolved from a trim level for the Spanish brand Seat into a sub-brand focused on sporty vehicles. Moreover, besides offering similar cars to those of its sibling marque, it also produced a few unique vehicles, such as the Formentor. This lineup was introduced in 2020 during the world pandemic, and despite all odds, it sold well. It represented more than half the sales of the Cupra brand, and it was the best-selling A-segment crossover in Europe. As a result, the automaker decided to massively improve the vehicle and launched the facelifted version of it in late April 2024. The car shared its underpinnings with the Volkswagen T-Roc, but the design was unique for the Spanish brand. It also came with a more pleasant interior, with higher quality materials than its predecessor, and improved onboard technology. Last but not least, Cupra tried to pamper its customers by offering them an unusually wide choice of seats for a mass-market vehicle.

The 2024 CUPRA Formentor had a revised front fascia, sporting a broad gap underneath the hood. The lower air intake was trapezoidal-shaped, interrupted by a horizontal slat that supported the license plate. Cupra also introduced new headlights with three triangular LED daytime running lights that doubled as turn signals.

From its profile, the A-segment European crossover kept its sleek, dynamic look with a low-slung greenhouse and a raked-forward tailgate. A roof spoiler adorned the back of the car, looking similar to the one from the non-facelifted version. The Spanish brand also included new options for the wheel, with a striking new design. Finally, the taillights were replaced with ones that were visually connected via a light stripe across the tailgate, interrupted in the middle by the illuminated logo of the automaker.

Inside the cabin, technology took over and was improved over its predecessor. The 13-inch touchscreen infotainment unit placed atop the center stack featured permanently illuminated touch sensors for the climate control unit. Fronting the driver was a TFT display that showed the tachometer dead center, flanked by additional information about the vehicle, including data gathered from the onboard computer. Interestingly for a vehicle from this segment, the Formentor featured a supercar-like steering wheel, featuring the start-stop button for the engine and the drive mode selector round knob flanking the lower spoke. The automaker installed a pair of high-bolstered front seats, with two options for tall sports seats with integrated headrests. On the center console, CUPRA placed the tiny lever of the gear selector and a few buttons that controlled various car systems. The 2020 Formentor was often criticized for some below-average quality materials, and the 2024 version came to fix that. As a result, the door cards and the main contact areas were covered in soft-touch materials.

Under its hood, the 2024 CUPRA Formentor was available with a wide choice of engines, starting with a 1.5-liter gasoline unit that provided 150 PS (148 hp) and ending with the mighty Formentor VZ7 that sent 333 PS (328 hp) in all corners via a seven-speed automatic (dual-clutch) gearbox. The automaker also produced diesel, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid versions to satisfy its customers’ tastes.

Performance. Technology. Power. Hybrid. In 2019, the first standalone Cupra won our hearts with the Ateca. This year, the Spanish brand brought its first bespoke model, the Cupra Formentor. Not very different from the concept that previewed it, the coupe crossover was unveiled during the ill-fated Geneva Motor Show in early March.

Sporty design, strong lines and fine details, but with all terrain attributes included. 4 Soft metallic paints, 3 special paints and 2 matte options. Quite a variety of choices to perfectly complement Cupra's design.

The interior is equipped with high quality materials and combines both modernity and sportiness.

On the dashboard, we have a 12 inch touchscreen infotainment system, 2 inches wider than the touchscreen available in the Cupra Leon. It can be controlled by both voice and gestures and is one of the most advanced infotainment systems.

If you're thinking of buying the ultramodern SUV coupe, you have a choice of two engines. There's the hybrid version and front-wheel-drive, which comes in a 1.4L gasoline engine and an electric one to produce 245HP. For a sportier experience, a nice choice is the 4WD with 310HP.

Cupra seems to have put safety first and equipped the car with eCall Service (emergency services are contacted if an incident occurs, ACC (Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control), Traffic Sign recognition, Blind Spot Detection and Exit assist. Official pricing has not yet been released, however, it is expected to be a lot pricier than the Cupra Leon. Deliveries began in the last quarter of 2020.