CUPRA Formentor 1.5 TSI 150 hp: entry-level review

Even though its aggressive styling is usually the first talking point, it’s the versatility and breadth of the CUPRA Formentor range that could ultimately win it more sales in the increasingly crowded field of sportier-looking crossovers.

That’s because the first model developed from scratch for the young Spanish brand comes in versions to suit almost every taste and budget - from the most coveted VZ5, with a five-cylinder producing 390 hp, right down to the entry-level option powered by a more modest 1.5 TSI with 150 hp.

And it was exactly that specification we brought back for another test: the cheapest Formentor on sale in the national market. But does choosing the sensible option mean giving up the excitement found in the more powerful (and pricier!) versions of the Spanish model?

The CUPRA Formentor’s sporty lines have been very well received, and it’s easy to see why: the sharp creases, assertive air intakes and broad shoulders give it a road presence that’s hard to ignore.

This version keeps all of those traits. The main visual differences are the 18” wheels (instead of the 19” sets fitted to the stronger variants) and the fake exhaust outlets - unfortunately an increasingly common trend across the car industry.

Inside, the overall quality, the tech-forward approach and the available space all stand out. As standard, this version gets a 10.25” digital instrument cluster and a 10” central infotainment screen. As an option, for an additional 836 euros, you can upgrade to a 12” central display.

Despite the low roofline, rear-seat room is generous and genuinely impressive. I’m 1.83 m tall and I can “fit myself in” quite comfortably in the back.

In the boot, you have 450 litres of capacity, which can be expanded to 1505 litres with the second row folded down.

Is the engine up to the job?

This Formentor was fitted with the 1.5 TSI Evo four-cylinder delivering 150 hp and 250 Nm - an engine with well-established credentials within the Volkswagen Group.

Paired with a six-speed manual gearbox, it features cylinder-deactivation technology (shutting down two of the four cylinders). Combined with the relatively long gearing, that helps keep fuel use in check.

It quickly becomes clear that this engine is designed to be smooth and quiet rather than thrilling. That’s a plus in everyday driving, where this Formentor always feels willing and easy to live with, but it also shows in its sporting credentials - an area where this version carries far less responsibility than the more “powerful” options.

It revs reasonably well and has some punch at low rpm. But the taller gear ratios blunt acceleration and, naturally, in-gear response. That means you often have to shuffle gears to get a more immediate reaction.

And what about fuel consumption?

While that takes a little shine off the Formentor’s sportier character, it helps in town and on the motorway. In those conditions, the gearbox spacing feels much better judged, and it allowed us to record an average of 7.7 l/100 km.

During this test, with a more careful approach on B-roads, I managed average figures below seven litres.

Does it live up to the name dynamically?

From the first time I drove the Formentor - in VZ form with 310 hp - I immediately felt this was a “well born” model, as the motoring slang often puts it.

That also comes through in this more affordable version which, despite “saving” on power and price, keeps the precise, quick steering and continues to offer a very engaging drive.

The test car didn’t have Adaptive Chassis Control, an option priced at 737 euros. Even so, this Formentor consistently delivered an excellent balance between dynamism and comfort.

On a twisty sequence of bends it never shied away from higher speeds, and on the motorway it remained impressively comfortable and stable. The steering always communicates well, and the front axle responds convincingly to our inputs.

On top of that, there’s something common to every CUPRA Formentor: the driving position. It’s far lower than in a conventional crossover, and much closer to what you get, for example, in a SEAT Leon. And that’s high praise.

Is it the right car for you?

This is the entry point to one of the most eye-catching and sporty crossovers on sale today, yet it doesn’t “lose” its appeal.

With an engine tuned more towards efficiency, it clearly doesn’t have the same firepower as the VZ versions - but it still delivers an involving drive and highly communicative steering. That’s enough for it to remain one of the most enjoyable crossovers to drive right now.

And the truth is, it still manages to be an exciting car even with just 150 hp. That doesn’t always happen.

With strong standard equipment and a very appealing mix of technology and safety kit, this CUPRA Formentor 1.5 TSI also has price as one of its biggest strengths, starting at 34 303 euros.

Note: the interior images and some of the exterior shots correspond to a Formentor 1.5 TSI with 150 hp fitted with the DSG (dual-clutch) gearbox, rather than the manual gearbox of the car tested.