Seriously sporty SUV a Cupra exclusive

Tuesday, 26 February 2019

Seat is a relatively new brand to New Zealand, and it's performance brand spin-off, Cupra, is even newer. In fact, it's first car - the Cupra Ateca - hasn't even arrived here yet.

You would be forgiven for thinking that a performance brand spun off from a parent company might focus on sports sedans, coupes and convertibles, but Cupra is clearly doing things a bit differently. And following the market with a fairly laser-like precision too.

That is because, while Cupra's first vehicle is a hot version of the Ateca SUV, so to is its first-ever concept car a hot SUV. And a very, very cool hot SUV at that.

The Cupra Formentor is the first car developed exclusively for the Spanish brand.

Cupra is celebrating its first anniversary with the unveiling of the brilliantly-named Formentor concept car, the first model developed specifically for the brand. The company says the Formentor integrates the latest technologies to provide 'the most unique driving experience, with Cupra's high-performance plug-in hybrid engine at its heart.'

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The Formentor boasts a high-tech, seriously luxurious interior.

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As SUVs get lower and sportier we might have to come up with a new name for them. Station wagons perhaps?

* It's familiar, but Seat Ateca SUV has a certain style**

The Cupra packs a plug-in hybrid powertrain that produces a total power output of 180kW, driving through a dual-clutch DSG transmission to all four wheels. In a showy flourish of the English language, the company says that the Formentor 'performs majestically no matter what the driving conditions or driving style as the driver directs the car with its progressive steering' thanks to the intelligent DCC chassis setup and differential lock.

And because it is a plug-in hybrid, Cupra says the Formentor has an all-electric range of up to 70km.

The Formentor packs an deeply impressive interior, with a 'floating' dashboard providing a horizontal line from each door across the front of the cabin, while dark chrome and black high gloss accents throughout the interior add a premium feel and the carbon-backed sports bucket seats are just plain cool.

A digital cockpit puts all the necessary driving information right in front of the driver, while a 10-inch panoramic 'floating' navigation system (lots of things float in here, it seems) provide 'functionality and connectivity to the occupants.'

'Cupra's response is exceeding all of our expectations and we want to continue consolidating this special brand, which is winning over the most demanding car enthusiasts.' said Wayne Griffiths, CEO of Cupra.

'Now is the time to go full throttle with Cupra.'

While there is no official word on whether the Formentor will become a production reality, it looks pretty much production ready to us, and Seat's New Zealand distributor has already said it would certainly be interested in taking it if it does.

The Cupra Formentor will make its world debut at this year's Geneva Motor Show, which would mean that - if it were to eventuate - it should arrive here before the end of next year.

Oh, and if you were wondering about the name, it continues Seat's tradition of naming its cars after places in Spain - Formentor is a peninsula on the island of Majorca that the locals call 'The meeting point of the winds'.