Cupra Formentor VZ : Spanish Fire, Roadside Elegance
Jean-Pierre Ndu
Some cars you drive. Others, you feel. The Cupra Formentor VZ firmly belongs in the latter category. From the very first moments behind the wheel, it’s clear this SUV doesn’t aim to please everyone — and that’s exactly what makes it so captivating. Bold, confident, and unapologetically expressive, it offers more than transport. It offers an experience. One that awakens the senses and reminds you that driving can still stir emotion.
Design That Makes an Entrance
You don’t just arrive in the Formentor — you make an entrance. With its coupe-like silhouette, taut lines, and athletic stance, it looks like it’s always ready to pounce. The sharply sculpted front end, triangular LED signature, and that striking “shark nose” design give it a fierce presence.
The rear is just as compelling. Illuminated Cupra badging, geometric taillights, and vertical reflectors bring the whole look together in a display that’s as bold as it is tasteful. This is no generic SUV — it’s a statement on wheels.
A Cabin with Character
Step inside and the vibe shifts from aggressive to refined. The cabin is more understated than the exterior, but just as intentional. Sport seats hug you in all the right places, and the layout feels focused without being fussy. A wide 12.9-inch touchscreen anchors the dashboard, sleekly integrated into the driver-oriented cockpit.
Comfort levels are high, whether you’re carving through mountain roads or cruising down the highway for a weekend getaway. Rear seat space is decent for two, a bit cozier for three. And the Sennheiser sound system? It turns every ride into a private concert. It’s a sporty interior without the clichés — elegant, smart, and subtly daring.
A Powertrain That Feels Alive
Touch the accelerator and you feel it. The 333-horsepower 2.0L engine responds instantly, with a smoothness that keeps things civil… until you ask for more. The all-wheel-drive system gives confidence in all conditions, and the 7-speed DSG transmission shifts with snappy precision.
Switch to Cupra mode, and the mood changes. Sharper throttle response, firmer steering, quicker shifts — the car comes alive. For the bold, there’s even a Drift mode. Because sometimes, grown-ups need a little mischief too.
But what truly elevates the driving experience is the sound. Equipped with Akrapovic exhausts, the Formentor VZ doesn’t just go fast — it sings. The exhaust note is deep, resonant, and emotional, especially in dynamic driving modes. Downshifts come with satisfying crackles, and accelerations are accompanied by a throaty growl that resonates just enough to make you smile without being obnoxious. It’s not noise for the sake of drama — it’s a composed, well-tuned voice that adds character and connection. One that reminds you that this car is built for drivers who still care about how a machine feels… and sounds.
Confident, Composed, and Always Connected
What surprised us most wasn’t the power — it was the control. The Formentor VZ doesn’t shout. It dances. On twisty backroads, it moves with a grace that belies its size. There’s minimal body roll, plenty of grip, and a sense that the chassis always knows what’s coming next.
Even on rougher roads, the ride remains composed. The adaptive suspension strikes a balance between firmness and finesse. You’re never shaken, never fatigued. Just in sync with a machine that wants to be driven, not just steered.
What Stays with You
The highs:
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Bold, head-turning design
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Engaging and intuitive driving feel
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Real sensations, not filtered ones
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A refined yet sporty interior
- Personality that doesn’t try too hard
The lows:
- Steering could feel a bit more organic
- Firm ride in dynamic modes
The Cupra Formentor VZ isn’t your average SUV. It’s a mood. A deliberate choice in a world of compromises. We didn’t drive it to show off. We drove it for the joy of motion, for the way it hugged curves and hummed with confidence.
And that kind of joy — raw, honest, rare — deserves to be celebrated.
