SEAT’s CUPRA brand is marking its first anniversary by taking the covers off one its most stunning, dynamic and eye-catching models yet; the concept-car CUPRA Formentor.
With a dazzling exterior design that instantly captures the attention, an interior that cocoons the driver and passengers, integrating the latest technologies and a powertrain that provides conscientious performance, the CUPRA Formentor is a window into the future of the high-performance brand.
The vehicle brings together the benefits of a performance car with the qualities of an SUV, at a time when the CUV segment is destined to see incredible growth.
It demonstrates the ambition, expressiveness and inspiration that the brand inherently holds and underlines the CUPRA’s position as a technology brand with its sights on the future.
CUPRA’s first year of operations has already proven its potential in the wider European market, as sales in 2018 increased by 40% compared to last year, with up to 14,400 units sold.
Niall Phillips, Brand Director at SEAT and CUPRA Ireland commented: “We‘ve been thrilled to see a positive reaction so far to the new CUPRA Ateca which arrived in Ireland in January, and we look forward to bringing you more from the CUPRA brand. This incredible new concept car is a taste of what’s to come from this high-performance brand in the future.”
DESIGNED TO BE NOTICED
The CUPRA Formentor is a concept-car full of character, sculpted to emphasise its varied attributes and sophistication.
This sporty new vehicle is close to the ground, with visual emphasis placed towards the rear, whilst also accentuating the length of the bonnet, underscoring its dynamic proportions.
“The CUPRA Formentor’s strong design points are the beauty of its proportions, the strength of its lines, the refinement of its surfaces and the sublime colour concept. I truly believe that CUPRA Formentor inspires pure desire,” said Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos, Director of Design.
The two-tone body is reminiscent of a robust all-terrain vehicle, but the design uses the aesthetic technique to lighten the vehicle’s silhouette.
Unlike the toughened, rough finish on a traditional SUV, the model uses a seamless design, amplifying the vehicle’s exterior quality.
The feeling of high quality is strengthened by the integration of the rear infinite light concept that magnifies the distinctive look, whilst overall design is heightened by the matt petrol blue exclusive exterior colour.
INTERIOR SOPHISTICATION
The CUPRA Formentor’s expressive exterior design is matched by its high quality interior. The cabin provides a sense of modernity and sportiness.
From the moment the door opens and the welcome light is projected, to the CUPRA steering wheel and the leather-clad bucket seats, passengers are cocooned in a high-end interior that wraps around them.
The dashboard seemingly floats, providing a horizontal line across the front of the cabin, maximising expressiveness. Interior use of dark chrome and black high gloss accents aid the cabin’s premium feel.
The carbon-backed sports bucket seats give a sense of lightness while also highlighting the performance credentials of the model as the driver sits lower, in a more ergonomic position.
Technology is at the forefront inside the vehicle with the integration of the digital cockpit putting all the necessary driving information right in front of the driver, and a 10” panoramic floating navigation system providing a near endless source of functionality and connectivity to the occupants.
ENGINEERED FOR THE FUTURE
The CUPRA Formentor is engineered to take the brand into the future, incorporating one of the most advanced propulsion systems and providing the performance the CUPRA badge demands, but in a sustainable manner.
Powering the car is the high-performance plug-in hybrid engine, a powertrain designed to meet today’s requirements for performance and efficiency and begin the electrification of the brand.
Mixing the technology of an advanced high-performance plug-in Hybrid petrol engine with a high power output, with the high-torque characteristics of an electric motor allows the CUPRA Formentor to surpass performance expectations.
Linked to a dual-clutch DSG transmission the total output of 180kW/245PS is delivered seamlessly to the wheels.
The intelligent DCC chassis setup and differential lock mean the vehicle performs majestically no matter what the driving conditions or driving style as the driver directs the car with its progressive steering.
While the CUPRA Formentor is developed to offer the highest levels of dynamics, the combination of electric and combustion energy also allows the car to reduce the overall fuel consumption of the vehicle, significantly lowering carbon emissions.
With the advantage of a large integrated battery pack, the vehicle can drive in pure electric mode for up to 50km in the new WLTP cycle (equivalent to a range of around 70km in the NEDC cycle).
The CUPRA Formentor will make its world debut at this year’s Geneva Motor Show in March, where the public will be able to view the concept-car for the first time, giving a taste of the high-performance brand’s future.
