Cupra Formentor review - MPG, running costs & CO2

You'd be forgiven for thinking the Cupra Formentor is something of a niche model, but think again. Cupra's first fully-fledged product gives customers a wide range of petrol and plug-in hybrid powertrains to choose from. Economy figures for the post-facelift cars are yet to be determined, but the following figures from the outgoing car should give a rough idea with most of the engine lineup unchanged.

Cupra Formentor MPG & CO2

With an SUV body, four-wheel drive and plenty of power, it’s no surprise that the 328bhp version of the Cupra Formentor isn't cheap to run. It manages up to 32.5mpg on the combined WLTP test cycle, compared to 32.7mpg for the T-Roc R and 36.7mpg for the BMW X2 M35i, but you’ll struggle to notice a difference between rivals in day-to-day running.

When we tested this model, it was capable of fuel economy in the mid-30s at a motorway cruise but this figure dips to nearer 25mpg when you’re in town. Drive it with enthusiasm and the number drops into the teens.

The 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine is less exciting but efficiency is noticeably better, with up to 44.8mpg officially when combined with a six-speed manual gearbox. CO2 emissions are between 138g/km and 142g/km depending on the exact spec of the car.

There are two plug-in hybrid versions of the Cupra Formentor if you’d like considerably better official fuel economy. The 201bhp model returns an official figure of up to 706.2mpg with CO2 emissions from 9g/km, while the 268bhp version returns virtually identical figures. As with all plug-in hybrids, you have the opportunity to complete shorter journeys on electric power alone if you make sure to keep the battery charged and doing so regularly is key to getting close to those lofty quoted MPG figures. The updated Formentor gained a larger battery for up to 77 miles to a charge compared to only 38 miles before, meaning a higher proportion of driving is zero emissions.

The plug-in hybrids are the obvious choice for business users, as the Benefit-in-Kind rate is substantially lower than the petrol – and any of the car’s non-hybrid rivals. Entry-level versions of the Formentor are covered by the standard VED (tax) rate, while the PHEVs get a small discount. However, any Formentor with a list price over £40,000 will be liable to pay the extra luxury vehicle tax surcharge.

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Insurance groups

Insurance groups span from 19 for the TSI 150 engine, up to group 33 for the range-topping 328bhp version with four-wheel drive. The plug-in hybrid models sit between groups 24 and 26.

Warranty

Cupra models come with the same standard warranty SEAT offers, covering the car for three years/60,000 miles. This is the same offered by mainstream brands like Ford and Volkswagen, but falls short of the five years of cover provided by the likes of Hyundai.

Servicing

Fixed-price servicing plans are available, so long as you subscribe within 12 months of purchasing the Formentor. These are 'inflation proof' and include the first and second service, costing from just over £400 to buy upfront or just under £20 a month for two years.