Cupra Formentor VZ 2023 Review

Wedged neatly between the entry-level V, fuel-savvy VZe plug-in hybrid and hot VZx – which range from $50,690 to $61,990 plus on-road costs – the mid-spec petrol-powered 2023 Cupra Formentor VZ we’re testing here is priced from $53,790 plus on-road costs.

Our tester’s swish Desire Red premium paint job ($475), panoramic glass sunroof ($2100) and Leather and Power Package ($2750) increase its as-tested price to just shy of $60K.

With no direct competitors from mainstream brands in the mid-size performance crossover segment, the sporty Cupra Formentor makes a good argument against luxury performance-flavoured rivals in the class below, including the Audi Q2 40 TFSI ($52,500 plus ORCs), BMW X2 M35i (from $70,500), and Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 (from $77,300).

Even the most affordable version of the 2023 Cupra Formentor comes fitted with a generous list of standard equipment, keeping you both comfortable and safe.

This includes keyless entry with push-button start, wireless phone charging, tyre pressure monitoring, LED headlights and tail-lights, four USB-C ports, tri-zone climate control, Cupra puddle lamps and front and rear parking sensors.

A highly customisable 10.25-inch digital cockpit brings an array of display options, while the standard fitment of dynamic chassis control allows you to further personalise vehicle dynamics via four options: Comfort, Sport, Cupra and Individual.

The mid-spec Formentor VZ rides on larger 19-inch Sport Black and Silver alloy wheels (compared to the V’s 18s) and brings a more athletic 180kW tune over its lesser sibling.

As mentioned, our tester is also fitted with the $2750 Leather and Power Package, adding leather sports bucket seats with heating, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat with position memory, a memory function for the exterior mirrors and a power tailgate.

It’s a pricey option, but one we reckon is well worth it for the supple, cocoon-like bucket seats and the convenience of a powered tailgate.

Meanwhile, the Spanish car-maker covers the Formentor with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and offers complimentary servicing for the first three years of ownership with every Cupra Leon, Ateca and Formentor.

The 2023 Cupra Formentor VZ gets five stars for safety where ANCAP – Australia’s independent crash safety authority – is concerned and it comes packed with all the important driver aids that aim to mitigate a crash in the first place.

Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, side assist, driver fatigue monitor, pre-crash warning and Travel Assist are among its key features.

You also get a reversing camera, parking sensors at both ends and helpful fog lights with cornering function, as well as blind spot monitoring that lights up a slimline LED in the door trim to warn you of impending obstacles.

The lane assist feature can be a little forceful in its movements, and we had a few cruise control troubles, where the adaptive cruise would slow down for traffic but take much too long to speed back up to the set speed once the road ahead was clear again.

Beyond its obvious appeal to the fashion-conscious, the 2023 Cupra Formentor VZ ticks a lot of tech boxes, too.

A big 12.0-inch touch-screen display offers navigation, AM/FM radio, wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but no digital radio.

Initially, it feels like a fiddly system to get your head around, with things like climate control, auto stop/start, heated seat settings and even drive modes all requiring several menu selections before you find what you’re looking for.

But the longer you live with its quirky sub-menus, the easier it is to navigate.

The touch-sensitive controls along the bottom of the infotainment unit aren’t as useful as a line of conventional buttons would be, but a hugely customisable 10.25-inch digital cockpit and a heated leather steering wheel – which is silky-soft underhand – wins back points.

Meanwhile, the VZ misses out on the premium nine-speaker Beats audio system found in the range-topping VZx, however the unbranded six-speaker system in our tester was good enough for our ears.

Those familiar with sporty Volkswagen Group Australia (VGA) products will likely recognise the athletic powertrain in the 2023 Cupra Formentor VZ.

That’s because it uses the same EA888 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol donk as a host of other VGA vehicles, including Volkswagen Golf GTI, T-Roc R, Tiguan R and even certain Audi models, to mention a few.

But the mid-range variant comes with a 180kW/370Nm tune – just like the current Mk8 Golf GTI hot hatch – which isn’t as impressive as the top-ranking VZx with 228kW/400Nm and all-wheel drive.

Cupra claims will VZx will sprint from zero to 100km/h in just 4.9 seconds, compared to the VZ which takes 6.8sec.

Even still, the Formentor VZ we have on test is no slouch. It gets up and boogies when you put your foot down, chugging along effortlessly through town and out on the open road.

It feels – and sounds – very VW-esque, with a relatively muted exhaust note that doesn’t cause much commotion, even in the racier ‘Cupra’ drive mode.

Unlike the base-spec Formentor V and red-hot VZx, which both employ an all-wheel drive system, the mid-level VZ is strictly a front-wheel drive affair.

But even though it misses out on the same all-paw grip as its siblings, it does a commendable job of getting power down through a seven-speed DSG auto that’s used across the Formentor range.

During our time with the 2023 Cupra Formentor VZ, we saw average fuel consumption figures range between 7.5-8.0 litres per 100km.

That’s a little over Cupra’s 6.9L/100km claim, which we couldn’t match, even after frugal-focused highway and suburban driving.

Thankfully, you’re not restricted to 98 RON fuel in the VZ as is the case with the VZx. Instead, 95 RON is the minimum.

As far as sporty mid-size SUVs go, the 2023 Cupra Formentor VZ is a delight.

Fitted with 19-inch alloy wheels and Bridgestone Turanza rubber, the Formentor VZ’s semi-low-profile tyres do a solid job of cushioning what’s otherwise a fairly firm ride.

While nothing compared to the racier VZx’s rigid set-up, some may find even the VZ’s adaptive dampers a little too harsh. The option to switch between four drive modes – Comfort, Sport, Cupra or Individual – is welcome, but even in the softest setting the ride can be unforgiving on rougher roads.

But that’s the price you pay for sharp-as-a-tack handling and impressive dynamics, which the VZ delivers in spades. It’s nimble, agile and feels like a hot hatch from the driver’s seat.

It’s enjoyable enough to overlook the road noise filtering through the cabin on anything but smooth tarmac and the sometimes laggy DSG.

Cupra mode turns up the heat a notch, firming up the steering and increasing the synthesised exhaust note just enough to make it feel even more athletic.

It’s the type of crossover you can have lots of fun wrestling around corners, and then drive straight to your parents’ house for a respectable Sunday lunch, and they’d never suspect a thing.

The 2023 Cupra Formentor VZ’s cabin is a lovely space to spend time.

Admittedly, dark materials and a high shoulder line make it feel a little claustrophobic from the outset, but that feeling quickly fades when you discover its generously low-slung and supremely comfortable leather sports seats (if you opt for the Leather package mentioned previously).

A super-soft leather steering wheel also feels great underhand, and sports car lovers will appreciate the cocoon-like driving position.

The optional panoramic sunroof does wonders to lighten up the interior, whilst not eating too much into the headroom of those in the rear bench seat. However, its touch-sensitive controls are a little too fiddly for our liking.

Materials throughout feel high-quality and supple, and the rose gold/bronze touches around the cabin add to its sophisticated aura.

For a medium SUV, the Formentor could do a better job of storage solutions, which aren’t extensive.

What look to be perfectly phone-sized pockets on either side of the gear selector won’t hold larger phones in place, and beyond a small-lidded arm rest up front and door pockets, there isn’t a lot of room for knickknacks, so leave them at home.

The second row offers ample room for two adults thanks to decent headroom and legroom, and features a centre arm rest with cup holders, a pair of USB-C ports and temperature controls for the air-con.

As for boot space, the front-drive VZ brings the most generous rump of the Formentor family, with 450 litres on offer (including a space-saver spare tyre), which should be plenty for most.

For performance SUV-loving Aussies, the 2023 Cupra Formentor VZ sure ticks a lot of boxes. It also looks bloody good doing it.

Whether the mid-grade Formentor VZ is a better option than the extra-spicy VZx will depend on how much petrol you have pumping through your veins.

If it’s just a little, the Formentor VZ will deliver plenty of thrills while getting you through the daily grind in style and comfort.

But if your adrenal glands are more attuned to pedal-to-the-metal excitement, go for the VZx.

2023 Cupra Formentor VZ at a glance:
Price: $53,790 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 180kW/370Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel: 6.9L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 159g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2021)