
Cupra Formentor is an SUV for hot hatch fans
In many ways, this is a vehicle for drivers who need a practical family crossover but aren't ready to give up on hot hatch-style performance and driver engagement.
The Formentor is all the better for its recent facelift, including styling changes, interior upgrades and mechanical improvements.
Looks-wise, the somewhat tired-looking big grille from the old model has been ditched in favour of a heavily sculpted shark-like face that has a more contemporary and aggressive appearance. Triangular matrix LEDs further enhance the dynamic and slightly menacing look.
The interior is well laid-out (Image: T&A) The general appearance of the car is a fusion between SUV scale and coupe styling, making for one of the best-looking vehicles in this price bracket.
The rear end gets a new light bar with a central Curpa badge that lights up under braking.
The Formentor can do the family thing quite nicely, with a roomy interior and a decent-sized boot measuring 420-litres. Legroom is plentiful front and back, while the rear seats also get a fold-down armrest with two cup holders, and there are two USB ports available to back-seat passengers.
Behind the wheel, there's plenty to like about the Formentor, especially in VZ1 2.0-litre turbo guise, tested here.
The engine pumps of 333ps distributed through all four wheels, combined with a meaty 420Nm of torque.
It makes for a very grippy, sure footed vehicle – a sensation helped by the fact an electro-hydraulic torque splitter system on the rear axle, sending power to the wheel that needs it most.
The Cupra's paintwork glistens in the evening sunshine (Image: T&A) The steering feels pretty sharp with just enough feedback, while the suspension deals with road imperfections well and is composed over undulating roads. Body lean is also well controlled in corners, belying the vehicle's height.
Cupra feels to have got the spring and damper rates spot on, with ideal weight distribution giving the driver confidence in the car's capabilities.
The sprint from 0-62mph takes just 4.8 seconds, with a smooth-shifting 7-speed DSG box working well.
It all makes for a hugely enjoyable car to drive. The only thing that might make you think twice about the all-out performance of the 333ps version is the running costs, with official fuel economy figures suggesting 30.7-32.5mpg on the combined scale. After spirited stints of driving on one of the more sporty modes, this can drop to below 20mpg, although you have the option of selecting a more relaxed mode for better fuel economy.
The sharp-looking alloys (Image: T&A) The cabin benefits from a revised infotainment system, with a 12.9-inch touchscreen at the centre of a designed dash. The software is now quicker-moving than before, while the graphics are also clearer.
Plenty of soft-touch materials and design flourishes such as copper accents can be found throughout the cabin, giving a feeling of decent quality.
CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard, plus a 425-watt, 12-speaker audio system co-developed with Sennheiser.
The price of just over £48,000 means this is not a cheap car, but it ticks enough boxes to fully justify the price tag.
Cupra Formentor VZ1
ENGINE: 2.0-litre TSI. 333ps
PERFORMANCE: 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds and top speed of 155mph
TRANSMISSION: 7-speed DSG
TORQUE: 420Nm
FUEL ECONOMY: 30.7-32.5
EMISSIONS: 198g/km
PRICE: £48,035

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Auto Express
8 hours ago
- Auto Express
Apple CarPlay Ultra will revolutionise your car, and we've tested it
According to Apple, CarPlay is used more than 600 million times per day. It's no surprise then that the tech giant would want to keep evolving its in-car software, and Apple CarPlay Ultra comes as a giant leap in terms of scope and functionality. Set to arrive later this year, CarPlay Ultra will, at first, only be available on Aston Martin products. However, more manufacturers have signed up and will bring it to their cars in the near future. Before the new system's release to the public, we've taken a deep dive to uncover what you can expect from this next generation of in-car smartphone mirroring. The headline feature of CarPlay Ultra is undoubtedly how the software now extends into the car's instrument cluster, creating a more seamless feel and providing essential information right in your eyeline. Advertisement - Article continues below There are six different layouts to choose from, ranging from a full-screen display for music or sat-nav maps, to minimalist line gauges, reminiscent of the Modular face on the Apple Watch. The stand-out configuration is almost certainly the one designed by Aston Martin itself; this is dressed in British Racing Green and enhanced by small flourishes such as the 'Made in Great Britain' script on the speedometer. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Users can easily swipe on the steering wheel controls to configure the centre widget to once again show things like music, sat-nav maps and car information. While this is the only Aston-specific gauge at the moment, the firm hinted that there is scope to add more in the future. What's mentioned above is the only customisation possible on Aston's own set of CarPlay dials; Apple's own gauges can be tweaked to your preference, however, with different colours and backgrounds all via the main touchscreen. Speaking of which… The focus of the Ultra additions to the main screen isn't to completely change the look of the CarPlay experience, but to add more functionality without having to duck out into the car's own infotainment software. With this in mind, users will find that Ultra features three new icons on the home screen: Radio, Climate and Car. The first two are self-explanatory; you can now adjust the car's radio and climate settings (including things like turning on heated seats and windscreen demisters) all within the slick and easy-to-use boundaries of CarPlay itself. Advertisement - Article continues below More interesting, however, is the new Car app, which houses almost all of the settings you may want to adjust on the fly, all accessed via Apple's beautifully simple user interface. For example, you can change and configure drive modes, as well as turn off driver-assistance functions; pressing a physical button on the centre console to turn off ADAS systems also responds within the CarPlay interface, keeping the whole experience feeling seamless. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below That said, several functions, such as adjusting the ambient lighting, require Aston's own infotainment software. Thankfully, Apple has engineered a clever solution, which essentially punches through the main screen to Aston's operating system, allowing you to adjust things but maintaining CarPlay's own menu bars along the side. This makes switching out easier and ensures the experience doesn't feel at all jilted. Swipe right on the main screen and this will now also bring you to a set of widgets like those on the iPhone when in Dock mode. Users can flick between different widgets for things like the time, calendar, to-do lists and other handy info that can be viewed at a glance. So far, Aston Martin is the only car manufacturer to offer CarPlay Ultra; new orders of the DBX 707, DB12 and Vanquish will all come with the necessary firmware in preparation, while older cars with Aston's latest infotainment system can be retrofitted with this for what sources refer to as 'a small additional cost'. Don't fret if you're not able to splash a six-figure sum on a new car, though; Apple has confirmed Kia, Hyundai and Genesis are set to receive CarPlay Ultra capability in the near future, with the likes of Audi, BMW, Ford, Land Rover, Mercedes, Porsche and Volvo having also previously pledged their support for the program. Setting up CarPlay Ultra is just as simple (or difficult, depending on who you ask) as standard CarPlay. Connect your phone via Bluetooth or cable to the car and follow the on-screen instructions to pair the two. Then your iPhone will proceed to download roughly 50MB of software data to the car's infotainment system, which may take a few minutes. After this point, CarPlay Ultra will immediately launch and will continue to do so automatically each time you enter the car, provided your phone connects successfully. You can also turn the Ultra system off and switch to traditional CarPlay, if you'd rather use your car's own dials/controls. Click here for list of the best car infotainment systems ... Find a car with the experts Car Deal of the Day: A Volkswagen Golf R Estate for less than a GTI Car Deal of the Day: A Volkswagen Golf R Estate for less than a GTI The Golf R Estate is one of the best performance estates around – and right now it's criminally cheap. It's our Deal of the Day for 9 June. Should Citroen make a new 2CV? Some say oui, others say non Should Citroen make a new 2CV? Some say oui, others say non A new Citroen 2CV could be inbound, but would this be a French fancy or a financial flop? Hyundai Santa Fe vs Volkswagen Tayron: which SUV is best for a big family? Hyundai Santa Fe vs Volkswagen Tayron: which SUV is best for a big family? Volkswagen's new Tayron takes over from the Tiguan Allspace as the brand's seven-seat family SUV. How does it fare against the latest Hyundai Santa Fe… Car group tests 7 Jun 2025


Auto Blog
16 hours ago
- Auto Blog
Here's What iOS 26 Brings to Apple CarPlay
The tech giant hosted its annual WWDC in Cupertino, revealing updates to the CarPlay that go with the new iOS 26. Apple CarPlay: 600 Million Daily Users According to Apple, its CarPlay feature is being used worldwide 600 million times a day (except in some American vehicles). It has evolved from being a bonus feature for vehicle-owning iPhone users into an essential feature for car drivers with updates to the system coming with every major iOS rollout. During its keynote at Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in Cupertino, California, several updates were revealed for the newly minted iOS 26. An evolved version of the Apple CarPlay was also shown, and here's a brief breakdown of every crucial new feature, including the brand-new CarPlay Ultra. Previous Pause Next Unmute 0:00 / 0:09 Nissan's revolutionary self-driving tech hits Japan's streets Watch More iOS 26 Upgrades: Smoother UI, Smarter Calls & Tapbacks Chief among the Apple CarPlay updates that go with the iOS 26 is the system-wide refreshed visual design, featuring icons that adapt seamlessly to light and dark modes. Those who receive a call while on the road will see a compact display, allowing users to continue seeing screen content like navigation while taking calls. Apple also introduced Tapbacks for messages, which are instant emoji-style reactions to messages, presumably so the driver won't have to take their eyes off the road. Pinned conversations are also available for quick access while driving. Meanwhile, Apple also added widgets to CarPlay, which are designed to be quick, glanceable, and informative without distracting the driver. These widgets also employ live updates to help drivers stay informed of important activities (e.g., a friend's flight status), without losing focus on the tiller. These Apple CarPlay updates are expected to go live as soon as iOS 26 rolls out to users this fall. The tech company didn't disclose an exact date for the public launch of the new system, but a public beta is expected to roll out in July, according to reports. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. CarPlay Ultra: The 'Ultimate' Dashboard Experience Apart from the generic Apple CarPlay, the company also reintroduced CarPlay Ultra, which was announced last month. The new system is touted as the 'ultimate' CarPlay experience, offering a unified, consistent interface across all driver-facing screens in the vehicle. Customizable layout and design of dashboard information are among the key features of CarPlay Ultra, adding vehicle controls such as radio and climate settings directly within CarPlay. Apple said that this is just the beginning, as more features are coming for CarPlay Ultra. Aston Martin vehicles were the first to get the CarPlay Ultra upgrade, with the DBX and Vantage, among others, getting first dibs on the feature. The tech giant said that it is collaborating with multiple auto brands to bring CarPlay Ultra to more cars, with the Hyundai Group reportedly next in line. Each system looks unique depending on the brand's styling theme. About the Author Jacob Oliva View Profile


Geeky Gadgets
20 hours ago
- Geeky Gadgets
Apple CarPlay Updates and iOS 26 Features (WWDC 2025)
What if your car could seamlessly integrate with your smartphone, transforming every drive into a smarter, more connected experience? At Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference 2025 (WWDC25), this vision took a massive leap forward with new updates to Apple CarPlay and the unveiling of iOS 26. From controlling your vehicle's climate to managing your daily tasks with adaptive widgets, Apple's latest innovations promise to reshape how we interact with both our devices and our surroundings. With a bold focus on personalization, connectivity, and security, these updates aren't just incremental—they're a glimpse into the future of a more unified, intuitive digital ecosystem. The official Apple Developer team explain how CarPlay's advanced vehicle controls and iOS 26's smarter multitasking features are setting new standards for convenience and integration. You'll discover how Apple is redefining the driving experience with enhanced customization options and broader app compatibility, while also making your iPhone feel like it truly understands your daily habits. Whether you're curious about the revamped notification system or intrigued by the expanded cross-device functionality, these updates reflect Apple's unwavering commitment to innovation. As we unpack these features, you might find yourself wondering: how much closer are we to a world where technology feels less like a tool and more like an extension of ourselves? WWDC25 Highlights: CarPlay & iOS 26 Apple CarPlay: A New Era of Vehicle Integration CarPlay emerged as a central highlight at WWDC25, unveiling features that deepen its integration with vehicles and expand its capabilities. The platform now supports advanced vehicle controls, allowing you to manage climate settings, adjust seats, and monitor real-time diagnostics directly from the CarPlay interface. This eliminates the need to switch between your car's native systems and Apple's software, creating a more cohesive and streamlined driving experience. Beyond these controls, CarPlay now offers broader third-party app integration, giving you access to a wider range of navigation tools, communication apps, and entertainment platforms. For example, you can now use alternative mapping services or stream from additional platforms without leaving the CarPlay interface. These updates ensure the system adapts to your preferences while maintaining Apple's hallmark simplicity and reliability. Additionally, the updated CarPlay interface introduces enhanced customization options, allowing you to tailor the dashboard layout to suit your needs. Whether you prioritize navigation, music, or communication, the new design ensures that the most relevant information is always at your fingertips. This evolution in CarPlay underscores Apple's commitment to improving both functionality and user satisfaction. iOS 26: Smarter, More Personalized Features The introduction of iOS 26 brings a host of new features designed to enhance functionality and provide a more personalized user experience. One of the standout updates is improved multitasking, which allows you to switch between apps more fluidly. This feature is particularly beneficial for professionals, as it streamlines workflows and minimizes interruptions during task management. Personalization takes center stage with the addition of adaptive widgets that dynamically adjust based on your habits and routines. For instance, your device might prioritize calendar updates during work hours or display fitness data after a workout. These intelligent adjustments make your interactions with iOS 26 more intuitive and tailored to your unique needs. Security remains a cornerstone of Apple's strategy, and iOS 26 introduces advanced privacy tools to give you greater control over your data. Features such as app activity monitoring and enhanced encryption protocols ensure that your information remains secure. These updates reinforce Apple's commitment to safeguarding your privacy while delivering a secure and reliable user experience. Another notable enhancement is the revamped notification system, which now categorizes alerts based on priority and context. This ensures that you receive the most important updates without being overwhelmed by less critical notifications. Combined with the other features, iOS 26 offers a more streamlined and efficient interaction with your device. Apple WWDC25 Apple Carplay iOS 26 Watch this video on YouTube. Dive deeper into Apple CarPlay with other articles and guides we have written below. Unified Ecosystem: Seamless Device Integration Apple's ecosystem thrives on seamless integration, and the updates unveiled at WWDC25 further reinforce this vision. The enhancements to CarPlay and iOS 26 are designed to work harmoniously with other Apple devices, creating a unified experience across the ecosystem. Features like Universal Control and Handoff have been refined to allow for smoother transitions between your iPhone, Apple Watch, and MacBook. This integration extends beyond personal devices to include smart home technology. The upgraded Home app in iOS 26 now supports a wider range of third-party accessories, allowing you to manage your connected devices from a single interface. Whether you're adjusting your thermostat, controlling lighting, or monitoring security cameras, the enhanced interoperability ensures a smoother and more efficient experience. Apple has also improved cross-device communication, allowing you to start a task on one device and seamlessly continue it on another. For example, you can begin drafting an email on your iPhone and finish it on your MacBook without losing any progress. These updates highlight Apple's dedication to creating an ecosystem where every device complements the others, enhancing both convenience and productivity. Driving Innovation Across the Apple Ecosystem The updates announced at WWDC25 underscore Apple's ongoing commitment to innovation and connectivity. By enhancing CarPlay and introducing iOS 26, Apple is not only improving individual products but also strengthening the links between them. This interconnected approach fosters a more unified and efficient user experience, where each device works seamlessly with the others. For users, these advancements translate into greater convenience and functionality in everyday interactions with technology. Whether you're navigating with CarPlay, managing tasks on iOS 26, or using the broader Apple ecosystem, these updates are designed to integrate effortlessly into your life. Apple's focus on practical innovation ensures that its technology continues to adapt to your needs while maintaining its signature simplicity and reliability. Media Credit: Apple Developer Filed Under: Apple, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.