I was about to write "SEAT has..." but actually SEAT hasn't. Cupra has, because - as I've been repeatedly reminded, Cupra is now it's own, separate brand - launched its new Formentor performance crossover in Ireland.
No direct SEAT equivalent
Because there is no direct SEAT analogue to the Formentor, it's the Spanish performance brand's first standalone model. Don't go expecting some wild, mid-engined thing though - while the style up top is all the Formentor's own, underneath the SEAT and Volkswagen family connection is unmistakeable, as it uses the same MQB platform and the same petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid engines as the likes of the Ateca and Tarraco.
Cupra Brand Director Niall Phillips, speaking at Wednesday's online launch event, said that the brand has now successfully distinguished itself from sister brand SEAT. "Cupra has a bright future ahead. With the addition of the new Cupra brand, we are now a company with two distinct brands, both brands have completely different target groups, and both take on very separate roles in the Volkswagen Group. The Formentor will be a door opener to new customers that look for exclusivity, contemporary design and innovation." Phillips outlined the positioning of the Cupra brand as sitting between the mass and premium brands, with a range that will expand beyond the current line-up, especially in terms of electrification. "Cupra will gain significant volume growth and market share relevance in the Irish market over the coming years as the product, electrification, awareness and retailer network become more established."
Eight Cupra dealers expected by year's end
Indeed, you will not be able to buy a Cupra Formentor from just any SEAT dealer. Currently, there are four Cupra dealers in Ireland; two in Dublin, one in Cork, and one in Limerick, but that number is expected to double by the end of the year. "Each Cupra retailer will offer the customer a unique customer experience through the appointment of a dedicated Cupra specialist who will be the only point of contact throughout the sales and aftersales process for the customer," said Phillips.
So, your €37,175 starting price gets you the most basic Formentor, with the 1.5-litre TSI 150hp turbo petrol engine. That one comes with a six-speed manual transmission, or you can upgrade to the DSG automatic for €40,885. Or, you could splash out and get the range-topping 310hp 2.0-litre turbo VZ version, which would cost you a whopping €64,425, but does come with four-wheel drive. Fancy a diesel? There's a manual 2.0-litre TDI 150hp for €39,135, or the same engine with four-wheel drive and a DSG automatic for €45,975.
Plug-in hybrid versions
More intriguingly, there are two plug-in hybrid Formentor's - a taste of the brand's plans to eventually become SEAT's all-electric spearhead - a 204hp version for €39,895 or a 245hp version for €50,130. Both models use the same 1.4-litre TSI turbo petrol engine, tied to a 115hp electric motor, with a 13.kWh battery. The 245hp model can hit 100km/h from rest in just 7 seconds, but has CO2 emissions of 32g/km, and can go for a claimed 54km on just the battery.
The brand also outlined pricing for the new Cupra Leon plug-in hybrid models, with the 1.4-litre TSI 245hp version starting from €41,210 for the hatchback model, and the Sportstourer estate models starting from €42,060. The PHEV is expected to be the top-selling Leon Cupra and will offer a full-electric range of 52km, with CO2 emissions of between 28.9 and 32.4 g/km.
Cupra says it has also made some updates to the Cupra version of the Ateca SUV, with the new 2.0-litre TSI 300 4Drive DSG costing from €66,065. PCP finance is available across the Cupra lineup, and Cupra Ireland says that its repayment plans start from €359 per month.