Cupra is gearing up to bring a more efficient mild-hybrid engine to Australia in the updated Formentor SUV… but don’t be fooled, the sporty SUV hasn’t gone soft.
The brand has confirmed it’ll offer a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine on the updated Formentor, making 110kW of power and 250Nm of torque.
It’s mated with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and a 48V mild-hybrid system designed to deliver smoother start/stop and better efficiency.
It’ll sit below an all-wheel drive petrol model packing 150kW of power in the updated range set to hit Australia in the second quarter of 2025.
Cupra has confirmed a plug-in hybrid option with 200kW of power and 100km of electric range will hit Australia in the middle of 2025, while the range will be topped by a new 245kW all-wheel drive model with Drift Mode.
The front-wheel drive Formentor VZ – which shares its engine with the Golf GTI offered in Australia – is likely to be culled with the facelift.
Cupra has confirmed the less powerful (150kW) plug-in hybrid offered in Europe could come Down Under, but it won’t be a priority at launch.
Alongside the overhauled range of engines, the Formentor gets an aggressive new look and a fresh interior.
The central touchscreen has grown to measure 12.9 inches, and features backlit touch sliders. The software is designed to make it easier to access key functions on the move, on the back of feedback across the Volkswagen Group.
| Power | Torque | Drive | Battery | EV range | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 eTSI | 110kW | 250Nm | FWD | N/A | N/A |
| 2.0 TSI | 150kW | 320Nm | AWD | N/A | N/A |
| 2.0 PHEV | 200kW | 400Nm | FWD | 19.7kWh | 100km+ |
| 2.0 TSI | 245kW | 420Nm | AWD | N/A | N/A |
