Cupra Formentor VZ

Inside, the Formentor doesn’t disappoint. You get sporty, bolstered seats, a digital cockpit, and a modern infotainment setup — though the interior is more emotional than luxurious, with a few hard plastics reminding you of its VW roots. But for those who want a daily driver that doubles as a weekend thrill ride, the VZ strikes a very rare balance: practical and dynamic in equal measure.

Stepping inside the Formentor VZ, you're immediately struck by how Cupra marries performance-focused design with modern, high-tech sophistication. The cockpit gives center stage to a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen, which feels large and responsive, integrating satellite navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Just behind the steering wheel sits a 10.25-inch digital cluster, offering good customization and clear, crisp graphics that reinforce the car’s sporty personality.

Materials inside are largely soft-touch, especially across the upper dashboard and doors, and are contrasted with matte black plastics in less visible areas. Copper detailing — a Cupra signature — runs through the cabin: it adorns the air vents, the steering wheel, and other trim areas, elevating the feel. Depending on spec, you can get sculpted bucket seats — even “CUPBucket” seats — made of recycled microfiber, combining sportiness with a touch of sustainability.

Visually, the Formentor VZ stands out with a bold, aggressive design. Its front fascia features a sharp “shark-nose” grille that channels Cupra’s sporty DNA, complemented by angular, triangular LED headlights that lend a determined, almost predatory look to the car. The rear is just as distinctive, thanks to a full-width light bar and the illuminated Cupra badge — subtle but very modern.

Performance styling cues are everywhere: large, sporty alloy wheels (often in black or black-and-silver finishes) ground the VZ’s stance, while split-bronze or dark-chrome exhaust tips and an integrated diffuser hint at its sporting intent. The body lines are sculpted and muscular, with dynamic wheel arches that emphasize the car’s in-motion energy even when stationary. On some versions — particularly sporty editions — Cupra goes further, adding dark-matte trims and sporty finishes that reinforce the car’s performance character.

In summary, the 2022 Cupra Formentor VZ is a blisteringly fast, sharply handled crossover that doesn’t just look the part. It’s a car for those who want versatility without sacrificing the thrill. My review dives into where it excels, where it compromises - and whether it’s truly worth the premium for something that lives on the edge between sportscar and SUV.