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Dynamic Press Presentation

• The CUPRA Formentor e-HYBRID is the brand’s second plug-in hybrid vehicle, joining the CUPRA Leon e-HYBRID
• The CUPRA Formentor e-HYBRID is available with two engines: 204PS (CUPRA Formentor e-HYBRID) and 245PS (CUPRA Formentor VZ e-HYBRID), both linked to a DSG gearbox
• The mix of 1.4 litre TSI combustion technology, electric motor and a lithium-ion battery reduce emissions to as little as 26-32g/km (31-35g/km for the 245PS)
• Electric-only mode can provide a range of up to 59km (up to 55km for the 245PS) – perfect for urban environments in zero-emission

Martorell, 16-02-2021. – CUPRA Formentor, the first vehicle uniquely developed for the brand, is now hitting the markets with two plug-in hybrid powertrains, helping kick-start CUPRA’s shift to electrification and showing that electrification and performance are a perfect match.

The CUPRA Formentor e-HYBRID continues to bring together the benefits of a performance car with the qualities of an SUV at a time when the crossover segment is due to witness incredible growth, while adding a completely new skill too.

The CUPRA Formentor e-HYBRID’s powertrains, deliver either 204PS or 245PS, mixes efficient TSI combustion technology, a powerful electric motor and a lithium-ion battery to maximise both performance and efficiency.

Its advanced adaptive chassis control, progressive steering and quick-shifting transmission technology continue to provide the core elements of dynamism, and emotionality expected from the brand.

Closer to the ground to deliver a sportier, more focused aesthetic, with a visual emphasis placed towards the rear of the vehicle while at the same time accentuating the length of the bonnet, underscoring its dynamic proportions.

The design adopts the needs of today’s customers but with a solidity and range of offerings that set it apart, not only in its advanced plug-in hybrid powertrain but also its fully connected experience and the most advanced safety and convenience systems available.

Powertrain

As the first model uniquely developed for CUPRA, becoming the most emotional model in the range it’s fitting that the CUPRA Formentor is the next step in the brand’s electricfication offensive.

The high-performance CUPRA Formentor e-HYBRID plug-in hybrid mixes the combustion power of a 1.4-litre TSI 150PS (110kW) petrol engine and pairs it with a 115PS (85kW) electric motor. Electrical energy is stored in an advanced 13kWh lithium-ion battery pack, allowing the CUPRA Formentor to deliver ecoconscious performance.

The combination of conventional and next-generation technologies allows the CUPRA Formentor e-HYBRID to augment how power is delivered, using either combustion, electric or a mixture of both. It also means that two different power outputs are available: 204PS (150kW) and 245PS (180kW). Both front-wheel drive high-performance CUVs use the same powertrain configuration but tuned to deliver different characteristics.

In 204PS guise the plug-in hybrid mixes performance with efficiency. It can accelerate to 100km in only 7.8 seconds and has a top speed of 205km/h. In this version, CO2 emissions are between 26-32g/km while it uses between 1.2-1.4 litres of fuel to travel 100km according to the WLTP official test cycle.

Shift to the more powerful CUPRA Formentor VZ e-HYBRID 245PS and from a standing start the high-performance SUV can reach 100km/h in just 7.0 seconds with a top speed of 210km/h.

But the increase in performance doesn’t mean a compromise in efficiency, and the 245PS CUPRA Formentor e-HYBRID matches the 1.4-1.6 l/100km fuel figure while CO2 dip even lower to only 31-35g/km according to WLTP.

The high efficiency is supplied thanks, in part, to the power and energy dense 13kWh lithium-ion battery. The advanced technology stores enough energy to deliver an electric-only range of up to 59km (up to 55km for the 245PS) based on the official WLTP test cycle.

The lithium-ion pack weighs 130 kilograms, yet it is positioned as low as possible to minimise its impact on vehicle dynamics, while its 96-litre volume makes it relatively simple to package.

The car also features an electrical brake booster that gives the CUPRA Formentor e-HYBRID the ability to recover the braking energy through the plug-in hybrid’s blending function.

Thermal management of the battery, along with the other additional elements in the plug-in hybrid system, charger, power electronics and electric motor, is incredibly important. It’s why the CUPRA Formentor e-HYBRID incorporates an additional cooling system with its own radiator and expansion tank.

The new system, which operates at a lower temperature compared to the one in the combustion engine, helps improve the efficiency of the system in both cold and hot temperatures.

Driving modes:

The CUPRA Formentor e-HYBRID always starts in all-electric mode (when the battery is sufficiently charged). The drive switches to Hybrid mode if the energy capability of the battery drops below a certain level or if the speed rises above 140 km/h.

In Hybrid mode, there are two sub-modes: Hybrid-Auto and Hybrid-Manual. Hybrid-Auto is the default setting and automatically manages the powertrain to optimise the battery charge. In Hybrid-Manual mode users can chose from three options:

1) A hold mode that maintains the battery’s current state of charge.
2) Reserve the state of charge in percentage
3) Charge function that will increase the state of charge through the combustion engine.

When the battery is running low, the powertrain switches back to hybrid mode. Once you’re near a power source, the battery can be plugged in and replenished in as little as 3 hours and 40 minutes using a 3.6kW charger (Wallbox), or little less than 5 hours using a 2.3kW charger.

Chassis

The CUPRA Formentor e-HYBRID powertrain maintains the relationship between powertrain and chassis, delivering a distinctive, dynamic drive. The chassis and steering offer the most precise, involved and distinctive ride possible and one that few would associate with a plug-in hybrid vehicle until now.

The chassis has been tuned for the plug-in hybrid powertrain, meeting new requirements due to the change in weight distribution.

Just like its siblings in the range, the CUPRA Formentor e-HYBRID integrates dynamic chassis control with the DCC slider so the vehicle can be infinitely tuned to the driver’s needs.

In addition, MacPherson struts and a multilink rear axle deliver a reliable drive and a starting point where the more advanced systems can increase and expand dynamics. Those building blocks include the 18 and 19 alloy wheels.

Exterior Design

The dynamic proportions of the CUPRA Formentor are heightened by the visual emphasis placed towards the rear of the vehicle which accentuates the length of the bonnet. A purposeful move by the design team and gives the CUPRA Formentor e-HYBRID an even greater feeling of performance and style.

Over the bonnet, sculpted lines draw emphasis both down to the CUPRA badge on the grille, but also help the eye sweep backwards towards the A-pillar and beyond. The charging port flap is located at the front left-hand.

At the rear, the CUPRA Formentor e-HYBRID features simulated exhaust pipes, in copper colour, a subtle marker that this is something different to other versions of the high-performance CUV.

Interior Design

The high-quality cabin provides a sense of modernity and sportiness with a unique take on the feel of the CUPRA brand.

Once inside high-quality materials, with brushed dark aluminium and copper accents make the cabin feel modern and contemporary, while cocooning the occupants.

As the driver takes hold of the new CUPRA steering wheel, another indicator of the spirit of the CUPRA Formentor, housing the engine start and CUPRA mode select button, they will instantly understand they are taking control of a different type of vehicle.

And, unlike other models in the range, the Digital Cockpit data is focused on the vehicle’s electrified powertrain, from the electric-only range remaining to the mode of power deliver.

The centrepiece of the interior is the 12″ infotainment touchscreen which provides the functionality and connectivity to all occupants and reduces button count. The simplicity and elegance of the interior is achieved in part thanks to the inclusion of the shift-by-wire DSG transmission technology, which helps declutter the interior, creating greater space.

Specifically, for the e-HYBRID CUPRA models (CUPRA Formentor e-HYBRID, CUPRA Leon Sportstourer e-HYBRID), there is one specific button placed on the driver’s door.
which permits to unlock the petrol filler flap.

Add to this, the CUPRA Formentor e-HYBRID dimensions, of 4,450mm long and 1,839mm wide and with a height of 1,510mm it provides excellent headroom, while the wheelbase of 2,680mm offers significant legroom for rear occupants. The CUPRA Formentor e-HYBRID offers a boot capacity of 345 litres.

Connectivity

The CUPRA Formentor e-HYBRID is a 100% connected car: in-car connectivity (Full Link including wireless Android Auto and CarPlay; online-based functions and services) keep you linked to the outside world. The combination of CUPRA CONNECT, and the e-HYBRID system gives even greater control over the vehicle, with an even wider range of functions controlled from the app – including battery management functions – whether inside or outside the vehicle. The app also offers the ability to control air-conditioning remotely.

Safety and comfort

An array of sensors integrated on the vehicle make the CUPRA Formentor e-HYBRID one of the easiest and safest to live with in daily life. Highlights include Travel assist, Side and Exit assist, Emergency assist, Predictive ACC and exit warning.

The technology mix delivers high levels of safety, but systems are integrated to bring convenience without the feeling of control being taken away from the driver. An important consideration in a CUPRA, a brand where the driver’s needs are a central priority.

The result is a vehicle that can meet the dynamic needs of the CUPRA brand, while providing the safety standards demanded by the market.

Technical data

CUPRA Formentor VZ e-HYBRID (245PS)

Engine	1.4 TSI 245PS (180kW)
Cylinder/Valves	4-cyl – 16v
Displacement	1,395cc
Bore and stroke	74.5 x 80
Compression ratio	10
Electric motor	85kW (115PS)
Battery	13kWh
Max. Torque	400Nm
Electric only range (WLTP)	52-55km
0 to 100 km/h	7.0 secs
Maximum speed	210km/h
Combined fuel consumption (WLTP)	1.4 1.6 l/100km
CO2 combined (WLTP)	31-35 g/km

CUPRA Formentor e-HYBRID (204PS)

Engine	1.4 TSI 204PS (150kW)
Cylinder/Valves	4-cyl – 16v
Displacement	1,395cc
Bore and stroke	74.5 x 80
Compression ratio	10
Electric motor	85kW (115PS)
Battery	13kWh
Max. Torque	350Nm
Electric only range (WLTP)	53-59km
0 to 100 km/h	7.8 secs
Maximum speed	205km/h
Combined fuel consumption (WLTP)	1.2 1.4 l/100km
CO2 combined (WLTP)	26-32 g/km

CUPRA is an unconventional challenger brand from the SEAT Group, based on stimulating style and contemporary performance. Since its launch as an independent brand in 2018, sales have shot up and CUPRA closed 2019 with a growth of 72% over the previous year with nearly 25,000 units sold. In 2020, the CUPRA Leon and the CUPRA Formentor, the first model designed specifically for the brand, will hit the market. CUPRA is expanding its dealer network to reach nearly 520 specialized points of sales around the world by the end of 2020.

Coinciding with its second anniversary, CUPRA has inaugurated its new headquarters in Martorell (Barcelona), the CUPRA Garage, a 2,400 square meter building located next to SEAT’s corporate headquarters. CUPRA also has a racing car workshop, the CUPRA Racing Factory, where it developed the first 100% electric touring racing car, the CUPRA e-Racer. Moreover, CUPRA has become the first automotive brand to participate in the electric SUV off-road competition Extreme E.

In addition to becoming F.C. Barcelona’s exclusive automotive and mobility partner and World Padel Tour’s premium sponsor, CUPRA has formed an elite team of  ambassadors, including the German goalkeeper Marc ter Stegen, the Swedish pilot Mattias Ekström and five of the best padel players in the world, among others.