Cupra Formentor History
Cupra's breakthrough model — the first car designed exclusively for the brand, named for a Mallorcan peninsula, and quickly becoming the brand's best-seller.
Photo: “Cupra Formentor 2022 (53087034209)” by RL GNZLZ from Chile / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Cropped to 16:9.
History
The Formentor was the first car conceived and designed entirely for Cupra rather than adapted from a SEAT product. It was previewed as a near-production concept at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show and the production version was officially revealed in March 2020. Named after the Formentor peninsula on the Spanish island of Mallorca, it entered production in late September 2020.
Built on Volkswagen Group's MQB platform, the Formentor offered a wide engine range — from a 150 PS mild-hybrid 1.5 TSI through plug-in hybrid variants to the VZ5 flagship powered by a 390 PS five-cylinder Audi TT RS engine. Despite launching during the pandemic, it quickly became Cupra's best-selling model and one of the best-selling performance crossovers in Europe.
A substantially facelifted second-generation Formentor — with revised exterior styling, updated interior technology, and a refreshed engine lineup topped by the VZ7 with 333 PS — was unveiled in spring 2024 and went on sale later that year.
Generations
First generation · KH7
Photo: “Cupra Formentor 2022 (53087034209)” by RL GNZLZ from Chile / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Cropped to 16:9.
The debut Formentor: MQB-based crossover coupe with engine options from 150 PS to the 390 PS VZ5 five-cylinder, launched during the pandemic and immediately Cupra's top seller.
2022 Photo: “Cupra Formentor 2022 (53087034209)” by RL GNZLZ from Chile / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Cropped to 16:9.
2023 Photo: “Cupra Formentor VZ 4Drive 2023 (53424556406)” by RL GNZLZ from Chile / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Cropped to 16:9.
Second generation (facelift) · KH7 facelift
Photo: “Cupra Formentor (Facelift) – f 01012025” by © M 93 / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 de. Cropped to 16:9.
A deep mid-cycle update with restyled body, updated cabin tech, and a VZ7 performance range-topper at 333 PS.
2025 Photo: “Cupra Formentor (Facelift) – f 01012025” by © M 93 / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 de. Cropped to 16:9.
2026 Photo: “Cupra Formentor (Facelift) – f 14022026” by © M 93 / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 de. Cropped to 16:9.
Body styles
- 5-door crossover coupe SUV
Notable special editions & performance variants
Formentor VZ5
The range-topping Formentor with Audi TT RS-derived 2.5-litre five-cylinder producing 390 PS — the most powerful first-generation Formentor and a collector favourite.
Related models
Collect the nameplate
Find a scale model of the Cupra Formentor
Search Amazon across available years, colors, and scales. Exact releases vary, so confirm the listing before ordering.