Best in Class Subcompact

ACCELERATION – PROPER QUICK, SURPRISINGLY SMOOTH

You don’t buy the VZ unless you care about performance. And it does deliver. Cupra claims 0–100 km/h in 4.8 seconds; in our testing, we clocked 5.1 seconds with two people onboard in the wet. Still properly quick. What’s interesting is how it gets there. You expect a torquey wallop from a turbo four, but instead, power delivery is surprisingly linear. It never throws you back in your seat or feels unruly. Just a smooth, refined thrust that keeps building. I can't imagine anyone feeling dissappointed in the performance available here.

DRIVING DYNAMICS – FUN AND FAIRLY BALANCED

Tossing the Formentor into corners is good fun. It feels more car than SUV (as it should, given the size), and the AWD system with a rear torque-vectoring diff offers plenty of grip. That said, we were surprised by the amount of torque steer, especially from a system that boasts a “Drift Mode” meant to bias power to the rear. Overall, the handling matches the performance - t’s not razor-sharp, but it’s eager, responsive, and confidence-inspiring for daily spirited driving.

Overall, the handling matches the performance - t’s not razor-sharp, but it’s eager, responsive, and confidence-inspiring for daily spirited driving.

STYLING – ONE OF THE BEST IN SEGMENT

This is one of the Formentor’s standout strengths. The rear three-quarter view is especially strong, with crisp angles and sculpted surfaces that all feel intentional and cohesive. The rear light bar is tastefully executed - not just another trendy gimmick. Matte paint options elevate the whole look further. Styling-wise, this is leagues ahead of the GLA 35 and BMW X2 M35i. If there’s one nitpick, it’s the front. The facelift improves things a bit, but it still doesn’t look quite as aggressive as the rest of the car.

SOUND – YES TO AKRAPOVIC, MAYBE TO "CUPRA" MODE

Our test car came with the optional Akrapovic exhaust, and it sounds great. It builds to a satisfying note at high revs and gives just enough crackles and pops on overrun to keep things exciting, without veering into boy-racer territory. However, the “Cupra” drive mode pipes in way too much fake sound through the speakers, and we found it unnatural. Leave it in “Performance” mode and enjoy a more balanced sound. As for road and wind noise—there’s a bit, but it's expected for the segment and doesn’t spoil the experience.

INTERIOR & SPACE – WELL JUDGED, WELL EXECUTED

We were skeptical about all the copper accents, but in person they work well. The Formentor’s interior blends sporty and premium nicely, with sharp geometric air vents, contrasted materials, and stylish, comfortable seats. The steering wheel is a standout because it's not finished in cheap plastics like every other modern vehicle, instead opting for a carbon-weave kind of look. The Sennheiser sound system was punchy and clear, though our press car had a minor rattle in the driver’s door. Space-wise, it’s solid for a subcompact: enough room for kids in the back, though our full-size stroller did fill the entire boot.

COMPETITION – CLASS LEADER?

In its segment, the Formentor VZ lines up against the VW T-Roc R, Mercedes-AMG GLA 35, and BMW X2 M35i. And honestly, we think it comes out on top.

It’s quicker on paper, better looking (subjectively, of course), and has an interior that feels more interesting. That said, unless you're chasing outright pace and bragging rights, the lower-powered Formentor V (204 hp) might be the smarter buy. It delivers most of what makes the VZ great, without the price tag.