Cupra Formentor- things I hate!
Discussion
We swapped my wife’s BMW 430d Gran Coupe x-drive for a 5 month old Formentor V2 2.0TSI 4WD. Mainly because she has joint problems so had difficulty accessing the Beemer especially in tight spaces
Firstly the positives:-
1) Nice styling although there are shades of MG ZS!! and Nissan Qashqai in there
2) Comfortable seats
Now here goes the things I hate:-
1) Tiny fuel tank and rubbish economy - constantly filling up and struggle to get more than 35mpg (and sometimes a lot less)
2) Infotainment - yes I’d read all about it but thought surely it can’t be that bad. Well I can confirm it’s crap and revert to CarPlay when I can. We regularly would get interrupted by the voice assistant while we were having a conversation in the car (eventually managed to work out how to switch it off).
There are no buttons (apart from those on the steering wheel which do help a bit) - can’t see the volume control for radio or heating controls at night as not illuminated - crazy!
Try switching the heated seats on or more likely off whilst driving - almost impossible as you have to use the screen - bloody dangerous.
3) Overly complicated dashboard displays - far too many options and I still haven’t worked out how to zero the trip every time we fill up
4) “Safety” systems (eg engine stop/start, lane keeping assistant) - an absolute load of rubbish. Why on Earth can’t you permanently disable them rather than have to go into the menu every time you start the engine. What a pain in the arse! Another one; whilst reversing, the brakes just slam on for no reason but assume it has something to do with the reverse “assistant” even though I’m nowhere near an obstacle.
5) Dim witted DSG gearbox - if you lose speed due to someone braking or pulling out in front of you, the gearbox has to have a debate as to which gear it should be in before it eventually changes down. Yes you can use the paddles but to be honest they’re not much better. I don’t remember this being an issue on her Octavia VRS TDI so maybe it’s better suited to the Diesel engine.
6) Handling - yes I know it’s an SUV so expect it not to handle like a normal car but although it’s reasonably tidy, I wouldn’t want to throw it around. If you look at the gap between the top of the tyres and the wheel arch, there lies the main issue (it’s massive). Our niece has just bought a Cupra Ateca and that handles so much better as it sits much lower.
I did test drive an exact same Formentor model but I hardly consider a 4 mile test drive to be a true indicator of how the car would be. I suppose that’s my fault.
Needless to say though, I (we) won’t be buying another!!
Firstly the positives:-
1) Nice styling although there are shades of MG ZS!! and Nissan Qashqai in there
2) Comfortable seats
Now here goes the things I hate:-
1) Tiny fuel tank and rubbish economy - constantly filling up and struggle to get more than 35mpg (and sometimes a lot less)
2) Infotainment - yes I’d read all about it but thought surely it can’t be that bad. Well I can confirm it’s crap and revert to CarPlay when I can. We regularly would get interrupted by the voice assistant while we were having a conversation in the car (eventually managed to work out how to switch it off).
There are no buttons (apart from those on the steering wheel which do help a bit) - can’t see the volume control for radio or heating controls at night as not illuminated - crazy!
Try switching the heated seats on or more likely off whilst driving - almost impossible as you have to use the screen - bloody dangerous.
3) Overly complicated dashboard displays - far too many options and I still haven’t worked out how to zero the trip every time we fill up
4) “Safety” systems (eg engine stop/start, lane keeping assistant) - an absolute load of rubbish. Why on Earth can’t you permanently disable them rather than have to go into the menu every time you start the engine. What a pain in the arse! Another one; whilst reversing, the brakes just slam on for no reason but assume it has something to do with the reverse “assistant” even though I’m nowhere near an obstacle.
5) Dim witted DSG gearbox - if you lose speed due to someone braking or pulling out in front of you, the gearbox has to have a debate as to which gear it should be in before it eventually changes down. Yes you can use the paddles but to be honest they’re not much better. I don’t remember this being an issue on her Octavia VRS TDI so maybe it’s better suited to the Diesel engine.
6) Handling - yes I know it’s an SUV so expect it not to handle like a normal car but although it’s reasonably tidy, I wouldn’t want to throw it around. If you look at the gap between the top of the tyres and the wheel arch, there lies the main issue (it’s massive). Our niece has just bought a Cupra Ateca and that handles so much better as it sits much lower.
I did test drive an exact same Formentor model but I hardly consider a 4 mile test drive to be a true indicator of how the car would be. I suppose that’s my fault.
Needless to say though, I (we) won’t be buying another!!
Don Veloci said:
Does the Ateca do any better with points 1-5?
Considering Cupra in the future but this ain't selling it. 1-5 would drive me insane, and not handling - just poor!
Honestly no. My niece likes the Ateca but fuel consumption is poor bearing in mind that has the 300hp 2 litre engine and she is pretty tight! She now has a Fiat 500 for nipping around so the Ateca is kept for “best”!Considering Cupra in the future but this ain't selling it. 1-5 would drive me insane, and not handling - just poor!
The biggest shortcomings for me are the crap infotainment and fuel economy.
Personally I wouldn’t have got rid of the BMW 4 series as it was just so much better in all respects but my wife needed something higher up.
For No 3 this should do the trick
Stop / Start can easily be permanently disabled with VAG-COM or a Carista dongle as well if it bothers you too much.
As for the rest, it's a bit of a bloated car and the engine / box combo you have 35mpg is ok. Maybe up to 40 on a very long motorway run. Over 50k miles in my Golf R which spends around 80% of the time in traffic I've averaged 32mpg.
Lastly, Carplay is ace I've no idea why anyone used built in infotainment or nav any more on any car.
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Cheers for that - to be honest I really don’t like SUV’s (we had a brand new Porsche Macan which only lasted 8 months - beautifully built and good to drive but by heck it was wide as demonstrated by driving down narrow Cornish lanes whilst on holiday) - swapped back to a Boxster (I’ve had 4) & bought an Octavia VRS for my wife. Ironic thing is my 718 Boxster is more economical than the Formentor (37mpg on a 200 mile site visit trip this week) but yes you’re right the 4WD definitely screws the economy.
Stop / Start can easily be permanently disabled with VAG-COM or a Carista dongle as well if it bothers you too much.
As for the rest, it's a bit of a bloated car and the engine / box combo you have 35mpg is ok. Maybe up to 40 on a very long motorway run. Over 50k miles in my Golf R which spends around 80% of the time in traffic I've averaged 32mpg.
Lastly, Carplay is ace I've no idea why anyone used built in infotainment or nav any more on any car.
Edited by LivLL on Thursday 19th October 15:52
[/quote]
Cheers for that - to be honest I really don’t like SUV’s (we had a brand new Porsche Macan which only lasted 8 months - beautifully built and good to drive but by heck it was wide as demonstrated by driving down narrow Cornish lanes whilst on holiday) - swapped back to a Boxster (I’ve had 4) & bought an Octavia VRS for my wife. Ironic thing is my 718 Boxster is more economical than the Formentor (37mpg on a 200 mile site visit trip this week) but yes you’re right the 4WD definitely screws the economy.
Don Veloci said:
Oh well. Dunno why I'd expect them to tweak the infotainment or take a different direction on ergonomics over VW.
Other than that I'm used to around 300 mile fill ups. I get the impression weight and 4wd makes that much worse.
Definitely 4WD doesn’t help. Other than that I'm used to around 300 mile fill ups. I get the impression weight and 4wd makes that much worse.
The fuel tank must be only 50 litres which definitely doesn’t help. I can’t remember ever having to fill up so frequently- it’s not as if it’s even fast!
I think all VW/SEAT stuff has been pretty bad for points 1-5 for a few years - even on the EV's, ID.3 is regarded as awful. We had a 600 miles one as a loaner and it kept throwing up errors.
Skoda seem to have kept things a bit more simple - wife has a 22 Karoq which still has the traditional VW heater etc controls. I notice that the new Kodiaq has similar controls (although they're apparently 'electronic' now) and Skoda is obviously having a dig at VW by making a big thing of them as the new Tiguan is pretty button-less.
Again VW Group sat nav has long been dreadful - I swerved the cheap Passat lease deal a few years mainly because of how bad the nav was in the Tiguan wife had at the time. Like you, we just use Carplay now, and Waze for nav.
The Karoq we have has traditional instruments - I had a newer courtesy car the other day and that had the basic electronic dash and I couldn't believe how awful it was. Virtual cockpit can be made to look more "normal" but very few buyers will pay for the upgrade. I mentioned it on a Karoq forum and someone popped up that he'd rejected a car a few weeks ago as no-one told him it woudn't have the same dash as his 2yr old model and he thought it was so bad he couldn't accept it.
Skoda seem to have kept things a bit more simple - wife has a 22 Karoq which still has the traditional VW heater etc controls. I notice that the new Kodiaq has similar controls (although they're apparently 'electronic' now) and Skoda is obviously having a dig at VW by making a big thing of them as the new Tiguan is pretty button-less.
Again VW Group sat nav has long been dreadful - I swerved the cheap Passat lease deal a few years mainly because of how bad the nav was in the Tiguan wife had at the time. Like you, we just use Carplay now, and Waze for nav.
The Karoq we have has traditional instruments - I had a newer courtesy car the other day and that had the basic electronic dash and I couldn't believe how awful it was. Virtual cockpit can be made to look more "normal" but very few buyers will pay for the upgrade. I mentioned it on a Karoq forum and someone popped up that he'd rejected a car a few weeks ago as no-one told him it woudn't have the same dash as his 2yr old model and he thought it was so bad he couldn't accept it.
Had a 1.5 TSi one on hire in Spain recently.
Wasn't too aware of high fuel consumption-only bimbling around-maybe would be more aware if had on longer term.
DSG was OK although not a huge improvement to more traditional automatics I've driven in the past. Helpful though in a unfamiliar driving context-one less thing to think about.
Agree with the infotainment thing-even the younger 'digital native' types on the holiday found it difficult.
Lane departure thing-had that before on a hire car-and would want that off permanently. That was a mild irritation.
Took some adjustment to the size of the thing too.
Overall I quite liked it.
Wasn't too aware of high fuel consumption-only bimbling around-maybe would be more aware if had on longer term.
DSG was OK although not a huge improvement to more traditional automatics I've driven in the past. Helpful though in a unfamiliar driving context-one less thing to think about.
Agree with the infotainment thing-even the younger 'digital native' types on the holiday found it difficult.
Lane departure thing-had that before on a hire car-and would want that off permanently. That was a mild irritation.
Took some adjustment to the size of the thing too.
Overall I quite liked it.
A few of these things are fixable...
The "since refuel" trip automatically resets when you fill up. There are three to scroll through:
Long term
Since start (i.e. this journey)
Since refuel
Lane assist can be easily coded to default to off, or remember the last setting.
Manoeuvre braking can be turned off in the settings.
The "since refuel" trip automatically resets when you fill up. There are three to scroll through:
Long term
Since start (i.e. this journey)
Since refuel
Lane assist can be easily coded to default to off, or remember the last setting.
Manoeuvre braking can be turned off in the settings.
All standard VAG problems, the design of their cars across all brands is horrendous.
It is so bad the Head of VW has publically acknowledged their designs are rubbish.
Just get rid of it and replace with something older without the computerised nightmare built in.
It is so bad the Head of VW has publically acknowledged their designs are rubbish.
Just get rid of it and replace with something older without the computerised nightmare built in.
Edited by FMOB on Saturday 21st October 16:31
FMOB said:
All standard VAG problems, the design of their cars across all brands is horrendous.
It is so bad the Head of VW has publically acknowledged their designs are rubbish.
Just get rid of it and replace with something older without the computerised nightmare built in.
Thing is it’s my wife’s car although I do the majority of the driving and she actually likes it. Having said that she also hates the big infotainment screen which is downright dangerous - impossible to operate whilst driving. Yes some things can be done with voice control but overall it’s pants.It is so bad the Head of VW has publically acknowledged their designs are rubbish.
Just get rid of it and replace with something older without the computerised nightmare built in.
Edited by FMOB on Saturday 21st October 16:31
I have the 245 PHEV model as a company car. Nice car but would it have killed them to have the LED light under the charging port flap come on when you open it? Nucking fightmare trying to plug it in on an unlit driveway at night.
Also the electronic diff is pants. Put your foot down and the cars is scrabbling left and right trying to find grip.
Also the electronic diff is pants. Put your foot down and the cars is scrabbling left and right trying to find grip.
On the VAG infotainment front, I have a 2017 S5.
It has a non-touch screen with a rotary dial positioned perfectly by the flat topped gear shift. You can rest your wrist and control the rotary perfectly.
I had a 2022 A5 courtesy. Almost identical but the rotary dial and buttons is now a shallow storage pocket . The screen was touch screen and due to the seating position you had to literally lean out of your seat to use it. I’m not a T Rex FYI.
Utterly stupid change, can see why everyone hates it across the VAG range. Why couldn’t they have left the physical dial too??
Mine is obviously Quattro and the fuel tank is quite small for its 25mpg consumption too. About 350 miles if I’m lucky. I know on some Audis had an option for a larger (normal) fuel tank - I can only assume it was something to do with weight/emissions.
It has a non-touch screen with a rotary dial positioned perfectly by the flat topped gear shift. You can rest your wrist and control the rotary perfectly.
I had a 2022 A5 courtesy. Almost identical but the rotary dial and buttons is now a shallow storage pocket . The screen was touch screen and due to the seating position you had to literally lean out of your seat to use it. I’m not a T Rex FYI.
Utterly stupid change, can see why everyone hates it across the VAG range. Why couldn’t they have left the physical dial too??
Mine is obviously Quattro and the fuel tank is quite small for its 25mpg consumption too. About 350 miles if I’m lucky. I know on some Audis had an option for a larger (normal) fuel tank - I can only assume it was something to do with weight/emissions.
Edited by joropug on Monday 23 October 16:42
joropug said:
On the VAG infotainment front, I have a 2017 S5.
It has a non-touch screen with a rotary dial positioned perfectly by the flat topped gear shift. You can wrest your wrist and control the rotary perfectly.
I had a 2022 A5 courtesy. Almost identical but the rotary dial and buttons is now a shallow storage pocket . The screen was touch screen and due to the seating position you had to literally lean out of your seat to use it. I’m not a T Rex FYI.
Utterly stupid change, can see why everyone hates it across the VAG range. Why couldn’t they have left the physical dial too??
Mine is obviously Quattro and the fuel tank is quite small for its 25mpg consumption too. About 350 miles if I’m lucky. I know on some Audis had an option for a larger (normal) fuel tank - I can only assume it was something to do with weight/emissions.
I loved my B9 S5 - especially the design of the gear lever top and MMI wheel! I didnt get another as they went to diesel for the S5 and dropped the MMI wheel. Drop me a PM if you want my S5 knowledge - I have 4 B9s!
It has a non-touch screen with a rotary dial positioned perfectly by the flat topped gear shift. You can wrest your wrist and control the rotary perfectly.
I had a 2022 A5 courtesy. Almost identical but the rotary dial and buttons is now a shallow storage pocket . The screen was touch screen and due to the seating position you had to literally lean out of your seat to use it. I’m not a T Rex FYI.
Utterly stupid change, can see why everyone hates it across the VAG range. Why couldn’t they have left the physical dial too??
Mine is obviously Quattro and the fuel tank is quite small for its 25mpg consumption too. About 350 miles if I’m lucky. I know on some Audis had an option for a larger (normal) fuel tank - I can only assume it was something to do with weight/emissions.
I loved my B9 S5 - especially the design of the gear lever top and MMI wheel! I didnt get another as they went to diesel for the S5 and dropped the MMI wheel. Drop me a PM if you want my S5 knowledge - I have 4 B9s!
Firstly the positives:-
1) Nice styling - Agreed
2) Comfortable seats - Disagree, after about a couple of hours not comfortable at all.
3) Seamless switching between electric and ICE power in hybrid mode, plenty quick enough in EV mode
4) Performance when the turbo and the battery are boosting the power, is surprsingly rapid - brings a smile to the face.
Now here goes the things I hate:-
1) Tiny fuel tank - Mines a 245 hybrid so don't really notice this, not sure if it's even smaller on the hybrid, about 40 litres fills it up.
2) Infotainment - Doesn't take long to learn where the buttons are in the dark and there are alternatives on screen, but ridiculous cost cutting to delete the backlighting.
3) Overly complicated dashboard displays - I have a favourite layout, but quite like to mix it up now and again.
4) “Safety” systems (eg engine stop/start, lane keeping assistant) - Stop / start is on steriods in a hybrid, it's the point of the car; lane keep is annoying, would prefer an earlier wheel rumble.
5) Dim witted DSG gearbox - Think the hybrid has a different 6 speed dsg, it's absolutely fine, had a 7 speed courtesy car and it wasnt great.
6) Handling - It's OK, does enough of what I'm looking for in my daily so not a huge issue for me
Agree about (not) using the LED charge indicator under the flap to light up the socket in the dark, above.
1) Nice styling - Agreed
2) Comfortable seats - Disagree, after about a couple of hours not comfortable at all.
3) Seamless switching between electric and ICE power in hybrid mode, plenty quick enough in EV mode
4) Performance when the turbo and the battery are boosting the power, is surprsingly rapid - brings a smile to the face.
Now here goes the things I hate:-
1) Tiny fuel tank - Mines a 245 hybrid so don't really notice this, not sure if it's even smaller on the hybrid, about 40 litres fills it up.
2) Infotainment - Doesn't take long to learn where the buttons are in the dark and there are alternatives on screen, but ridiculous cost cutting to delete the backlighting.
3) Overly complicated dashboard displays - I have a favourite layout, but quite like to mix it up now and again.
4) “Safety” systems (eg engine stop/start, lane keeping assistant) - Stop / start is on steriods in a hybrid, it's the point of the car; lane keep is annoying, would prefer an earlier wheel rumble.
5) Dim witted DSG gearbox - Think the hybrid has a different 6 speed dsg, it's absolutely fine, had a 7 speed courtesy car and it wasnt great.
6) Handling - It's OK, does enough of what I'm looking for in my daily so not a huge issue for me
Agree about (not) using the LED charge indicator under the flap to light up the socket in the dark, above.
I chopped in my 2.0 4WD Ateca for a Formentor 8 days ago and, believe me, if you go for the 310 HP 4WD Formentor (adaptive suspension that actually works too) you won't be disappointed, it's head and shoulders above the Ateca for driver involvement and entertainment, looks and overall quality. Granted the 'Infotainment' is a matter of taste but once you're used to it it's fine. Not great but good enough.
Take a look at the reviews on the YouTube, they can't all be wrong?
Take a look at the reviews on the YouTube, they can't all be wrong?
PAFC OK said:
I chopped in my 2.0 4WD Ateca for a Formentor 8 days ago and, believe me, if you go for the 310 HP 4WD Formentor (adaptive suspension that actually works too) you won't be disappointed, it's head and shoulders above the Ateca for driver involvement and entertainment, looks and overall quality. Granted the 'Infotainment' is a matter of taste but once you're used to it it's fine. Not great but good enough.
Take a look at the reviews on the YouTube, they can't all be wrong?
And how much is the first year and subsequent years VED?Take a look at the reviews on the YouTube, they can't all be wrong?
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