Sports car meets family car in spicy SUV

In the age of electrification some brands are still throwing a petrol party, and Cupra's latest shin-dig is an absolute rager. VW's Spanish brand has just launched the updated version of the Formentor small SUV in Australia, and I'm testing the spicy VZx variant. It is priced from $69,990 (before on-road costs), which is $20,000 more than the entry-level Formentor but $25,000 cheaper than the absolute rocketship VZ5 variant due later this year. Under the bonnet of the Formentor VZx is the heart of the Volkswagen Golf R. The tried and tested 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that makes 245kW and 420Nm. This is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that drives all four wheels. This enables a 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.8 seconds. That kind of grunt puts it in some fine company, with rivals including the BMW X1 M35 ($93,900), Lexus LBX Morizo RR ($78,490) and Mini Countryman JCW ($73,990). That means it's cheaper and just as, or more powerful than its competition. It is a sparkling vehicle to drive. When I crack open the driver's door of our test car I'm greeted by the optional bucket seats with carbon-fibre backs. They are snug with plenty of lateral support and power adjustment. You sit nice and low in the car with a chunky flat-bottomed steering wheel for a driving companion and alloy pedals for going and stopping. Press the push-button starter on the steering wheel and the 10.2-inch digital multimedia screen lights up with chunky dials and the choice of performance information such as the percentage of power and torque being delivered. It makes a raucous noise, but it isn't all real with the Formentor using what Cupra terms 'adjustable engine sound modelling', which blends real and fake engine noises in the cabin. In Comfort mode the Formentor VZx is an accomplished daily commuter, feeling more composed and relaxed than in Performance or Cupra modes. The throttle response kicks up a notch in Performance and Cupra and the gear changes get more aggressive. And the suspension stiffens, where bumps and road imperfections are somewhat smoothed out in Comfort, they become harsher and crashier in the more taut modes. Make no mistake, the Formentor is not soft in any mode. That tightness of the suspension means it hugs the bends and slices through the corners. It holds its weight expertly in quick changes of direction and isn't unsettled by mid corner bumps. Its 1668kg weight makes it feel nimble and light-footed in a world of hefty EVs. There is ample grip from the all-wheel-drive set-up in all conditions, which is aided by the sticky Continental Sport Contact 7 rubber. The steering is sharp, communicative and well weighted, which gives confidence through tight and twisting corners. It is fast enough, with plenty of theatre when you put your foot down. The dual-clutch auto grabs the deep torque reserves low in the rev range to thrust you forward before the power kicks in with a ghoulish roar. There isn't a lot to dislike about the Formentor VZx. Road and tyre noise is intrusive, especially on Australia's rough coarse chip roads. It is thirsty, drinking a claimed 8.3L/100km. You'll see far more than that if you drive it with even a little enthusiasm. It needs the priciest 98RON fuel, too. The cabin is functional with a good mix of premium and hardwearing materials used throughout. Touches of copper, ambient lighting and a large 12.9-inch multimedia touchscreen impress, but the lack of physical buttons and controls does not. You need to dive into the central screen to make minor changes to climate controls or other features. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel make a cold winter's morning more bearable. In the centre console there is a stubby little dongle gear selector, a few small storage compartments and a wireless device charger and two USB-C ports. A 390W, 12-speaker Sennheiser stereo is excellent with good sound clarity. There is plenty of head, shoulder and legroom up front with excellent seat adjustment to accommodate drivers of all shapes and sizes. The back seat is tightish, but I was able to fit two child seats in the back, however it would be cramped for taller adults. Boot space is adequate at 420 litres, and it has a space-saver spare wheel. Outside the Formentor is all sharp angles with a menacing countenance. Nineteen-inch black and copper alloy wheels look the part and our test car has the optional brake package, which subs in 375mm x 36mm cross-drilled ventilated disc brakes with six piston Akebono calipers with copper finishes and Cupra branding up front. The bigger brakes means the space-saver spare can't be used at the front as it no longer fits. There are dynamic LED headlights and rear lights that run the length of the rear. Puddle lights are a nice to have on dark nights Passengers are protected by 10 airbags and a raft of active driver aids that work as advertised and are not overbearing. The Formentor VZx will automatically apply the brakes if it detects a potential collision with another vehicle. It will warn you if a car is in your blind spot and warn you if a car is approaching from the side as you reverse. An array of sensors will help to keep you centred in your lane. All this is good enough to give it a five-star ANCAP safety rating. Cupra covers its vehicles with a five year/unlimited kilometre warranty, which is merely adequate these days. A prepaid service package for the first five logbook visits will set you back $2190, with visits coming every 12 months or 15,000km. The Cupra Formentor VZx leads a double life. It is an accomplished daily commuter and young family hauler, but turn the dial up and it feels most at home on a twisting country back road. It is fast, agile and leaves you with a smile on your dial and with one eye always on your keys, which is rare in an age of electrification. Safety is paramount and the Formentor's looks will turn heads. It's not very tech savvy, which some may like. It needs better insulation from the world outside, while a more raucous exhaust and better battery warranty and servicing terms wouldn't go astray. But if you want something fun, reasonably affordable and just a little bit different, this is the car for you.