UK here. I considered a Formentor a few years ago. It's a great looking car but that infotainment systems put me off. Over here they also offer a 1.5TSi FWD engine. Instead I decided to go for the extra boot space in a Skoda Superb wagon with the 280bhp 4 x 4 setup. Add a stg 1 ECU map & you get the most practical 5 seat 360bhp Q-car out there. Subbed & liked.
Thanks Colin, appreciate your thoughts. It goes to show the infotainment situation can’t be underestimated by brands! And good on you - that sounds like a terrific and practical car with heaps of poke! Cheers for joining me for the ride!
we bought our VZe last year and we have driven it on a road trip 5200 km in total in country Australia with two adults a 5 year old and 2 dogs with luggage. efficiency was great got from coolgardie to Perth on one tank. It is actually a really comfortable and easy car to drive / own, we get to go on road trips regularly as we use mainly the electricity to get to work and so fuel to waste or save whatever you may need.
Really considering getting one of these. Is the infotainment system as bad as some say? Also heard the screen although big, is quite low resolution so things like apple car play look terrible on it. Is that true?
@@on2a I would say the opposite the screen resolution is very good and the colours very punchy I have no problems with the resolution...(I do not use apple car play though!) The fact that almost all the controls are through the screen can make it a tad distracting on the move I have had mine approximately 10 weeks now and I'm used to it and find it more than acceptable...suggest try before you buy?..I did 👍
Hi from the UK, Matt. Great review, thanks. I'm test driving one on Friday, the top spec VZ3 here with the 310ps engine. Like another comment here, that infotainment screen could be the deal breaker. That's why I haven't upgraded my Mk 7.5 Golf TCR to a Mk 8 club sport or R. Do these VW interior designers actually drive cars? Touchscreens are sooo dangerous.
Hi David. Thanks for the comment. Yep, if I were you I’d be hanging on to the TCR too! Haha. I said the same thing when I lived with a current-gen Skoda Octavia RS - I would actually go for the previous version which had a simpler but less annoying media system. Designers and bean-counters are to blame. Fewer buttons = less cost.
g'day Matt ,just stumbled across your new channel. seen a few of your videos and articles and enjoy your info delivery. would you be able to review the Skoda Octavia Wagon - specifically the VRS model. keep up the great content
Thank you - and glad you stumbled this way!! I will see if I can get to the Octavia. I did a long-term RS wagon loan with CarsGuide, if you haven’t seen it already. I had some issues with the car - really annoying ones. Check it out!
Was going to buy this car, stunning looking. Spoke to an owner, who said the infotainment system is absolutley infuriating, so I went for the T-Roc instead. A real shame, hopefully the new model sorts it out.
Thanks! Yeah, I think I was okay with it because I’d experienced it before. Just spent a week with a Leon PHEV and there are some ways the infotainment could be a LOT better.
Hi William. Thank you! You’ll wanna fill the Cupra up with 95 RON unleaded in Australia no matter which version. Yep, the PHEV model has a drive mode selector with an EV driving mode.
Hi I just paid a deposit today for the used VZ with only 11,000 kms on the odometer. And coincidentally realised that it’s the exact same car as used in this review based on the rego. Paid it over the phone with only doing video inspection. Couldn’t budget up for VZX. Now that I know it’s a review car probably used by more than 2-3 reviewer atleast, would you still recommend it? Only concerns are that reviewer must have given it a good beating since they test everything. What are your thoughts. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks Sonny
Hey Sonny, You might be right in thinking that these cars have a harder life with different driving styles of reviewers and users, but it should have been maintained to the nth degree, and will presumably have the balance of the warranty. A car purchase - new, used or demo - is a risk.
Hey Matt, I have been wanting this since before it was released here but I have been hearing issues with the infotainment and the car is braking hard by itself hence the huge recall on the leons and formentors. Have you heard if the issue was solved already?
Hi mate, Yeah sadly this entire generation of related VW Group products is under a cloud for infotainment system issues, and I have heard of such with Cupra models since filming this. As for the recall on hard auto braking, I haven't heard or seen anything on it, personally.
Hey I have the formentor 2.0 and I have some big problems with the infotainment, however there was a recall on it and with a simple update it was solved. No braking issues on mine and it’s not very common. Also good to know is that cupra is very friendly and they answer all your questions
liking this review, car looks good, never understood why cars in aussie land need a panoramic sunroof... high all round uv and highest skin cancer rates in the developed world....
We've had the Formentor for about two years here in the U.K., I have the 310 bhp AWD VZ2 version and it drives as good as it looks, it does say Formentor on the rear but you have to look for it. Now there's the infotainment system, it's the Achilles heel of the car and is riddled with bugs, constant updates by VW still haven't corrected the issues.
Such a problem across so many current VW Group products. I had a long term Skoda with infotainment issues. Have driven a few Golfs exhibiting the same. It’s a real concern.
Style over substance. Load road noise inside. I have the V2 hybrid as a company car. It’s quick. But I’m getting only 40mpg, the tank is very small so I have to fill up almost every day now. The boot is very very small. It’s full of gadgets. But there’s too many distractions inside for me. Looks good, but who cares when you’re inside? I would not spend 42 thousand pounds on it.
@@therightcar Or 40 TFSI in Audi (Engine code DNNA, Compression ratio 12.2). Tuning potential: 302hp/425Nm Stage1 for this Power class 1 engines. Power Like Audi S3 👍.
I got the formentor vz hybride 245 hp believen its a better car then audi or volkswagen. Everybody looks at you. But with audi or volkswagen nobody looking because everybody driving them
UK here. I considered a Formentor a few years ago. It's a great looking car but that infotainment systems put me off. Over here they also offer a 1.5TSi FWD engine. Instead I decided to go for the extra boot space in a Skoda Superb wagon with the 280bhp 4 x 4 setup. Add a stg 1 ECU map & you get the most practical 5 seat 360bhp Q-car out there. Subbed & liked.
Thanks Colin, appreciate your thoughts. It goes to show the infotainment situation can’t be underestimated by brands!
And good on you - that sounds like a terrific and practical car with heaps of poke!
Cheers for joining me for the ride!
we bought our VZe last year and we have driven it on a road trip 5200 km in total in country Australia with two adults a 5 year old and 2 dogs with luggage. efficiency was great got from coolgardie to Perth on one tank. It is actually a really comfortable and easy car to drive / own, we get to go on road trips regularly as we use mainly the electricity to get to work and so fuel to waste or save whatever you may need.
Got one here in the uk...slightly different specs but I love it🚗 great review!
Thanks!
Really considering getting one of these. Is the infotainment system as bad as some say? Also heard the screen although big, is quite low resolution so things like apple car play look terrible on it. Is that true?
@@on2a I would say the opposite the screen resolution is very good and the colours very punchy I have no problems with the resolution...(I do not use apple car play though!) The fact that almost all the controls are through the screen can make it a tad distracting on the move I have had mine approximately 10 weeks now and I'm used to it and find it more than acceptable...suggest try before you buy?..I did 👍
@@paulgraves7949what model did you get if you don't mind me asking?
@@jameelismail1833 1.5 dsg v2 with petrol blue interior in nevada white! Absolutely love it!
Hi from the UK, Matt. Great review, thanks. I'm test driving one on Friday, the top spec VZ3 here with the 310ps engine. Like another comment here, that infotainment screen could be the deal breaker. That's why I haven't upgraded my Mk 7.5 Golf TCR to a Mk 8 club sport or R. Do these VW interior designers actually drive cars? Touchscreens are sooo dangerous.
Hi David. Thanks for the comment. Yep, if I were you I’d be hanging on to the TCR too! Haha. I said the same thing when I lived with a current-gen Skoda Octavia RS - I would actually go for the previous version which had a simpler but less annoying media system. Designers and bean-counters are to blame. Fewer buttons = less cost.
Hi Matt can you please do BYD Atto 3 review ,also I hope they will bring Black colour and black interior sooner.
Thanks Atul. I’ve got it planned. Things keep pushing it back! And I’ll find out about black on black, too.
@@therightcar Thanks Matt.
g'day Matt ,just stumbled across your new channel. seen a few of your videos and articles and enjoy your info delivery.
would you be able to review the Skoda Octavia Wagon - specifically the VRS model.
keep up the great content
Thank you - and glad you stumbled this way!!
I will see if I can get to the Octavia. I did a long-term RS wagon loan with CarsGuide, if you haven’t seen it already. I had some issues with the car - really annoying ones. Check it out!
Was going to buy this car, stunning looking. Spoke to an owner, who said the infotainment system is absolutley infuriating, so I went for the T-Roc instead. A real shame, hopefully the new model sorts it out.
Thanks! Yeah, I think I was okay with it because I’d experienced it before. Just spent a week with a Leon PHEV and there are some ways the infotainment could be a LOT better.
Hi Matt, love the review! What RON does the Cupra need? Can the EV varient run on electric only?
Hi William. Thank you! You’ll wanna fill the Cupra up with 95 RON unleaded in Australia no matter which version.
Yep, the PHEV model has a drive mode selector with an EV driving mode.
@@therightcar I think you'll find that the VZx requires 98 RON only.
@@steverobinson4449 Correct. 98 or 99 RON if you can get it.
Do you know price of new Formentor as looking to buy,, thank you
Hi
I just paid a deposit today for the used VZ with only 11,000 kms on the odometer. And coincidentally realised that it’s the exact same car as used in this review based on the rego. Paid it over the phone with only doing video inspection. Couldn’t budget up for VZX. Now that I know it’s a review car probably used by more than 2-3 reviewer atleast, would you still recommend it?
Only concerns are that reviewer must have given it a good beating since they test everything. What are your thoughts. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks
Sonny
Hey Sonny,
You might be right in thinking that these cars have a harder life with different driving styles of reviewers and users, but it should have been maintained to the nth degree, and will presumably have the balance of the warranty.
A car purchase - new, used or demo - is a risk.
Get behind the wheel of the VZX Matt; I know you want to!
Yep. Matt, love to know your thoughts on the full 228kw and AWD with what you drove here.
Would love to - I’ll see if I can get into it!!
Hey Matt, I have been wanting this since before it was released here but I have been hearing issues with the infotainment and the car is braking hard by itself hence the huge recall on the leons and formentors. Have you heard if the issue was solved already?
Hi mate,
Yeah sadly this entire generation of related VW Group products is under a cloud for infotainment system issues, and I have heard of such with Cupra models since filming this.
As for the recall on hard auto braking, I haven't heard or seen anything on it, personally.
Hey I have the formentor 2.0 and I have some big problems with the infotainment, however there was a recall on it and with a simple update it was solved. No braking issues on mine and it’s not very common. Also good to know is that cupra is very friendly and they answer all your questions
liking this review, car looks good, never understood why cars in aussie land need a panoramic sunroof... high all round uv and highest skin cancer rates in the developed world....
Yep, but anything premium must have a massive window on top! See my Model Y review…!
We've had the Formentor for about two years here in the U.K., I have the 310 bhp AWD VZ2 version and it drives as good as it looks, it does say Formentor on the rear but you have to look for it. Now there's the infotainment system, it's the Achilles heel of the car and is riddled with bugs, constant updates by VW still haven't corrected the issues.
Such a problem across so many current VW Group products. I had a long term Skoda with infotainment issues. Have driven a few Golfs exhibiting the same. It’s a real concern.
@@therightcar My local dealer admitted to me that it's costing them sales.
Formentor found hidden In the taillight !! :)
Im have the VZ5 and bro, i love my VZ5 but so once in a week im at the gas Station xD
Hahahahaha!
The VZ5 sadly doesn’t come to Australia. It’s a massive shame. It’s the one I’d buy!
Skipped on the Formentor for 3 years in a row now. That info system sucks. makes it an annoying car to drive on the daily
Style over substance. Load road noise inside. I have the V2 hybrid as a company car. It’s quick. But I’m getting only 40mpg, the tank is very small so I have to fill up almost every day now. The boot is very very small. It’s full of gadgets. But there’s too many distractions inside for me. Looks good, but who cares when you’re inside? I would not spend 42 thousand pounds on it.
2.0 TSI 4X4 190 HP 320Nm is best option.
That’d be the 140TSI.
@@therightcar Or 40 TFSI in Audi (Engine code DNNA, Compression ratio 12.2). Tuning potential: 302hp/425Nm Stage1 for this Power class 1 engines. Power Like Audi S3 👍.
The VZe is now $75k. Very much overpriced for what you get.
Audi A4 if you can
None available to test, sadly.
I would buy a Tiguan 162 tsi R Line, not a Cupra.
Fair call. You’d be getting a more practical SUV.
I think I’d rather have the new BMW X1 than this.
I got the formentor vz hybride 245 hp believen its a better car then audi or volkswagen. Everybody looks at you. But with audi or volkswagen nobody looking because everybody driving them
Fair enough - but only good if you want people to look at you!
@@therightcar and its fast and mich more