@ CUPRA / SEAT S.A.
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
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CUPRA Formentor vs VW Golf – Which model is better for everyday use?

Two cars, one duel: CUPRA Formentor meets VW Golf.
Which one wins in performance, efficiency and value for money? Find out now!

Formentor @ CUPRA / SEAT S.A.

The Battle of Compact Excellence: CUPRA Formentor vs. VW Golf

In the world of compact cars, the choice between a sporty SUV and a well-established hatchback can be a conundrum. We pit the noteworthy CUPRA Formentor against the iconic VW Golf to see how they stack up in terms of design, performance, and innovations. Both hailed for their engineering prowess, let’s delve deeper to find out which car comes out on top.

Design and Dimensions: Aesthetic Appeal

The CUPRA Formentor, with its bold and aggressive lines, boasts a distinct SUV profile with dimensions measuring 4451 mm in length, 1839 mm in width, and up to 1537 mm in height. Offering a more adventurous stance, the Formentor exudes a modern aesthetic that appeals to those seeking uniqueness.

The VW Golf, on the other hand, continues its legacy with a refined hatchback design. More compact at 4292 mm in length and 1789 mm wide, the Golf maintains its iconic look with a touch of modern flair, making it a favorite among traditionalists.

Engine Variants and Performance: Power Meets Efficiency

The CUPRA Formentor is available in a variety of engine types, including Petrol, Diesel, and Plug-in Hybrid options. The standout performance features a 333 HP engine that propels the car from 0 to 100 km/h in a rapid 4.8 seconds, with a maximum speed of 250 km/h. This model ensures a thrilling driving experience, especially for those who opt for the dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive setup.

Conversely, the VW Golf offers a diverse powertrains lineup, including petrol mild hybrids and plug-in hybrids. Its top-tier models deliver up to 333 HP, matching the Formentor in speed with a maximum capability of 270 km/h along with impressive acceleration. This, combined with its superior efficiency, makes the Golf a compelling choice for conscientious drivers.

Interior and Practicality: Comfort vs. Space

Inside, the CUPRA Formentor is spacious with seating for five and a generous trunk capacity of up to 450 liters, making it an ideal choice for those requiring extra cargo space. Its contemporary interior is designed to offer comfort and tech-savvy features, enhancing driving pleasure.

The VW Golf maintains its reputation for quality and practicality with a trunk space of up to 381 liters. While slightly smaller, it excels in providing a well-organized cabin space, maintaining high standards in terms of comfort with intelligent infotainment systems that enhance the user experience.

Innovations and Efficiency: Modern Touches

When it comes to innovations, the CUPRA Formentor’s plug-in hybrid variant stands out with an electric range of 125 km and a battery capacity of 19.7 kWh, showcasing a commitment to efficiency without sacrificing power. Its CO2 emissions are impressively low at just 9 g/km, making it an environmentally considerate option.

Similarly, the VW Golf’s plug-in hybrid offers an electric range of up to 143 km, which is slightly longer than the Formentor’s. Its thoughtful engineering enables a balance of performance with commendable fuel efficiency, boasting CO2 emissions as low as 6 g/km.

Conclusion: Choosing Between Icons

The CUPRA Formentor and VW Golf each hold their ground in the compact car arena. For those seeking a dynamic and sportier stance with SUV versatility, the Formentor is a prime candidate. While those preferring a blend of tradition and innovation would find the Golf a perfect match. Ultimately, the choice depends on individual preferences, practicality, and the driving experience one desires.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Golf @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

VW Golf has a clearly perceptible advantage in terms of price – it starts at 25200 £, while the CUPRA Formentor costs 35200 £. That’s a price difference of around 10046 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: VW Golf manages with 1.10 L and is therefore noticeable more efficient than the CUPRA Formentor with 1.40 L. The difference is about 0.30 L per 100 km.

As for range, the VW Golf performs a bit better – achieving up to 143 km, about 17 km more than the CUPRA Formentor.

Formentor @ CUPRA / SEAT S.A.

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

Both models deliver identical power – 333 HP each.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Golf is barely noticeable quicker – completing the sprint in 4.60 s, while the CUPRA Formentor takes 4.80 s. That’s about 0.20 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the VW Golf performs slight better – reaching 270 km/h, while the CUPRA Formentor tops out at 250 km/h. The difference is around 20 km/h.

Both models offer the same torque – 420 Nm.

Golf @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, VW Golf is barely noticeable lighter – 1307 kg compared to 1434 kg. The difference is around 127 kg.

In terms of boot space, the CUPRA Formentor offers a bit more room – 450 L compared to 381 L. That’s a difference of about 69 L.

In maximum load capacity, the CUPRA Formentor performs slightly better – up to 1505 L, which is about 268 L more than the VW Golf.

When it comes to payload, CUPRA Formentor slight takes the win – 526 kg compared to 508 kg. That’s a difference of about 18 kg.

Who wins the race?

The VW Golf proves to be dominates this comparison and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
VW Golf is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £25,200
Golf @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

VW Golf

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic, Manuel
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 333 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.1 - 8.1 L
  • Electric Range : 131 - 143 km

CUPRA Formentor

With coupe-like lines and a muscular stance the Cupra Formentor blends sporty drama with everyday sense, so it looks like it’s in motion even at a standstill. Inside and out it’s tuned for drivers who want engaging handling and a grown-up cabin — practical enough for daily life, playful enough to make the commute feel like a short track session.

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VW Golf

The VW Golf remains the everyman’s favourite — cleverly balanced, composed and just posh enough to feel grown-up without pretending to be something it’s not. It slips through town and eats up longer trips with a refined cabin, practical layout and a kindly, capable character that turns everyday driving into something a little bit special.

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CUPRA Formentor
VW Golf
Formentor @ CUPRA / SEAT S.A.
Golf @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Costs and Consumption

Price
35200 - 55000 £
Price
25200 - 47600 £
Consumption L/100km
1.4 - 8.8 L
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 8.1 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
117 - 126 km
Electric Range
131 - 143 km
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
co2
32 - 199 g/km
co2
25 - 184 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 55 L
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 55 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1434 - 1742 kg
Curb weight
1307 - 1662 kg
Trunk capacity
345 - 450 L
Trunk capacity
273 - 381 L
Length
4451 mm
Length
4282 - 4296 mm
Width
1839 mm
Width
1789 mm
Height
1511 - 1537 mm
Height
1454 - 1483 mm
Max trunk capacity
1415 - 1505 L
Max trunk capacity
1129 - 1237 L
Payload
458 - 526 kg
Payload
438 - 508 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 333 HP
Power HP
116 - 333 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.8 - 9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 10.2 s
Max Speed
205 - 250 km/h
Max Speed
202 - 270 km/h
Torque
250 - 420 Nm
Torque
220 - 420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
110 - 245 kW
Power kW
85 - 245 kW
Engine capacity
1498 - 1984 cm3
Engine capacity
1498 - 1984 cm3

General

Model Year
2024 - 2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
G, E, D, F, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, G, C, B
Brand
CUPRA
Brand
VW
What drive types are available for the CUPRA Formentor?

Available configurations include All-Wheel Drive or Front-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.