Tag Archives: hybrid

CUPRA, Motor reviews, Motoring, SUV

Blend of style and performance

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Cupra Formentor

By Bill McCarthy

Cupra, the  sporty arm of the SEAT brand, which is itself a sporty arm of the VW Group offers a stylish alternative in its segments with striking looks, upmarket interiors and practicality in spades. Steadily growing sales figures for the brand are a testament to how it has been received.

The Formentor has been a success story, the brand’s best seller and the latest, revamped version is even better with upgrades to appearance, equipment and software.

Sleek design

The Formentor cuts a striking figure with its aggressive, low-slung stance, sleek silhouette, and a new shark-nose front end flanked by triangular LED light clusters. At the rear, a full-width LED light bar and twin exhaust pipes reinforce its sporty character, while standard 18-inch alloy wheels complete the dynamic look. It’s a head-turner—a crossover with SUV presence and hatchback versatility.

Premium, hi-tech interior

Inside there is an upmarket feel with solid build quality, and signature copper and aluminium accents. The cabin blends sportiness with sophistication, featuring ambient lighting, black sports seats with copper coloured stitching, and a heated multifunction steering wheel (though the heating function seemed to have a mind of its own and proved frustratingly inconsistent). Space at the front generous, with ample head and legroom, creating an airy, comfortable environment.

Even this entry-level model comes well-equipped, centred around a 12.9-inch touchscreen running Cupra’s bespoke CONNECT system. It handles navigation, infotainment, and smartphone connectivity, though the customisable widgets and touch-sensitive sliders for climate and volume can be fiddly on the move. 

A configurable Digital Cockpit behind the steering wheel keeps key driving data in clear view, while the DSG gear selector and secondary controls are neatly arranged on the central console.

Not cheap at £35,000 for this model, but a host of standard equipment, dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, and other driver aids—making it a well-rounded package.

Sporty but sensible

Powered by a 1.5-litre eTSI mild-hybrid engine paired with a 7-speed DSG automatic, the Formentor delivers real punchy performance and impressive efficiency. It’s no fire-breathing hot hatch, but the 0-60mph sprint in nine seconds is more than adequate for daily driving, and real-world fuel economy hovers around 45mpg—close to the official WLTP 45.6mpg claim.

The engine is refined and responsive at low-to-mid speeds, though it can feel strained when overtaking on the motorway. Most impressive is the handling, with precise, well-weighted steering and an electronic locking differential providing excellent cornering stability, making it a joy on twisty roads. However, the firm suspension, while great for body control, can feel harsh over rough surfaces, sending jolts through the cabin. On smooth tarmac however, it is a comfortable ride.

Practicality & safety

With 450 litres of boot space (expandable via folding rear seats), the Formentor is as practical as it is stylish. Safety tech is comprehensive, including:

  • Predictive adaptive cruise control
  • Forward collision warning with automatic braking
  • Driver alert system
  • Lane-keeping assist
  • A full suite of airbags

Verdict

The Cupra Formentor isn’t cheap, but it offers a clever blend of head-turning design, sporty dynamics, and everyday usability. Its engaging drive, strong economy, and premium feel explain why it’s resonating with buyers.

Factfile
  • CUPRA Formentor V1 1.5 e-TSI DSG Price: £36,175
  • Mechanical: 150bhp, 1498cc petrol turbo engine driving front wheels via seven-speed automatic transmission
  • Max speed: 127mph
  • 0-60: 9 seconds
  • Economy: 45.6mpg
  • CO2 emissions: 133g/km
  • Insurance group: 21E
  • BiK rating: 31%
  • Warranty: 5yrs/90,000 miles

City cars, Manufacturer, MG

New MG a brilliant performer

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MG3 Hybrid+

By Bill McCarthy

The first time I drove an MG3, it was a bit underwhelming, despite the rock bottom price. Now Chinese owned, the name MG has a proud heritage as a sporty and desirable vehicle.
The firm now produces value for money cars, which are practical and well equipped and with some industry leading offers.
The new hybrid model is an altogether different proposition from the original and, says the company, represents a landmark in MG’s powertrain development, as the first pure hybrid model to be launched. There are two models, and both are packed with kit you would expect on more expensive rivals. 
It delivers an advanced hybrid system that  includes a separate generator, allowing for multiple hybrid modes. 
Starting at  £18,495 OTR, it is available in SE or Trophy specifications and both come with the seven-year/80,000 mile warranty.
Prices are still low and you get plenty from this impressive supermini. It also looks good, with a full frame grille, sporting the larger, iconic MG badge and other neat style touches in the rear such as high-mounted tail lamps.
To be fair, it blew me away, a supermini almost defying the description, with a large interior and excellent boot space.


It delivers a unique hybrid system that  includes a separate generator, allowing for multiple hybrid modes which include:

  • EV – Running on electric-only power for as long as charge allows
  • Series – Engine runs through to the generator, which powers the electric motor for drive
  • Series and Charge – Series driving, plus topping-up the battery when under low-load
  • Drive and Charge – Engine drives the wheels, while also charging the battery through the generator
  • Parallel – Both engine and electric motor power the wheels

The hybrid 1.5 internal combustion engine and 100kW electric motor deliver an excellent drive and can pretty astonishing economy figures of nearly 70mpg reported by colleagues. I managed ‘only’ 63mpg, nearer the official figure and this was with predominantly motorway driving. Impressive or what? It is bigger than before with good interior space and an excellent stowage area.
It now features  a twin-screen cockpit with a seven-inch digital instrument screen and a 10.25-inch central infotainment system which also controls navigation and connectivity via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Other high end equipment includes air conditioning, six-speaker audio system with Bluetooth connection, four USB ports, and rear parking sensors and camera, while this range topper  add leather-style upholstery, keyless entry, heated front seats and steering wheel, and 360-degree camera. The spacious cabin offers excellent headroom, while legroom is reasonably good as well.
You will not find high quality soft touch finish, but the plastic finish is hard wearing and easy to keep clean, particularly with young children in the car. Boot space, like most hatchbacks, space can be increased by folding the rear seats. 
Despite the huge economy, it still delivers a sporty performance with good handling which came into play on twisty Devon roads.
 There are three driving modes: Eco, Standard and Sport, with the latter powering the car to 60mph in just eight seconds. The chassis and suspension has also been specifically tuned for UK roads according to MG.
However, hit a pothole or uneven surface where the car is unsettled by imperfections and can be uncomfortable until you are on a better surface.

A bigger, better, high quality little car, but still  a real snip of a price.
The new car is packed with safety kit including rear view camera and MG Pilot technology, which includes a full set of airbags, lane dpearture warning, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and traffic jam assist.

A brilliant little performer that wears the MG badge proudly.

  • Factfile
  • MG3 3 Hybrid+ Trophy
  • Price: £20,495
  • Mechanical: 143PS, 1,498cc, 4cyl petrol engine and 100kW electric motor combined, driving front wheels wheels via auto gearbox
  • Max speed: 128mph
  • 0-60mph: 8 seconds
  • Combined mpg: 64
  • Insurance group: 24
  • CO2 emissions: 100g/km (provisional)
  • Warranty: 7yrs/80,000 miles