Kash drives a CUPRA Formentor VZ1 e-hybrid 2021 PHEV.
This is Kash’s first PHEV, he’s owned the Formentor under 1 year and drives 10,000-15,000 miles annually. The current mileage of the car is between 5,000-10,000 miles and he achieves 30 miles range from a full charge.
Rate your CUPRA Formentor out of 5
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Why did you choose the CUPRA Formentor?
I originally looked at a Hyundai IONIQ 5 but we have a small caravan and realised it would be problematic to try and recharge at public chargers in a journey as we would have to unhitch the whole outfit to rapid charge. So we looked for a PHEV and the Formentor seemed to fit the bill. After much research we decided to get one and managed to find a new one in stock not too far away.
We loved it’s styling inside and out from the off and there are not many days when we go out that we aren’t approached and questioned about it. Most people have no idea what it is and haven’t heard of the CUPRA brand. We generally use the car in pure EV mode day to day as it’s 35 mile range easily covers our daily commute and activities and as we have a home charger, we just pop it back in charge overnight and it’s ready in the morning.
In fact, we quite resent using petrol and haven’t put any in for 5 weeks now! When you do want to have some fun though, it’s a very quick car in hybrid CUPRA mode. Overall, a great car.
Positives – List 3 or more reasons why you love this electric car
- 35 mile range
- great ride/handling
- style.
Negatives – List 3 or more things that you really don’t like about this electric car
- No fast charging
- needs more than 35 miles range ideally
- nothing else we dislike.
Have you experienced any faults with the car? If so, what have they been?
The active cruise control initially thought the car was left hand drive but an over the air update sorted it out.
What are the standout tech features of the car?
- e-HYBRID system is very efficient
- Android Auto/CarPlay as standard
- lots of safety features
- heated steering wheel.
Surprise us! Tell us something people wouldn’t readily know about this electric car
If you use a feature in the sat nav, the car will automatically stretch out the battery over your outward and return journeys so you get the maximum mpg when in hybrid mode.
What electric car are you interested in next and why?
The MG ZS, the facelifted 5 and the CUPRA Born. May consider another PHEV such as the stylish new Alfa Romeo Tonale.
What home charging unit do you use? Would you recommend it to others and why?
We have a commando charging setup installed by our electrician which is fine for a PHEV.
Rate your home charging unit out of 5
What home electricity supplier & tariff do you use? Would you recommend it to others and why?
British Gas Standard tariff – but looking towards Octopus once we are allowed to change tariffs.
Rate your electricity supplier out of 5
What public charging networks would you recommend to others and why?
InstaVolt, Gridserve and Shell – they have always just worked.
List your top 3 favourite public charging networks (in order of preference)
- InstaVolt
- Gridserve
- Shell.
Who do you insure your electric car with? Would you recommend them to others and why?
Chris Knott Insurance
Rate your insurance provider out of 5
Estimate how much money you save per month owning and running an electric car compared to a petrol/diesel car
£80
See other owner reviews here
