Cupra 2.0 TSI 245
EA888 evo mid-range output. Various power variants from 150 kW (203 PS) to 195 kW (265 PS). Strong everyday turbo with a broad torque plateau.
Balanced Sports Package
245 hp with DSG and AWD — 0–100 in 4.9 seconds. First place against the AMG GLA 35 and T-Roc R in comparison tests. Agile handling, convincing traction.
Engine Weaknesses 4
The EA888 Gen4 245 PS water pump is a known weak point on the Formentor. Affected owners reported sudden overheating events with repair quotes exceeding €2,000. Goodwill from VW is possible but must be actively requested.
Symptoms: All warning lights illuminate, temperature gauge in the red, steam from bonnet, power loss
Gen4 also uses a timing chain with the same Achilles heel as Gen3. Chain elongation is known from around 120,000–150,000 km. Longlife oils considerably accelerate guide rail wear.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling on cold start, timing errors, engine warning light, rough running
The EA888 Gen3/4 can develop elevated oil consumption through undersized oil scraper rings. The crankcase oil separator can also fail under sporty conditions, directing oil into the intake tract.
Symptoms: Dropping oil level, blue smoke on acceleration or overrun, carbon build-up on intake valves
Camshaft carrier seals and the upper timing chain cover tend to leak on all EA888 variants. Oil collects in the area of the cam phasers and drips to the outside.
Symptoms: Oil spots under the vehicle, dropping oil level with no visible source, oil smell after driving
Vehicle Weaknesses 5
Plug-in hybrid variants from 2020–2022 were recalled due to fire risk. A defective fuse in the high-voltage system could cause a short circuit and fire. An additional insulating mat and new fuse were installed.
The Formentor's infotainment system freezes daily, crashes multiple times and loses settings. Crashes happen up to several times a day — including on the motorway while driving. Driver assistance systems also drop out when this occurs.
Several owners report water ingress in the boot. Workshops described it as 'within normal tolerances'. After multiple repair attempts the problem remained unresolved on some vehicles. Panoramic roof drains are frequently the cause.
Some Formentor owners report self-induced oil loss with no visible leak. Two oil top-ups within a few months were needed. TÜV data identifies oil loss and failed emissions tests as known weak points.
The TÜV report shows slightly above-average brake disc wear for the Formentor. The Brembo setup on VZ variants squeals in everyday driving and causes high running costs. Expensive to replace.
Reports & Tests
Passes the first main inspection reliably. Weak points are oil leaks and slightly elevated brake disc wear, attributed to the car's sporting character. Lighting, steering, driveshafts and chassis show no notable defects.
Ranks among the more reliable models in the compact class. The entire VAG Group including Cupra shows high to very high reliability in breakdown callout statistics.
Brakes and lighting score very reliably. Chassis springs and exhaust receive good marks. Brake disc wear slightly above average, likely due to spirited use. Isolated oil leaks known.
