Cupra Formentor vs. Mini Countryman: Sporty SUVs compared
The category of compact SUVs with a sporty orientation is growing and is aimed at car enthusiasts who appreciate dynamic looks and driving behavior, but do not want to give up the practicality and cargo capacity of "high-legged" cars.
In this particular vehicle class, two models stand out, appreciated by the public by combining an original and modern design with useful space for the family.
We're talking about models that have become classics in the sporty C-SUV segment, namely the recently redesigned Cupra Formentor, which finds its direct rival in the new third-generation Mini Countryman. Let's compare these two models (at least on paper) to understand the similarities and differences.
ExteriorIn terms of exterior dimensions, the Cupra Formentor and the Mini Countryman are very similar, starting with a length of 4.45 meters for the Spanish model and 4.44 meters for the British model. However, the styling is so different between the two that one could position them as polar opposites.
The Cupra Formentor has an almost SUV-coupe-like appearance, with relatively low and sleek shapes and a design characterized by broken lines, sharp edges, and a "sharp" front end with various air intakes that define its style. Very elaborate and original lighting signatures, both front and rear, characterize the Spanish SUV, which received a facelift last year and has won over many customers across Europe.
The Mini Countryman also boasts signature lighting and LED lights, which create a very impressive effect, but the overall style, with a relatively high roof, emphasizes the family SUV orientation of the English car. The lines are massive and vertical, yet stand out thanks to the brand's new design language.
| Model | length | Width | Height | wheelbase |
| Cupra Formentor | 4.45 meters | 1.84 meters | 1.52 meters | 2.68 meters |
| MINI Countryman | 4.44 meters | 1.84 meters | 1.66 meters | 2.69 meters |
The Cupra Formentor features a modern yet traditional interior layout, with a 10.25-inch digital display and a large 12.9-inch central touchscreen in the dashboard. The infotainment interface has been simplified, and the touch controls for the climate control are backlit.
Great emphasis is placed on perceived quality in the materials, with soft surfaces, piano lacquer finishes and brushed aluminum, as well as seats with contrasting stitching and thick upholstery.
In terms of cargo capacity, the Cupra offers a trunk of at least 450 liters (420 liters for the 4Drive and 345 liters for the plug-in hybrid), which can be increased to 1,505 liters by folding the rear seat backrests in a 40:60 split.
The trunk of the Cupra Formentor has a minimum volume of 450 liters.
Image by: Cupra
The interior of the Mini Countryman is considerably less classic. For the first time, it dispenses with the instrument panel in front of the driver, replacing it with the optional head-up display. Instead, all information is summarized on the large, round display in the dashboard with a diameter of 24 centimeters, an OLED screen, and the MINI OS9 operating system.
There are really only a few physical buttons and the interior made of recycled materials with a fabric look and 2D technology offers an interesting tactile feel.
In terms of trunk space, the largest Mini offers almost the same capacity as the Cupra, with a minimum volume of 450 liters and a maximum of 1,460 liters (505/1,530 liters for the JCW ALL4 and 460/1,450 liters for the electric version). The rear seat backrest folds in a 40:20:40 split.
The trunk of the MINI Countryman ranges from a minimum of 450 to a maximum of 1,460 liters
| Model | instrumentation | Central monitor | Head-up display | trunk |
| Cupra Formentor | 10.25" | 12.9" | Yes (optional) | 450/1,505 liters |
| MINI Countryman | nv | 9.44" | Yes (optional) | 450/1,460 liters |
The Cupra Formentor offers a wide range of petrol, diesel, and hybrid engines, including plug-in versions. The petrol versions are available as 1.5 TSI and 2.0 TSI with power outputs of 150 (also with manual transmission), 204, 265, and 333 hp, also with 4Drive all-wheel drive. The 2.0 TDI diesel has 150 hp, as does the 1.5 petrol mild hybrid. The Formentor Plug-in Hybrid uses the 1.5 TSI to deliver 204 or 272 hp of system power, as well as an electric range of up to 125 km.
On the Cupra Formentor plug-in hybrid...
Image by: Cupra
the fully electric Mini Countryman E answers
The Mini Countryman, related to the BMW X1, offers petrol and diesel mild hybrid options and, unlike the Spanish model, has a fully electric version. (For Cupra, this would be the Tavascan .) Some engines also have all-wheel drive. The petrol lineup starts with the 170 hp mild hybrid, followed by the 218 hp mild hybrid and the non-electrified John Cooper Works All4 with 300 hp. The diesel mild hybrid produces 163 hp, while the electric drive is available with outputs of 204 and 313 hp, with a range of up to 462 km.
| Model | petrol | Petrol MHEV | Diesel | Diesel MHEV | PHEV | BEV |
| Cupra Formentor | 1.5 150 HP2.0 204 HP2.0 265 HP2.0 333 HP | 1.5 150 hp | 2.0 150 hp | nv | 1.5 204 hp1.5 272 hp | nv |
| Mini Countryman | 2.0 300 hp | 1.5 170 hp 2.0 218 hp | nv | 2.0 163 hp | nv | 204 hp 313 hp |
Prices for the Cupra Formentor in Germany start at 41,115 euros for the 1.5 TSI with manual transmission and front-wheel drive and go up to 64,200 euros for the VZ Extreme 2.0 TSI 4DRIVE with 333 hp.
The price list of the Mini Countryman starts at 34,820 euros for the Countryman C Essential with 170 hp, front-wheel drive and automatic transmission, while at the other extreme there is the John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4 300 hp for 53,920 euros.
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