Cupra’s Formentor standalone SUV performs admirably for a week with road tester Al Suttie.

The Formentor is Cupra’s rival to the Audi Q3, BMW X2 and Volvo XC40

Monday

What’s this – an all-new brand of car? Well, yes and no, as this week a Cupra Formentor has arrived. It’s grown out of SEAT’s performance division to offer a more athletic take on the Spanish company’s models, and the Formentor is a key player up against the likes of the Audi Q3, BMW X2 and Volvo XC40. No mean list of contenders, then, but the Cupra certainly has the looks and aggression to hold its own.

Tuesday

First proper drive in the Cupra Formentor this morning and it seems looks can be deceiving. I’d been expecting something like a scaled-down Lamborghini Urus and what I got was a surprisingly tame crossover. In fact, the low-slung driving position is more like that of a SEAT Leon than anything with SUV in its genetic make-up. Also, this is the 1.5 TSI model that covers 0-62mph in an official 8.9 seconds. Hardly sporty in this day and age.

Our V2 trim comes with all of the essential and desirable kit you could want in a compact crossover or SUV

Wednesday

Today sees me on some more twisty roads than yesterday’s client visit on A-roads and dual carriageway. This morning’s route gives the Cupra an opportunity to shine in the handling department and it does well. There’s good grip, decent steering feel and the ride isn’t overly firm even on the car’s 19-inch alloy wheels. Again, though, expectations have to be managed between the Cupra’s intent and reality.

Thursday

Off into bandit country this afternoon, or Glasgow as it’s more commonly called. I never seem to take the right turning in the city’s network of one-way systems, but the Formentor’s excellent sat-nav and infotainment set-up make light work of directions. I like the big screen and voice control, but the touch-sensitive buttons for the air conditioning are fiddly to use while driving.

Friday

Getting set for the weekend and it’s all go this evening for the kids’ sporting activities. My worry the Formentor might have trouble accommodating my ever-stretching son’s height are groundless as the Cupra carries him and a mate easily. There’s also a good boot to carry all of their cricket kit, plus my daughter’s hockey bag, so a big thumbs up to Cupra for finding the space inside the car’s coupé-esque profile.

The Cupra has no problem accommodating passengers or luggage despite its coupé-esque profile

Saturday

With the family loaded up, we’re off to see Grandpa this afternoon. We all fit in the Cupra no problem, but cruising along the motorway shows there’s more road noise than I’d expect. Compare this Formentor to a SEAT Ateca and it’s noticeably less refined, which means turning up the radio more to be heard or raising voices to hold a conversation. Either way, it’s disappointing.

Sunday

A study of the spec sheet shows this V2 trim is packed with all of the essential and desirable kit you could want in a compact crossover or SUV. I like the black leather seats and, despite their sporty styling, the driving position and comfort are spot on. With the more potent 2.0-litre engine, the Cupra Formentor would be a more convincing proposition, though most company drivers are likely to head for the e-Hybrid models for their emissions and economy.