Sporty or safety: The option that cancels Cupra’s ANCAP rating

The 2026 Cupra Formentor has arrived in Australia, with local independent crash-test authority ANCAP awarding the refreshed small SUV a five-star safety rating.

However, the top score doesn't apply to Formentor VZe and VZx variants with the optional Extreme Package, due to their seats.

Along with upgraded brakes and matrix LED headlights, the package includes sports bucket seats from Italian firm Sabelt, which aren't fitted with the centre airbag found on the standard sports seats from Cupra.

Jeff Shafer, head of product for Cupra Australia, explained the rating doesn’t apply to vehicles fitted with the Extreme Package, as vehicles haven’t undergone crash testing with the Sabelt seats.

“I think it’s a very safe car,” he told CarExpert.

“It could well be that the seat is just as good [as the standard seat with the centre airbag], but we just don’t know because of the global volume of the [Sabelt] seat’s quite low.”

Mr Shafer explained the centre airbag is about reducing the possibility of heads clashing between the front occupants, and the Sabelt versions offer greater support and side bolstering.

The Cupra executive added that the Extreme Package also comes with upgrades to the headlights and brakes.

“But people make their own choices, and the information’s clear – it’s there in the report,” he said.

Along with the Formentor VZe and VZx, the ANCAP safety rating excludes the forthcoming Formentor VZ5 – a limited-edition model powered by the five-cylinder turbocharged engine from the Audi RS3.

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