If someone was asked 50 years ago what a performance car looked like, they might have suggested a low, sleek two seater, or maybe a two-plus-two for a little
extra practicality.

Since then, we have been through the era of high-performance saloons, such as the BMW M5, AMG-engineered Mercedes-Benzes, hot hatches, potent diesels, but in the past few years things have
been transformed.

Performance cars can now take any shape and, increasingly, electrified power is also becoming popular.

We reported last month on the addition of a plug-in hybrid version of the new Skoda Octavia VRS, and the same power unit can be specified in the Cupra Formentor.

We sampled the range-topping 310hp Formentor a few months ago, but since then plug-in hybrid and entry-level 150hp 1.5-litre petrol versions have been added to the range.

The plug-in hybrids offer customers the choice of either 204hp or 245hp variants, both using a 1.4-litre engine and electric motor powering the front wheels.

Our initial plug-in experience is with the 245hp variant, which offers more than 30 miles of electric range according to WLTP, and for the current financial year, BIK tax of 11%. The lower-power variant, which will feature in the magazine later this summer, offers the same tax liability but benefits from having a lower P11D value, making it more tax efficient.

The Formentor leads Cupra's foray into plug-in vehicles and will be followed in a few months by the fully electric Cupra Born.

The Formentor itself is also the first Cupra model in its own right rather than a Seat with aggressive styling kit and different badges.

It adopts an SUV-like profile, giving it a loftier stance than the Leon, although it does appear less tall than many SUVs for this money, adding to its more dynamic appeal. Cupra's characteristic copper trim highlights also make it stand out from the norm.

The sporty nature of the Formentor might not be best served by being able to drive on electric, but drivers (and passengers) who appreciate noise will be pleased to know the engine has quite a deliberate (and artificially enhanced) gruff edge when 'Cupra' mode is selected.