2022 Cupra Formentor V1 Phev S-A 1.4L Hybrid electric (clean) · NG71 YEX

A remarkably sparse DVSA record for a 2022 CUPRA Formentor PHEV, with only three MOT entries logged, all of which returned a clean pass with no advisories or defects. The current roadworthy certificate was issued on 17 March 2026 following a same-day retest after an initial failure the day before, the cause of which is not recorded on the official DVSA database. Because the underlying defects are not logged, this anomaly cannot be ignored during inspection; it warrants direct enquiry about any remedial work undertaken in March 2026 and, ideally, supporting invoices. Beyond that isolated event, the Formentor presents a stable MOT profile with no recurring advisories relating to suspension, braking, corrosion, or emissions, which is consistent with a relatively young, predominantly plug-in driven vehicle. With 43,983 miles accumulated over roughly four years, the car is running at approximately 11,000 miles annually, a figure closely aligned with the UK national average for vehicles of this age. The absence of any MOT test in 2024 is notable, though not unusual for a car first registered in 2022, as it only becomes MOT-testable from its third anniversary onwards. The mileage progression between tests shows an increase of around 13,000 miles in the fourteen months between January 2025 and March 2026, suggesting steady and consistent use rather than long periods of standing. Mechanical implications are broadly favourable: regular running helps preserve the health of the high-voltage battery, the 12V auxiliary system, brake callipers, and tyres, all of which can deteriorate on a stationary PHEV. However, the annual mileage remains high enough that conventional consumables and suspension components will have experienced meaningful wear. Despite the clean paper trail, a prospective buyer should approach this Formentor with a particular focus on the plug-in hybrid powertrain and the braking system, given the brake-by-wire regeneration characteristic of the PHEV variant. On a test drive, listen for any unusual whine or clonk from the transmission during low-speed manoeuvres, as the DSG-style automatic can develop mechatronic or clutch-pack wear, and confirm that the transition between electric and petrol propulsion is seamless without harsh thuds. The braking system should be evaluated carefully; PHEV vehicles that rely heavily on regenerative deceleration can suffer from seized callipers and corroded brake discs due to infrequent mechanical braking. On a test drive from a steady motorway cruise, apply the brakes firmly and progressively to feel for any judder, vibration through the pedal, or pulling to one side, and at low speed listen for scraping or grinding noises that would suggest pad or disc corrosion. A rolling brake test at a workshop is strongly advisable to confirm caliper function. Suspension refinement is another area warranting close attention, as the Formentor's sport-tuned chassis uses bushes and links that can deteriorate without triggering MOT advisories until the wear is pronounced. Listen for knocks or creaks from the front end over speed humps, uneven surfaces, and during full lock steering manoeuvres, and feel for any vagueness, clonking, or imprecise turn-in response from the steering rack, which can indicate worn top mounts or tie rod ends. Given the lack of recorded corrosion advisories on a relatively young car, inspect the underside, wheel arches, and subframe mounting points for any surface rust, particularly given UK winter road salt exposure. Finally, verify the service history thoroughly, paying particular attention to evidence of high-voltage battery condition checks, DSG transmission fluid changes, and brake fluid renewal, as these items are critical to the long-term health of the PHEV system and would not necessarily be flagged on an MOT.