2022 Cupra Formentor V1 TSI S-A 1.5L Petrol · RF22 XCR

A largely clean two-test DVSA record for this 2022 CUPRA Formentor, with one advisory-free pass at the most recent assessment on 20 August 2026 and an earlier pass carrying three advisories. The 2025 test noted a nearside front tyre worn close to the legal limit on its edge, light oil misting on the offside front shock absorber, and rear brake pads wearing thin. The absence of any defects or advisories at the 2026 retest suggests these items were addressed prior to or during the intervening year, but the underlying wear patterns remain relevant because they point to the components most likely to require attention on a DSG-equipped, turbocharged SUV of this age and mileage. No structural, corrosion, exhaust, lighting, or major brake or suspension failures have been recorded to date. Recorded mileage of 45,325 miles over roughly four years equates to an annual accumulation of around 11,300 miles, which sits comfortably within typical usage for a privately owned family crossover. There are no significant gaps between tests or unexplained jumps in odometer readings, so the recorded wear can be interpreted in line with consistent year-round use rather than long periods of standing or motorway-only accumulation. For a vehicle of this profile, this level of annual mileage is generally sufficient to keep the 1.5 TSI engine, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and turbo system properly warmed through and lubricated, while still placing realistic demand on the front MacPherson suspension, rear multi-link set-up, and friction materials. It is a usage pattern that would not, on its own, raise particular mechanical concern. For a prospective buyer, the three 2025 advisories are the most useful pointers for a physical inspection and a test drive. On the front tyres, check the nearside and offside inner and outer edges for uneven wear, feathering, or one-sided scrubbing, as edge wear on a front-driven car is often linked to misalignment, worn suspension bushes, or top mount deterioration rather than simple age. For the offside front shock absorber, look for any fresh oil staining on the body or around the lower mounting, and during a test drive listen for clonking or knocking over uneven surfaces, as well as any pitching or wallow under hard braking that would suggest damping efficiency has declined. At the rear, the worn brake pads should be checked by inspecting the calipers for uneven pad wear, binding, or seized slide pins, and on test drive feel for any rear-end instability or pulling under load. A useful targeted check would be a slow-speed drive over broken tarmac and speed humps, paying particular attention to any creaks or knocks from the front suspension, which would be consistent with worn top mounts, anti-roll bar drop links, or control arm bushes given the advisory pattern. The front discs and pads, although not flagged, are typically the first friction items to require replacement on a turbocharged petrol SUV of this mileage, so a visual check of disc lipping and pad thickness is worthwhile. Under the bonnet, inspect the offside front shock top mount area for any fresh oil residue, and check general engine bay condition for oil seepage from the cam cover or turbo oil feed lines, as these are common TSI wear points. Finally, confirm that the tyres currently fitted are matching in size and brand on each axle, and that the rear pads previously flagged as wearing thin have been replaced or still have adequate material, as uneven or premature wear can recur if the cause was not rectified.