2023 Cupra Formentor V2 TSI S-A 1.5L Petrol · RO22 HAM

A clean MOT certificate dated 16 January 2026, with no advisories or failures recorded on a 2023 CUPRA Formentor, points to a vehicle that has so far demonstrated straightforward roadworthiness under the DVSA inspection regime. With only a single test on file at just under three years of age, there is admittedly limited longitudinal data to draw firm conclusions about wear trends, but the absence of any flagged items at the first compulsory test is a positive baseline. The Formentor's TSI petrol engine paired with the DSG-style S-A automatic transmission is generally robust, and a clean first pass suggests no immediate red flags were observed in the usual MOT suspect areas such as braking performance, suspension components, lighting, or exhaust emissions. For a prospective buyer, this represents an encouraging start rather than a definitive long-term guarantee. Annual mileage of approximately 4,879 miles against a three-year vehicle age is notably below the typical UK average and places this car firmly in light-use territory. Such low accumulation can stem from a variety of usage patterns including predominantly short urban trips, extended periods of storage, or restricted use as a second vehicle, and each carries its own mechanical implications. Short journeys in particular tend to be harder on cold-start components, brake discs (which can suffer from surface corrosion due to infrequent high-temperature drying cycles), and the DSG mechatronic unit if the transmission is not regularly brought up to full operating temperature. Equally, long stationary periods can lead to brake disc pitting, tyre flat-spotting, and 12V battery degradation, although none of these were formally flagged at the 2026 test. Any lengthy gaps between recorded mileages would warrant closer scrutiny, so it is worth requesting the full service history to corroborate the MOT mileage readings. Given the clean MOT outcome, there are no specific components from the advisory record to investigate, but a buyer should still perform targeted checks aligned with the areas most prone to early wear on a low-mileage DSG-equipped SUV of this age. On a test drive, listen carefully for any clonks or knocks from the front suspension over speed bumps or uneven surfaces, particularly from the lower control arms, anti-roll bar bushes, and top mounts, as these are common wear items on the MQB-platform Formentor even at modest mileages. Pay attention to brake pedal feel, checking for any judder or vibration under firm pedal pressure which could indicate corroded or unevenly worn front discs resulting from light use. The DSG gearbox should shift smoothly through all gears with no hesitation, slipping, or audible whining, and a cold start should not produce any harsh clonks from the dual-clutch assembly. Practical inspection points include a thorough visual check of the brake discs for lipping or rust pitting, tyre condition for uneven wear patterns that might suggest alignment or suspension geometry issues, and the condition of the underbody and exhaust system for any early corrosion given the relatively low annual mileage that can sometimes accelerate surface oxidation through infrequent use. Confirm that all electronic systems, including the infotainment, driver assistance features, and climate control, are functioning correctly, as CUPRA vehicles are densely equipped and electrical gremlins can emerge. Finally, verify that the timing chain service interval and DSG oil change schedule for the 1.5 TSI have been adhered to in line with manufacturer recommendations, as neglect of these on a low-mileage car driven predominantly in short bursts can lead to premature wear despite the modest odometer reading.