Questions about new Formentor VZ E-Hybrid

[Naxterra]

Hello

I bought a new Formentor VZ E-Hybrid yesterday (first register in last June) and I have some questions.

- How can I activate Full Link and use my Apple Car Play? When I click on Full Link icon, it shows "The function is not available" error and nothing else. I am using Apple's original USB cable.
- Regarding Cupra Connect. I added myself as main user and linked to the car but when I try to lock / unlock the car, it is asking for identification check. How can I do that without going to the service?
- When I connect car to my phone's hotspot, it is not getting internet. Why is that? The world icon on top right is always gray. I tried with two phones, but they had same result. I also reset the Infotainment system, but nothing changed. Also, is it possible to use my own eSIM?
- How can I update the Infotainment software myself? I don't want to go to the service every time Cupra releases an update.

Any inputs regarding my questions are really appreciated

 

[Cuprakash]

Re full link,you shouldn't have to do anything other than plug your phone in via a decent cable.
I'd try changing the cable and trying someone else's phone if that doesn't work.
As far as I'm aware,there is nowhere to enable full link on the system so if nothing works,speak to your dealer.

On your second point,your dealer needs to authenticate you as a user,so give them a call about that too.My dealer authenticated me before I received the car but not all do.
Once they he have done so you can log into your app and add your vehicle and personal details.

Minor updates are applied over the air,you will get a message on your system (looks like a text message in the upper left hand corner of the display,click on it and updates are there if available,).
This may not happen until you get the car authenticated by the dealer but I'm not sure about that.

I've done a quick guide to the infotainment system on my blog on YouTube which may help you on other aspects of the system.

 

[oldgitdave]

I connected my phone via Bluetooth to get Full Link, have you tried that instead? Sorry I can't help with your other questions.

Cuprakash, do you know how to change the name displayed in the infotainment system? Id like to change mine from my full name to either first base or nickname. I changed it to Dave in the Cupra Connect app but it didn't update in the infotainment system in the car and I can't see where to change it. I like you videos BTW

 

[Naxterra]

I connected my phone via Bluetooth to get Full Link, have you tried that instead? Sorry I can't help with your other questions.

Cuprakash, do you know how to change the name displayed in the infotainment system? Id like to change mine from my full name to either first base or nickname. I changed it to Dave in the Cupra Connect app but it didn't update in the infotainment system in the car and I can't see where to change it. I like you videos BTW

Yes, I connected via Bluetooth and connected WLAN and USB, nothing worked. It receives audio from the phone but no Full Link. Cupra also replied to my emails and told me that Full Link should be available via USB cable. I made an appointment to the Cupra service, let's see what they will do.

For Cupra Connect, dealer told me that Cupra Ident is not working for Apple devices because it needs to write something to the phone's chip but it works with Android devices. I don't know how accurate that is but authorized service told me that. I will bring an Android phone on my next appointment, hopefully they will finish this Cupra-Ident check.

Also, any idea why Infotainment is not taking internet from my phone's hotspot and also not installing Apple Music on the car?

 

[Cuprakash]

I connected my phone via Bluetooth to get Full Link, have you tried that instead? Sorry I can't help with your other questions.

Cuprakash, do you know how to change the name displayed in the infotainment system? Id like to change mine from my full name to either first base or nickname. I changed it to Dave in the Cupra Connect app but it didn't update in the infotainment system in the car and I can't see where to change it. I like you videos BTW

It should update into the vehicle too if you change it on the app

 

[oldgitdave]

It should update into the vehicle too if you change it on the app

I've just noticed in the app that it won't change my name even though I thought it had. I get an error message in the app that says "Save username: Sorry, something went wrong. Please try again later". Any ideas?

Sorry for hijacking your thread Naxterra, I hope Cupra service sort your connection issues. I don't know much about Apple devices I'm afraid.

 

[Cuprakash]

I've just noticed in the app that it won't change my name even though I thought it had. I get an error message in the app that says "Save username: Sorry, something went wrong. Please try again later". Any ideas?

Sorry for hijacking your thread Naxterra, I hope Cupra service sort your connection issues. I don't know much about Apple devices I'm afraid.

You could reinstalling the app...

That can clear errors and it may work properly for you then.

 

[Naxterra]

You could reinstalling the app...

That can clear errors and it may work properly for you then.

How can I do that in the car?

 

[Cuprakash]

How can I do that in the car?

I'm talking about reinstalling the app on your phone...

 

[Naxterra]

I'm talking about reinstalling the app on your phone...

Apple Car Play is integrated into the iOS. It is not something that can be reinstalled.

 

[oldgitdave]

Apple Car Play is integrated into the iOS. It is not something that can be reinstalled.

Naxterra, it's the CUPRA Connect app that's being talked about here, not Apple Car Play. I have contacted these people and have had a positive response within hours: [email protected]. They resolved my issue so hopefully can resolve yours too.

Dave

 

[Naxterra]

Bad news for me.

I went to two official Cupra Specialist Service points and one car tuning service. All said it is not possible to activate Full Link in this car, if it is not installed in manufacturing phase.

I have email from Cupra itself, saying Full Link is available via USB cable, but in my car, it is not available.

Before going to lawyer, I asked them how they can provide a solution regarding Full Link because without Full Link this car is pretty much useless to me.

As for my other questions;
- Regarding Cupra Connect. I added myself as main user and linked to the car but when I try to lock / unlock the car, it is asking for identification check. How can I do that without going to the service? - Only option is to go official service center and register. There is no other way.
- When I connect car to my phone's hotspot, it is not getting internet. Why is that? The world icon on top right is always gray. I tried with two phones, but they had same result. I also reset the Infotainment system, but nothing changed. Also, is it possible to use my own eSIM? - This lovely Infotainment system recognizes phone hotspot if phone is not connected via USB. Workaround is, connect car to phone hotspot, then connect USB cable for charging.
- How can I update the Infotainment software myself? I don't want to go to the service every time Cupra releases an update. - Not possible via air. It only updates small patches via air. Major updates need to be done in service.

I will most probably sell my car and get another brand with proper support and equipment. Otherwise, if I take it to the court, it might take one or two year at least to solve this issue.

 

[Marck]

I had the same issue like yours and my iPhone 13 even car-dealer wasn't able to fix it
however, for me was not the car but my phone, car play was not enabled at all, see screenshot

once CarPlay shown-up in iPhone I have first connected with a USB Type-C lighting and it worked as charm, now it connects automatically in bluetooth mode with no need of US cable

I truly admit, this kind of setup is not very well explained

 

[Naxterra]

I had the same issue like yours and my iPhone 13 even car-dealer wasn't able to fix it
however, for me was not the car by my phone, car play was not enabled at all, see screenshot

once CarPlay shown-up in iPhone I have first connected with a USB Type-C lighting and it worked as charm, now it connects automatically in bluetooth mode with no need of US cable

I truly admit, this kind of setup is not very well explained


View attachment 31957

Everything is fine in my phone, and it was working without any issues in my previous cars, except this Cupra Formentor.

Problem is not related to my phone because when I open Full Link app in Infotainment, it immediately gives "Function is not available" error. It is not even searching for a phone.

Sadly, Cupra itself lied to me, seller had no idea what car had, and "Cupra Specialist Services" have no clue what this car has or not. I already put my car on sale, and I will never buy anything from Cupra brand again.

 

[oldgitdave]

So sorry to hear about your Cupra issues. Do you have any 'not fit for purpose' or something similar that you can get your money back? It can be difficult here in the UK, 'lemon' laws in the USA help people much more.

 

[Naxterra]

So sorry to hear about your Cupra issues. Do you have any 'not fit for purpose' or something similar that you can get your money back? It can be difficult here in the UK, 'lemon' laws in the USA help people much more.

I had 14 days of return time in Germany but thanks to Cupra service and Cupra support, that time already passed. I also asked Cupra several times via email and they told me that my car had it but now they are saying my car doesn't have it and can't do a retrofit.

Navigation system is totally useless. It is not recognizing speed signs properly, and that is causing major issue with ACC. For example, I am going into a tunnel, speed limit is 40, and car says that place has unlimited speed and pushes to gas. If I trust the car's navi, I will get a speed ticket because there are lots of radars in that tunnel. That is just one example. Navi is also not choosing correct way and most of the times takes the long road for no logical reason. Today it happened again. Normal way would be going straight but car decided to take another path. That costed me 10km extra and drain of my battery. If it went straight, it should only take 300-400 meter tops. I know the way because I am using that path often but today I was curious and trusted car's navi. Never again.

So many people are complaining to me about Full Link. They don't seem to understand why a person need a full phone integration. For me it is mandatory to use my iPhone's apps in the car because no in-car navi can beat Apple Maps / Google Maps / Waze. Other apps like Calendar, Spotify, Apple Music are also important, both connection stability-wise and quality-wise.

I still don't understand why it is not doable in 50k Euro worth Cupra Formentor but it was a standard in my old 2017 Seat Leon Xcellence, which is like 1/3 price of this Cupra.

I can take it to the court, but I am not sure how long will it take. I already have physical evidence from Cupra saying my car has it, because I provided my VIN every time, I sent them an email.

 

[oldgitdave]

I feel for you. I have Full Link wirelessly on Android and with the latest software 1896 have no issues at all to complain of. It seems you have a rogue car and as such should get a full refund.
Indeed after the first free year of Cupra Connect I'll need the Full Link even more. I don't use the integrated navigation as it's poor compared to Google Maps or Waze as you have said. Cupras system is massively overpriced too once the free year is over. Very few will pay those extortionate prices!
I don't know how easy it is for you to take them to court but it looks like you have a perfect case for doing so.
I wish you all the best and please do keep us all up to date on any progress

 

[Naxterra]

I feel for you. I have Full Link wirelessly on Android and with the latest software 1896 have no issues at all to complain of. It seems you have a rogue car and as such should get a full refund.
Indeed after the first free year of Cupra Connect I'll need the Full Link even more. I don't use the integrated navigation as it's poor compared to Google Maps or Waze as you have said. Cupras system is massively overpriced too once the free year is over. Very few will pay those extortionate prices!
I don't know how easy it is for you to take them to court but it looks like you have a perfect case for doing so.
I wish you all the best and please do keep us all up to date on any progress

Going to court will be easy, considering I have an insurance for the legal matters, but problem is court time will be long, around a year if I will be optimistic. If I manage to sell the car for the price that I bought, I will be content, I hope.

To be honest, I used two Seat Leon before and never had any issues but with this car everything is going sideways. Also, considering same service points are also providing service for Audi, VW and Seat, I don't think I will buy any of these brands.

Service-wise with my previous Mercedes, all were clear. It was a second-hand car too, and I had clear service report (which is also available online) and sales report for the car (in the report every component installed in the car was included), unlike this Cupra Formentor. I am not sure if it is a dealer issue or not, but in end my experience is totally different with both brands.

 

[Marck]

I'm really sad about your issues and I'm not telling you that CUPRA is the best brand, but every brands deserves to have mistakes and issues, however, if I may suggest, you should go against your car-dealer no matter what, they got the selling price on you car, in few words you have to fight with them, its their duty to contact CUPRA not you, moreover, post something on Linkedin Cupra channel about your complains, you'll receive more attention believe me

I'm using same apps as you want to, and I understand your frustration
moreover, my car does recognize as well speed signs, in my country, in Austria in Switzerland and France
not telling you that my car is a white-fly but works as expected, I'm assuming here that this is just a bad-luck on your side

therefore, on your feet i would go to the car-dealer "you sold it - you solve it"

I wish you the best luck