Skip advert
Advertisement

386bhp Cupra Formentor VZ5 revealed – crossover gets hot new powertrain

Cupra unveils a new Formentor flagship with a familiar five-cylinder and a halo status

Cupra has revealed a new limited-edition flagship variant of its Formentor crossover. Called the Formentor VZ5, it will feature both a new powertrain to the brand and a selection of chassis upgrades to go with it.

While its conformant VZ5 moniker (other models in the range go from VZ1 to VZ4) might suggest it will be a permanent fixture in the range, this new variant will instead act as a limited-run halo model for the brand. As a result, production will be restricted to 7000 units and all will be left-hand drive. 

The VZ5’s engine is the same turbocharged 2.5-litre in-line five-cylinder petrol unit previously bespoke to Audi Sport models. As in those applications, it’s mounted transversely between the front wheels, driving all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Peak power is rated slightly lower than an RS Q3 at 386bhp (that’s VW Group politics in action), but it will still launch the Formentor VZ5 to 62mph in 4.2sec, 0.7sec quicker than the fastest four-cylinder Formentor VZ4, and 0.3sec ahead on the aforementioned RS Q3 Sportback.

Advertisement - Article continues below

A recent addition to the Volkswagen Group’s MQB toolkit is a torque-vectoring differential that has recently appeared on the new Golf R, and while Cupra has not confirmed its fitment to this VZ5 model, there is reason to believe it could be part of the technical package given this Formentor’s halo status.

As for the rest of the chassis, Cupra has fitted a range of high-spec hardware including a set of six-piston Akebono brakes on the front axle behind bespoke 20-inch wheels. There are also the same 15-way adjustable adaptive dampers as the Golf R, and a new exhaust system with stacked exhaust tips not dissimilar to those on the Lexus RC F.

The Formentor VZ5 otherwise isn’t far removed from lesser models visually, with fresh carbonfibre detailing, a unique shade of grey paintwork and new bucket seats trimmed in black, or Cupra’s trademark petrol blue, making up a bulk of the changes.

Despite its left-hand-drive production, Cupra UK has confirmed the VZ5 will be available locally in limited numbers, but precise figures, and its high-flying price point, have yet to be established. Unfortunately, any sign this engine will find its way into other Cupra models is unlikely, as the brand continues to bolster its position as an electrified performance brand, potentially making this VZ5 the only high performance combustion model we're ever likely to see. 
 

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Cupra Tavascan 2025 review – the Ford Capri’s more interesting Spanish cousin
Cupra Tavascan – front
In-depth reviews

Cupra Tavascan 2025 review – the Ford Capri’s more interesting Spanish cousin

The Tavascan is Cupra’s coupe SUV based on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB electric vehicle architecture, whose closest relations are the Volkswagen ID.5, …
16 May 2025
The 2025 Cupra Raval is coming – Spain's answer to the Alpine A290 spied
Cupra Raval
News

The 2025 Cupra Raval is coming – Spain's answer to the Alpine A290 spied

The Renault 5-based Alpine A290 is the hot electric supermini of the moment, but Cupra's about to launch its own take with the Raval
3 Feb 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Best cars of the 1990s – the ultimate driver’s cars from three decades ago
Best '90s cars
Best cars

Best cars of the 1990s – the ultimate driver’s cars from three decades ago

The 1990s was a goldilocks decade in some ways – new technologies married old-school sensibilities in sensational driver’s cars
30 Aug 2025
The Nissan GT-R is finally dead after 18 years
Nissan GT-R finishes production
News

The Nissan GT-R is finally dead after 18 years

The Nissan GT-R has finally ended production, at over 48,000 units after 18 years on sale. It’ll be missed.
28 Aug 2025
Four used BMW M cars for less than a basic new 1-series
Cheap M cars
News

Four used BMW M cars for less than a basic new 1-series

£32k will buy you a bog standard 2025 120 or a 552bhp M6, and many greats besides…
29 Aug 2025