Currently reading: Cupra Formentor VZ5: five-pot range-topper brings 385bhp

Limited-run hot crossover cracks 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds, but won't get a right-hand-drive variant

The long-rumoured five-cylinder version of Cupra's new Cupra Formentor SUV is now official, with a 2.5-litre turbo motor borrowed from the Audi RS Q3 producing 385bhp and 354lb ft.

Revealed as part of the ex-Seat performance division's third anniversary as a standalone brand, the Formentor VZ5 is "strictly" limited to a production run of 7000 left-hand-drive units, beginning in the final quarter of this year.

With the five-cylinder engine sending its reserves to both axles through a seven-speed DSG gearbox, the VZ5 is capable of 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds and will top out at 155mph. The limited variant also promises enhanced dynamics, equipped as standard with Adaptive Chassis Control, riding 10mm lower than the 306bhp car which tops the UK line-up and gaining six-piston Akebono performance brake calipers.

It's marked out from less potent models by way of a bespoke bonnet, carbonfibre trim, flared arches and exclusive 20in copper alloy wheels, and also gets its own Taiga Grey exterior paint option. The quad-exit exhaust - with two pipes stacked vertically at each side - is unique to the VZ5, and is said to give a unique and authentic sound with no electronic enhancement. 

New leather bucket seats make their first appearance on the VZ5, and the cabin is further differentiated from the standard car with an exclusive sports steering wheel and trim finished in Cupra's trademark copper colour. 

Dr Werner Tietz, Cupra and Seat R&D boss, said: “The Formentor provides a blank canvas to develop a range of vehicles that maximise driving fun and performance and enhance the attitude of the brand.

"Among them, the VZ5 is the most powerful and sophisticated variant ever created to date and I am convinced that with its exclusive performance elements, it will become a dream for car enthusiasts."

Prices have not yet been confirmed, but any examples sold in the UK will be left-hand-drive and likely specially ordered through Seat dealerships.

READ MORE

Cupra Formentor review

Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid VZ2 245PS DSG 2021 UK review​

Abt Sportsline boosts Cupra Formentor to 365bhp​

Advertisement

Read our review

Car review

Cupra's first standalone model has been extensively reworked to broaden its appeal. Does it deliver?

Join our WhatsApp community and be the first to read about the latest news and reviews wowing the car world. Our community is the best, easiest and most direct place to tap into the minds of Autocar, and if you join you’ll also be treated to unique WhatsApp content. You can leave at any time after joining - check our full privacy policy here.

Felix Page

Felix Page
Title: Deputy editor

Felix is Autocar's deputy editor, responsible for leading the brand's agenda-shaping coverage across all facets of the global automotive industry - both in print and online.

He has interviewed the most powerful and widely respected people in motoring, covered the reveals and launches of today's most important cars, and broken some of the biggest automotive stories of the last few years. 

Join the debate

Comments
3
Add a comment…
Saucerer 22 February 2021

I'm sure it won't be too long before the same engine appears in the Golf. Although if the R is anything to go by, it'd probably cost more than the equivalent Audi.

Peter Cavellini 22 February 2021

Dream car for enthusiasts?, er, I don't think so, it may suit people who buy into this style of Vehicle and that's fine, but enthusiast, it's not my cup of Tea, I'm sure it'll be a good steer and all that, but it's not my idea of fast looking transport and I think that's fair, and, I'm  not rubbishing the brand.

si73 22 February 2021
Peter Cavellini wrote:

Dream car for enthusiasts?, er, I don't think so, it may suit people who buy into this style of Vehicle and that's fine, but enthusiast, it's not my cup of Tea, I'm sure it'll be a good steer and all that, but it's not my idea of fast looking transport and I think that's fair, and, I'm  not rubbishing the brand.

Totally agree with you, not what I'd call a dream car for enthusiasts, Toyota's gt86 was though, and that didn't sell particularly well, whereas this probably will sell well as it seems everyone wants an SUV and a fast sporty one at that.