Cupra is marking its 3rd anniversary with a bang unveiling the Formentor VZ5, which comes with 385bhp and 354lb ft of torque.
The Cupra Formentor is the brand’s first standalone model, meaning you won’t see an equivalent Seat on the road. While previously the top dog of the range was the tried and tested 2.0-litre turbo EA888 motor, here, the Cupra Formentor VZ5 gets a similar version of the 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo engine found not only in the Audi TT RS and RS3, but also in the RS Q3, too.
Cupra Formentor VZ5: what you need to know
As you’d imagine, being a halo model means you get the full works thrown at you, and not just in the engine department mentioned above. At the rear, the exhaust is now a Lexus RC F-esque stacked quad exhaust, while extended wheel arches hide 20-inch wheels with Akebono six-piston brakes up front to help stop all that power.
As mentioned, underneath the bonnet is the 2.5-litre engine, which produces 385bhp and 354lb ft of torque here. Official figures have the Cupra Formentor VZ5 excellerating from 0-62mph in just 4.2 seconds, interestingly, that’s 0.3 seconds quicker than Audi’s RS Q3. It’ll go on to a limited 155mph.
Thankfully, Cupra has focused entirely on performance, dropping the ride 10mm for a sportier stance, while the 4Drive all-wheel drive system has been designed to optimise traction at all times.
Inside, the performance vibe continues with a flat-bottom steering wheel equipped with gearshift paddles, a Cupra mode button and engine start-stop. You also get some pretty serious bucket seats, too.
Just 7000 examples are being built but here’s the kicker, all will be left-hand drive only. Not to worry, though, it’s suggested that some models will officially be imported into the UK and expected to cost around £50,000.
