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I don’t precisely understand how the powers that be at Cupra managed to get their palms on a restricted variety of Audi’s potent five-pot turbo engines that energy its smaller RS fashions, however we’re very glad they did.
In any guise, the Formentor has at all times stood out from the extra conformist SUV designs which can be so ubiquitous lately. But with the high-performance VZ5, the outside styling leans additional into Cupra’s extra expressive id, with flared wheel-arches, copper detailing and quad (semi-stacked) exhaust retailers, giving it a transparent sense of intent.
It stands aside with out feeling overstyled.
Inside, the sensible Sabelt bucket seats are a dead-set giveaway that that is one thing particular – by no means thoughts the actual fact they’re fantastically supportive and sculpted, including to the sense that that is one thing way more centered than its commonplace stablemates.
How a lot does the Cupra Formentor value?
Cupra’s most potent Formentor is formally its costliest mannequin but in Australia, with the brand new VZ5 pushing previous the six-figure barrier on-road – although patrons may also choice an ABT model, which pushes costs up by one other $8000.
| Model | Price earlier than on-road prices | National drive-away worth |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Cupra Formentor S | $49,990 | $53,990 |
| 2026 Cupra Formentor V | $57,490 | $61,990 |
| 2026 Cupra Formentor VZe | $68,990 | $74,490 |
| 2026 Cupra Formentor VZx | $69,990 | $74,990 |
| 2026 Cupra Formentor VZ5 | $94,990 | $101,990 |
Priced from $94,990 earlier than on-road prices, or $101,990 drive-away, the Formentor VZ5 arrives in strictly restricted numbers, bringing with it a charismatic turbocharged five-cylinder engine and critical efficiency besides.
By comparability, the Audi RS3 Sportback, which makes use of a barely extra highly effective model of the identical 2.5-litre turbo-five, is priced increased at $104,800 plus on-roads.
Exclusivity for the Cupra is assured although, with fewer than 100 models earmarked for Australia within the preliminary allocation, and sellers are already taking orders for construct slots. Production is scheduled to run between May and December 2026, with native deliveries anticipated from late 2026 via to March 2027.
To see how the Cupra Formentor strains up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
What is the Cupra Formentor like on the within?
The Cupra Formentor VZ5’s inside doesn’t attempt to reinvent the wheel – it merely turns up the depth, as a result of at its core that is nonetheless the Formentor cabin. But in VZ5 type, it’s been reworked into one thing extra centered, and way more deliberate.
The second you drop into these unique Sabelt Cup Bucket seats, you realise what this automotive is about. Deeply sculpted, carbon-backed, and wrapped in properly cushioned Dinamica suede, they don’t simply maintain you – they lock you in. This isn’t passive consolation. It’s lively engagement, however with critical consolation on the identical time.
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From there, all the things else falls into place.
The materials combine walks a wonderful line between efficiency and premium. Suede, distinction stitching, and copper detailing give it a definite id – one which feels nearer to an Audi RS product than something remotely mainstream. There’s a way of event right here, particularly at evening, when the full-width ambient lighting comes alive throughout the sprint.
The format itself stays clear and driver-focused. A digital instrument cluster sits forward, paired with a big central touchscreen – now upgraded to a sharper, quicker 12.9-inch interface. It’s extra responsive, extra intuitive, and eventually matches the ambition of the remainder of the automotive.
But right here’s the important thing level, and it issues. The VZ5 now sits on the facelifted Formentor platform. So you get the improved tech, the up to date interface, and higher usability.
Visually, it’s not a ground-up new inside, although; it’s the identical structure, only a tad elevated. And that’s precisely the appropriate name.
Because the VZ5 was by no means about reinventing the cabin. It’s about amplifying the expertise, tightening the main focus, and turning a classy crossover inside into one thing that genuinely looks like a critical efficiency automotive from behind the wheel – which is what differentiates Cupra from rival marques, even throughout the Volkswagen Group itself.
Space-wise, the Formentor will shock you. Up entrance, it’s extra cockpit than cabin, given its decrease experience top, however that doesn’t imply it is compromised within the passenger-space division.
Thanks to a beneficiant 2681mm-long wheelbase, rear legroom is greater than snug, even for taller frames. Out again, there’s additionally 410 litres of boot house – increasing to 1465L when the rear seatbacks are folded. It feels giant.
| Dimensions | Cupra Formentor VZ5 |
|---|---|
| Length | 4484mm |
| Width | 1852mm |
| Height | 1505mm |
| Wheelbase | 2681mm |
| Cargo capability | 410L (2nd row up) 1465L (2nd row down) |
To see how the Cupra Formentor strains up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
What’s below the bonnet?
Under the bonnet lurks a 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder petrol engine producing 287kW of energy and 480Nm of torque. It’s a well-recognized unit, shared with Audi’s RS fashions, however right here it feels prefer it’s been given a barely completely different transient. Less medical. More expressive.
| Specifications | Cupra Formentor VZ5 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L turbo-petrol 5cyl |
| Power | 287kW |
| Torque | 480Nm |
| Transmission | 7sp DSG computerized |
| Drive kind | All-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1657kg |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 4.2 seconds |
| Fuel financial system (claimed) | 9.3L/100km |
| Fuel tank capability | 55L |
| Fuel requirement | 98-octane premium unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 228g/km |
| Emissions commonplace | Euro 6 |
It’s mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch computerized transmission driving all 4 wheels. Moreover, the VZ5 employs an lively rear torque-splitting differential, vastly superior to the essential AWD system. It can ship energy to the entrance or rear, and left or proper on the rear axle.
In different phrases, the system is frequently adjusting torque to particular person wheels, based mostly on grip, steering angle, throttle place, and driving mode.
To see how the Cupra Formentor strains up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
How does the Cupra Formentor drive?
It may be an ‘SUV’, however that is additionally a really partaking driver’s automotive. And I’d be mendacity if I didn’t admit to being excited in regards to the drive as much as Montserrat and all these twisties on the best way as much as the monastery that sits atop this huge conglomerated rock.
The highway out of Barcelona begins innocuously sufficient – extensive boulevards, a comfortable hum of visitors, the sort of city sprawl that doesn’t inform you a lot a few efficiency SUV. But even at low speeds, the Formentor VZ5 hints at one thing completely different.
Press the starter, and there’s that unmistakable offbeat warble. Not overly loud, not attempting too arduous – only a refined, mechanical reminder that this isn’t your typical turbocharged four-cylinder SUV.
And as the town begins to skinny and the motorway opens up, that character begins to construct.
On the motorway heading northwest in direction of Montserrat, the VZ5 feels effortlessly robust. There’s instant response if you lean into the throttle, and a deep reserve of torque that makes overtaking really feel virtually informal.
But it’s not nearly velocity. It’s the best way it delivers efficiency that stands out. Power builds progressively, cleanly, with none sudden spikes or synthetic surges. It’s a broad, usable band that encourages you to remain in it just a little longer than you in all probability ought to.
And accompanying all of it is that signature five-cylinder soundtrack. A layered, barely uneven word that evolves because the revs rise – from a muted growl into one thing way more purposeful. It’s not over-amplified or artificial, both. It sounds genuine, and it is more and more uncommon lately as electrification positive factors extra traction with the proliferation of Chinese manufacturers.
At a cruise, the VZ5 settles right into a surprisingly refined rhythm. The adaptive dampers take the sting off any bumps or coarse surfaces, whereas the cabin stays quiet sufficient for long-distance driving to really feel fully pure.
There’s a maturity to it right here that you just may not anticipate, given its extra aggressive transient.
But even in its extra relaxed drive modes, there’s a continuing sense of readiness. The drivetrain feels alert, the chassis connected – prefer it’s solely ever a half-step away from one thing extra centered.
And that shift comes shortly because the motorway provides strategy to the mountains and a gradual climb.
The highway as much as Montserrat is a correct take a look at. Tight switchbacks, variable surfaces, and a rhythm that calls for dedication. This is the place the VZ5 reveals its depth.
Initial turn-in is clear and direct, with a front-end that feels keyed into the highway. There’s no hesitation, no vagueness – only a clear sense of the place the nostril is pointing and the way a lot grip is accessible. And there’s loads of that.
But what actually defines the expertise is the rear axle. The electro-hydraulic torque-vectoring differential works quietly within the background, however its impact is apparent. Mid-corner, the automotive feels prefer it’s being gently rotated, tightening its line and permitting you to get on the facility earlier.
You’ll need to push on right here, because of lashings of driver suggestions and confidence that the chassis can deal with the tempo and limitless nook carving – by no means thoughts the mid-corner steering changes.
Rather than merely neutralising understeer, it provides a layer of adjustability. The VZ5 feels prepared – not simply succesful – and that makes a major distinction on a highway like this.
Despite its SUV stance, the VZ5 manages its mass impressively nicely.
The DCC adaptive dampers strike a well-judged stability between management and compliance. There’s sufficient firmness to maintain physique actions in test via fast course adjustments, however sufficient give to take care of composure over mid-corner imperfections.
It by no means feels brittle or overly stiff – a standard pitfall in efficiency SUVs chasing outright sharpness. Instead, it flows. There’s a pure rhythm to the best way it handles these roads, permitting you to construct confidence progressively moderately than feeling such as you’re always managing weight switch.
The six-piston Akebono entrance brakes are a key a part of that confidence. Pedal really feel is powerful and progressive, making it straightforward to modulate braking effort as speeds rise and corners tighten. More importantly, they continue to be constant even after repeated heavy use on the descent.
There’s no sense of fade, no lack of precision – simply reliable stopping energy that encourages you to push just a little more durable every time.
To see how the Cupra Formentor strains up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
What do you get?
New exterior design components embrace the Cupra model’s new ‘Shark Nose’ company face, which additionally incorporates a brand new triangular LED lighting signature that’s mirrored at each the entrance and rear.
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At the rear, the full-width gentle bar now consists of an illuminated brand on the tailgate.
The VZ5 additionally options a regular Sennheiser sound system and panoramic sunroof, with the one choices being paint finishes.
It’ll be provided in a single commonplace, one premium and three matte finishes, with premium paint costing $790 and matte paint costing $3300.
Performance tools consists of the electro-hydraulic torque vectoring rear differential, Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) adaptive dampers, and six-piston Akebono entrance brake calipers.
VZ5-specific tools consists of:
- 20-inch black and copper alloy wheels
- Flared wheel-arches
- Carbon-fibre entrance splitter with engraved brand
- Rear bumper with carbon-fibre insert
- Copper-tipped quad exhaust retailers
- Sabelt Cup Bucket entrance seats
-
- Enceladus Grey Seaqual and Dinamica upholstery
- Carbon-fibre backing
To see how the Cupra Formentor strains up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
Is the Cupra Formentor protected?
The commonplace Cupra Formentor vary was awarded a five-star security score by ANCAP, nonetheless, the range-topping VZ5 is particularly excluded from this score.
Similarly, any Formentor variants optioned with the Extreme Package stay unrated, because of the lack of a centre airbag between the Sabelt seats.
To see how the Cupra Formentor strains up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
How a lot does the Cupra Formentor value to run?
As with the remainder of the Cupra vary, the Formentor VZ5 comes with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.
| Servicing and Warranty | Cupra Formentor |
|---|---|
| Warranty | 5 years/limitless kilometres |
| Roadside help | 5 years |
| Service intervals | 12 months/15,000km |
| Fixed-price servicing | 3/5 years |
| Average annual service value | $558 (5-year service pack) |
| Total fixed-price service value | $1690 (3 years)$2790 (5 years) |
Cupra affords each three- and five-year service packs for the Formentor vary, costing $1690 and $2790 respectively for the VZ5 – up from $1090 and $2190 respectively for the remainder of the Formentor lineup.
To see how the Cupra Formentor strains up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
CarExpert’s Take on the Cupra Formentor VZ5
Crossing the $100,000 mark is a major step for Cupra in Australia. But the Formentor VZ5 doesn’t really feel like a stretch.
Because what it affords goes past efficiency figures or specification lists. It delivers a stage of character that’s more and more troublesome to search out – significantly on this section.
The engine alone units it aside. But it’s the best way your entire package deal comes collectively – the stability, the engagement, the sense of involvement. That’s what actually defines it.
On the highway to Montserrat, it proved one thing essential. This isn’t only a quicker Formentor. It’s a extra full one. Never thoughts the assured rarity of a low-volume efficiency mannequin with a confirmed high-output engine lurking below the bonnet.
CarExpert can prevent 1000’s on a brand new Cupra Formentor. Click right here to get an incredible deal.
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MORE: Explore the Cupra Formentor showroom
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