The Formentor VZ5 is the most extreme CUPRA in terms of power, performance, price and exclusivity. With 390 CV extracted from its five-cylinder engine of Audi origin, the Spanish model hits the table to reaffirm itself among the sportiest SUVs.
At this point there is no doubt that the CUPRA Formentor is a complete commercial success, being the fundamental pillar of the Spanish sports brand. The first model developed entirely by CUPRA receives a brutal version that crowns the range: the CUPRA Formentor VZ5 shows the most radical side of the sporty SUV.
The name VZ is derived from the word “fast” and the 5 refers to the number of cylinders of its mechanics. An engine that, with 390 hp, makes the Formentor VZ5 the wildest model that SEAT SA has brought to production at the level of power, performance, price and exclusivity. Almost nothing.
Aesthetically there are no big differences between the VZ5 and the most basic Formentor. This is not necessarily negative because, in my opinion, the CUPRA SUV is one of the most beautiful cars that have been designed in Martorell. But after a quick look, interesting new features are observed, such as the black finishes of the wheel arches, the frame of the front grille and the casing of the exterior mirrors.
In addition, the bumpers are different, the front one making room for a splitter lower in real carbon fiber and the rear leaving the presence of a new diffuser also made of carbon. Post-modification also allows a system to be located with four exhaust outlets deployed diagonally, a somewhat bizarre position that leaves no one indifferent. Of course, a black VZ5 badge on the tailgate is not missing.
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Taking a look at the shoes, the top of the range Formentor has some 20-inch alloy wheels that combine the colors copper and black in their design with five double spokes. They are the largest that the Spanish SUV can carry (in the rest of the versions the largest size is 19 inches) and this enormous size is due to the need to make room for some impressive brakes from specialist Akebono with 6-piston calipers on the front axle and 375 mm diameter perforated discs. The rear discs are 310mm.
Available exterior colors narrow the palette to Midnight Black, Magnetic Tech Gray and Petrol Blue hues. Of the VZ5, 7,000 units will be sold worldwide, but there will be an even more limited edition with only 999 units available that will wear the new Taiga Gray color and brown nappa leather upholstery. The exclusive within the exclusive.
From doors to inside, the gaze is focused on the seats. As standard the VZ5 has bucket-type seats but optionally you can opt for some spectacular CUP Bucket sports seats signed by Sabelt even more enveloping and that also fall in love with their design. The upholstery can be in Black or Petrol Blue with copper contrast stitching.
The seats provide a sportier aspect to a passenger compartment that actually differs little from any other version of the CUPRA SUV. The type of seat and upholstery, along with the exterior color and the possibility of equipping a premium Beats Audio sound system, are the only extras available in the configuration of this version that comes with everything as standard.
In this way, the Formentor VZ5 has tinted windows, keyless entry and start, digital instrumentation with a 10.25-inch screen, a wireless charging base for smartphones, multimedia system with 12-inch screen navigation and connectivity with Android Auto and Apple Carplay and three-zone climate control, among many other elements.
Five cylinders that push furiously
Taking a look at static, it’s time to get going. I press the start button located on the steering wheel itself knowing that an exhilarating ride awaits me. The great attraction of the VZ5 is under the hood with the adoption of a Audi-sourced five-cylinder engine. That CUPRA has this privilege denotes the growing importance of the Spanish manufacturer within the German consortium.
This supercharged engine develops 390 hp in the Martorell SUV, so the VZ5 is no less than 80 hp ahead of the Formentor VZ to dry which until now was at the top of the range. It is always ready to offer a waste of adrenaline with the maximum power being released between 5,700 and 7,000 rpm but the maximum torque of 480 Nm reaching only 2,250 rpm. It doesn’t matter what gear we’re in, it always pushes hard.
This mechanism cannot be associated with a manual gearbox, it is always linked to a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. The DSG in general does a good job and has a pleasant operation, although from a standstill a little more speed would be appreciated to have a more explosive response.
An interesting point is that if the DSG is put into manual mode the engine is able to cut out without changing gear. It’s up to you. To help the driver know the optimal time to activate the lever, a light indicator has been introduced that uses green, orange and red LEDs, an almost racing experience. When the cut is approached the led lights flash red.
In any case, the Formentor VZ5 is forceful in acceleration and picks up speed at a spectacular rate. Good proof of this is that it is accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a blistering 4.2 secondsa performance capable of embarrassing many sports black paw, and the top speed is limited to 250 km/h. Some figures that make you dizzy in the most powerful series production car that is currently manufactured in Spain.
An extreme SUV that provides maximum emotions at the wheel, always accompanied by the good soundtrack that emanates from the exhaust system. It has a nice deep sound, but not over the top, and thanks to butterflies mounted on each side of the exhaust, the tone varies depending on the selected driving mode. A point worth mentioning is the braking capacityboth for intensity and resistance to fatigue.
It’s not just about performance, but about how all the potential is transferred to the ground. Many powerful SUVs are fast in a straight line, but when cornering comes they have to slow down due to the laws of physics. To overcome this, CUPRA has provided a 4Drive all-wheel drive system with Torque Splitter technologya mechanical rear differential with electronic control that varies the distribution of torque to improve traction.
In addition to the usual driving modes that the rest of the versions have, the Formentor VZ5 adds a drift mode with which the all-wheel drive allows controlled skidding… as long as we don’t come too high. The system works by sending all the torque to the outside rear wheel when cornering. allowing the rear to slide easily. An extra spicy if we feel playful.
The driving programs are also used to adjust other parameters of the vehicle, including the suspension. The VZ5 adopts a new suspension that reduces the ground clearance of the bodywork by 10 mm compared to the 310 hp Formentor VZ. Besides, Adaptive Chassis Control (DCC) has 15 levels of adjustment for cushioning so that comfort or stability can benefit depending on the needs of use and the difference in adjustment is clearly appreciable although its hardness never becomes radical.
Now on sale, the price of the CUPRA Formentor VZ5 is 65,340 euros. Which is about 15,000 euros more than the 310 hp Formentor VZ TSI. A notable price difference that can find justification not only in its greater benefits but also in that manufacturing is limited to 7,000 units which makes it the most exclusive CUPRA.