Cupra Formentor VZ5 review: that extra push over the cliff

The Formentor was a pretty big deal for Cupra when it arrived in 2020. Not because it reinvented the SUV, or even because it was particularly radical in its execution, but because it was the first car developed specifically for Cupra, rather than a sportier version of an existing Seat.

That made it the vehicle that properly established Cupra as a brand in its own right, giving it an identity beyond being the slightly edgier sibling of a mainstream Spanish car maker.

It also gave Cupra something it desperately needed: a car that looked different enough to stand out in an increasingly crowded market, with just enough attitude to appeal to buyers who wanted something a little less sensible than the usual European SUV fare.

The Formentor has since become a cornerstone of the Cupra line-up, complete with a range-topping hot VZ model that packs a VW Golf R powertrain with 245kW and 420Nm that is more than fast enough for most people.

However, someone at Cupra clearly had a Spinal Tap moment and wondered exactly where they could go for that 'extra push over the cliff'. And the answer, of course, is to go one louder, so the VZ5 takes that original brief and turns the dial up to eleven.

Or, in this case, five. You see, while the VZ relies on a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the VZ5 goes down a rather more interesting route - under its bonnet sits a 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder petrol engine, producing 287kW and 480Nm. One louder. Well, one more, at least.

If you are a particular fan of European performance cars, that might sound familiar to you - as well it should, because this is an engine with a proper pedigree, and one that brings a bit of genuine enthusiast credibility to a car that could otherwise be dismissed as a sporty-looking SUV with a generous equipment list.

That pedigree belongs to Audi, and the engine moves across to Cupra from the Audi RS3. But its story goes back considerably further than the current crop of RS models. Audi introduced its first five-cylinder petrol engine in the second-generation Audi 100 in 1976, using the unusual configuration to deliver more performance and refinement than a four-cylinder could offer, without the packaging and weight penalties of a six-cylinder.

Of course, dropping a celebrated engine into a compact SUV doesn't automatically make it a great performance car - the real trick is making the rest of the package feel worthy of that five-cylinder.

Three years later, it added a turbocharger, and in 1980 the five-cylinder became an integral part of the original Audi quattro, helping establish the brand's fearsome reputation in rallying, and the distinctive engine note became every bit as much a part of the Audi performance-car identity as quattro all-wheel drive itself.

The modern incarnation of the inline five arrived in 2009, when Audi revived the concept for the TT RS. The 2.5-litre turbocharged unit subsequently found its way into the RS3 and RS Q3, evolving into one of the Volkswagen Group's most characterful performance engines. And now the Formentor gets a version of that engine for the VZ5, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive, making it something of a parts-bin special, just in the very best sense.

Of course, dropping a celebrated engine into a compact SUV doesn't automatically make it a great performance car - the real trick is making the rest of the package feel worthy of that five-cylinder.

So, while the Formentor VZ5 certainly has the ingredients to make it one of the more intriguing performance SUVs around, the question is whether Cupra has managed to turn its first standalone model into something genuinely special, or whether the engine is doing most of the heavy lifting.

On the outside: what are the Cupra Formentor VZ5's main design features?

Even in standard form, the Formentor is angular, aggressive and unashamedly extroverted; the VZ5 pushes that language further.

The VZ5 even channels a “mini Lamborghini” vibe: sharp, dramatic, and occasionally a touch overwrought, but undeniably special.

The stance is lower and broader, with aggressively reshaped lower bumpers, wider arches that visually hunker the car down, and enormous gloss-black wheels filling the guards.

Carbon-fibre accents add a motorsport vibe, while Cupra’s signature copper detailing runs through badges and exterior trim, giving it a bespoke feel you don’t get from most compact SUVs. From some angles, the VZ5 even channels a mini Lamborghini Urus vibe: sharp, dramatic, and occasionally a touch overwrought, but undeniably special.

The VZ5-specific front apron and diffuser treatment make clear you’re not looking at an ordinary Formentor. It’s the kind of design that announces itself proudly, even if it sometimes goes a fraction too hard.

OVERVIEW

On the inside: what's the Cupra Formentor VZ5's cabin like?

Inside, it’s very much Formentor business-as-usual, only turned up a notch in materials and style. You get Cupra’s compact, stubby shift-by-wire selector, copper highlights across switches and vents, and ambient lighting that brings a premium glow at night.

Ride quality is firm thanks to those giant wheels, but it avoids harshness and remains easygoing at urban speeds.

The materials feel high-quality and the build is tidy, with an emphasis on slick touchpoints and a tech-forward layout. Space is a pleasant surprise: despite its compact footprint, there’s generous rear legroom and a genuinely usable boot, making it more family-friendly than the racy exterior suggests.

In VZ5 form, the big differentiator is the carbon-fibre shell sport seats - dramatic to look at, though our test car didn’t have them, so we can’t speak to comfort. Otherwise, VZ5 cabin changes are subtle; noticeably upscale without being over the top.

INTERIOR

On the road: what's the Cupra Formentor VZ5 like to drive?

In Comfort or Eco modes, the VZ5 is surprisingly reserved - quick and composed, yet content to play the refined family SUV. Ride quality is firm thanks to those giant wheels, but it avoids harshness and remains easygoing at urban speeds.

There’s even a drift mode which is clearly for track use only, but somehow I can tell you that it definitely pushes significantly more power rearward, distinctly changing the character of the car…

The DSG-style dual-clutch transmission can be a touch languid at low-speed creep, but once you’re rolling, it bangs through ratios with real precision and speed.

Switch to Sport or Cupra modes and it wakes up meaningfully: the chassis tightens, responses sharpen, and the car becomes properly engaging - agile, fast, and impressively composed on a winding road.

There's a clear front-drive attitude at turn-in, with the rear helping once the front has done the initial work; there’s even a drift mode which is clearly for track use only, but somehow I can tell you that it definitely pushes significantly more power rearward, distinctly changing the character of the car…

Then we come to that headline five-cylinder engine: it is undeniably potent, but the dramatics have been toned down considerably, largely because of European noise and emission regulations, not just because of its transition from Audi to Cupra.

There’s a clean, cold growl rather than the old-school RS-series crackles and warbles, and at lower speeds it can sound more four-cylinder than five, which feels at odds with its heritage.

It’s fast, agile, comfortable and genuinely practical, and is undeniable proof that you can have a family-friendly compact SUV that still puts a grin on your face.

Drive it like a lunatic and it’s fantastic; superfast gear shifts and a rising - but still relatively subdued - growl nicely compliment the razor sharp handling and superb steering response.

Yet behave like a normal, rational member of a polite society and it’s smooth and polished, superbly easy to potter around urban environments in, with little outside of its darkly extroverted exterior to alert you to the fact that it is something rather special.

But you may wish for more theatrics from the exhaust in both scenarios…

SPECIFICATIONS

On ownership: what's the Cupra Formentor VZ5's warranty and servicing situation?

All Cupra models are covered by a 5 year/150,000 kilometre warranty, with roadside assistance, and a 3 year service plan included. Service intervals are every 15,000km or 12 months.

On the whole: what do we think of the Cupra Formentor VZ5?

The Cupra Formentor VZ5 is a celebration piece: the last gasp of Audi’s legendary five-cylinder wrapped in Cupra foundational hero. It’s fast, agile, comfortable and genuinely practical, and is undeniable proof that you can have a family-friendly compact SUV that still puts a grin on your face.

As a driver’s compact SUV, the VZ5 is simply excellent. As a swan song for that iconic engine, it’s respectful rather than raucous.

While we started this review questioning whether the Formentor could provide a driving experience worthy of the iconic engine, the reverse has actually proven to be the case: the VZ5's sparkling dynamic character takes the plaudits, while the engine takes an uncharacteristically subdued back seat.

That's not to say it isn't a remarkably potent performer that is utterly exhilarating when you fully unleash its potential, it's just that its character is surprisingly subdued. Smoothing out the edges means that some of the five-cylinder’s mischievous soul has been refined away. At full noise it’s thrilling; at everyday speeds it’s competent and calm, but shy of the drama long-time fans might expect.

However, there is a caveat to that, and it comes in the form of the VZ5’s price tag - at $119,990, the VZ5 is a hefty $32,000 more than the 245kW/420Nm VZ, but crucially is $12k less than the last Audi product to use the same engine, the RS3. Admittedly in the RS3 the engine pumps out fractionally more power and torque (294kW/500Nm), but the VZ5 is still the cheapest way to get something with this brilliant engine in it. 

As a driver’s compact SUV, the VZ5 is simply excellent. As a swan song for that iconic engine, it’s respectful rather than raucous - an impeccably executed performance that leaves you wishing for a bit more of the old RS swagger, but still with a smile on your face all the same.

Cupra Formentor VZ5 FAQs

What kind of car is the Cupra Formentor VZ5?

A compact performance SUV.

Does the Cupra Formentor VZ5 have hybrid or EV technology?

No. The VZ5 has no form of electrification for its 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine.

What’s the fuel economy of the Cupra Formentor VZ5?

While Cupra NZ doesn't publish an official consumption figure for the VZ5, the global WLTP figure is 10.2l/100km, while the Australian ADR figure is 9.3. The reality of daily driving doesn't see it get much below 12, however.

Is the Cupra Formentor VZ5 safe? 

While the standard Formentor gets a 5 star rating from ANCAP, the VZ5 is excluded from this rating due to the fact its Cup seats don't have space between them for a front centre airbag like the rest of the range. Thhis also means the VZ5 doesn't get the full compliment of 10 airbags, making do with 9.

What safety and assistance features does the Cupra Formentor VZ5 have?

What are the Cupra Formentor VZ5's main rivals?

• Audi RS3 ($131,990): The same engine, but slightly more powerful. Quite a bit more expensive though.
• Cupra Formentor VZ ($87,500): Short a cylinder and 60kW down on power, but almost as much fun
• BMW X2 M35i xDrive ($111,600): Closer in power and performance to VZ, but still technically an M car.
• Smart #3 Brabus ($79,990): Mad fast (0 to 100 in 3.7s) and cheaper, but without the character.
• MG4 XPower ($55,990): Mad fast (0 to 100 in 3.8s) and less than half the price. But...