CUPRA FORMENTOR VZ5
TESTED 1.7.21, SITGES, SPAIN ON SALE 2021
New 385bhp flagship draws heavily on the upcoming Audi RS3 for motive energy
❝ Its point-to-point potential over challenging roads is really rather special and a key attribute ❞
Sixmonthsafter the launch of the Formentor, Cupra has crowned its first stand-alone model line with this, the turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder VZ5. With 385bhp, it’s the Seat-operated brand’s most powerful SUV yet and marks a 79bhp hike over the turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder VZ 310, until now the most potent Formentor.
Cupra says production of the VZ5 will be limited to just 7000 units–all in left-hand drive. Despite that, it will be sold in theUK, with selected dealers taking orders later this year.
Subtle styling changes help to visually differentiate the VZ5 from its siblings, such as a restyled front bumper and wider wheel-arch flares all round. At the rear, there’s a new lower-bumper assembly that features a uniquely styled diffuser and quad tailpipes with two exhausts stacked atop each other at either side. The VZ5 also comesas standard with uniquely styled 20in wheels and upgraded Akebono-supplied brakes, with six-pot calipers acting on 375mm steel discs at the front.