At a time when all the news about the car industry seems to come with “electrons” behind, this first contact to CUPRA Formentor VZ5 turns out to be an excellent antidote.
After all, it is a high-performance machine (albeit in a crossover format) motivated, only and only, by a combustion engine, and this one couldn't be more special: the five-cylinder in-line 2.5 l turbocharged from Audi, known to the RS 3, RS Q3 and TT RS.
On the Formentor VZ5 the pentacylindrical guarantees 390 hp and 480 Nm, making it the most powerful and fastest CUPRA… so far. Diogo Teixeira has already led him, both on the road and on the circuit. Get to know it in detail:
Birthday gift
The Formentor VZ5 was unveiled during the third anniversary of the young Spanish brand and, we have to admit, it couldn't be a better gift for the occasion.
The five-cylinder Audi is the protagonist in this Formentor — until now Audi had never allowed another brand of the group to use it — but with it came a series of modifications to the model to ensure that the 390 hp and 480 Nm are properly used.
Starting with the transmission, this is carried out on all four wheels (4Drive system) through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. So far everything is the same as other Formentor VZ, but here, exclusively, brings an additional trick: the Drift mode.
This allows you to allocate more torque to the rear axle, giving the powerful crossover a dynamic attitude that feels more like a rear-wheel drive — see the video.
Performance is not lacking in the VZ5, as we can see in the 4.2s needed to reach 100 km/h, a better record than the “cousin” RS Q3.
To keep things under control and for a sharper experience, the chassis (with adaptive suspension, adjustable to 15 positions) is 10mm closer to the ground (compared to the 310hp VZ), and the braking, with more bite, is now in charge of Akebono discs with a vast 375 mm in diameter. Wheels are generously proportioned: 255/40 R20.
The Formentor VZ5 also stands out for its specific hood, larger air intakes and carbon features. At the rear, the new carbon fiber rear diffuser with uniquely arranged exhaust outlets (diagonally) stands out.
Inside, in addition to specific decorative details, the highlight is the new seats with a remarkably sporty design, with very good support and, as Diogo discovered, also very comfortable.
Limited to 7000 units
The new CUPRA Formentor VZ5 will have a production limited to 7000 units and, although we have already guided it and its arrival in Portugal is soon, we still don't know how many of these 7000 units are allocated to the national market, or what price will be asked. .