Cupra Formentor VZ5
New 385bhp flagship draws heavily on the upcoming Audi RS3 for motive energy
New 385bhp 4WD flagship
Six months after 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 the UK, 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 f lares 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 comes as standard with uniquely styled 20in wheels and upgraded Akebono-supplied brakes, with six-pot calipers acting on 375mm steel discs at the front.
Inside, there is a model-specific steering wheel and heavily contoured sports seats, together with new trim elements in Cupra’s trademark copper colour, among other changes in an impressively equipped cabin.
The VZ5’S driveline is closely related to that of the upcoming new Audi RS3. Together with the fivecylinder petrol engine, it brings a standard seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox with shift paddles and a new four-wheel drive system with a torque splitter that uses two differentials at the rear to provide torque vectoring across the rear axle.
Cupra says the VZ5 can deploy its reserves faster and more intuitively than the VZ 310, which uses an older, Haldex-derived system. The torque splitter enables drive to be apportioned individually to each of the rear wheels in a process similar to a mechanical locking differential. This has enabled the introduction of a Drift mode, the other drive modes being Comfort, Sport, Cupra and Off-road. There’s also an Individual setting to allow you to tailor the car’s responses to your own tastes.
Its point-to-point potential over challenging roads is really rather special and a key attribute
Predictably, the chassis has been retuned. The Macpherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension sits 10mm lower, there is greater negative front camber and the springs and dampers are unique to the VZ5.
Dynamic Chassis Control with adaptive damping is standard. It operates in combination with an Integrated Chassis Controller, which networks the mapping of the throttle, gearbox, steering and dampers.
The VZ5’S sporting intentions are immediately apparent when you drive it, not least in its ride, which is quite firm, even in the more forgiving driving modes. But it’s the engine more than anything that moulds the driving character. With 354lb ft between 2250rpm and 5700rpm, it allows you to cruise at low revs in taller gears around town with engaging f lexibility and a suitably distanced exhaust note in Comfort mode, making the VZ5 suitable for everyday driving on smoother roads.
Switch into Sport or, for even more potent performance, Cupra mode and the VZ5 delivers explosive acceleration along with a truly memorable soundtrack, including the odd pop and crackle on the overrun. The five-cylinder engine is as brawny and muscular as its power and torque figures suggest.
The dual-clutch gearbox provides fast and crisp upshifts, although it is sometimes a little hesitant on downshifts. Cupra claims 0-62mph in 4.2sec, which is 0.7sec quicker than that achieved by the VZ 310. It’s also 0.3sec quicker than the Audi RS Q3, which uses a 394bhp version of the VZ5’S engine.
As well as its sheer straight-line speed, the hottest Formentor delivers assured handling. In fact, its pointto-point potential over challenging roads is really rather special and very much a key attribute. The progressive steering lacks for ultimate feel but it is very direct and the car’s body movements are well controlled in corners. There’s considerable grip from the standard 255/35 R20 tyres, too. The torque splitter endows the VZ5 with great, confidence-boosting traction and provides a good degree of adjustability. Take the car to a circuit or skidpan and you can drift it to your heart’s content.
It’s high on dynamism, but there is a price to be paid. On smooth roads with its adaptive dampers set to Comfort, the VZ5 delivers an acceptable level of compliance. However, the ride deteriorates quite dramatically on less forgiving surfaces, despite the adaptive damping, and the tyres generate a fair amount of noise, spoiling the otherwise acceptable refinement.
Inside, the driving environment is very impressive – almost Audi-like in the quality of materials and overall design. Don’t expect loads of space, though. Head room in the rear is compromised by the curved roof line and the 420-litre boot capacity isn’t as generous as that of some rival coupé-suvs.
So the VZ5 is a characterful SUV with an exhilarating turn of speed, plenty of dynamism and real point-to-point pace. What it lacks is true composure, especially on less than smooth roads. It’s also lefthand drive only, which won’t be to everyone’s liking. Pricing has yet to be announced, but with the VZ 310 costing £43,840, it is likely to be a £50,000-plus car in the UK.