A pillar of the Cupra range, the Formentor is boosting its game for the benefit of this VZ5 version, carried by an optimized chassis and a 5-cylinder engine of 390 horsepower.
Now, at Cupra, the most powerful element, it’s him. Culminating in 390 horsepower, the Formentor VZ5 seizes a status shared until then between the Formentor VZ and the top-of-the-range Leon station wagon, 310 hp each. This level of power, the newborn draws it from the famous 5-cylinder in-line dear to Audi, a block usually credited with 400 hp. For the sake of hierarchy within the VW group, this “5 legs” was a bit deflated in the VZ5, but the latter does not care: 4.2 seconds are enough for him to reach 100 km / h, three tenths less than its first cousin, the Audi RS Q3. A striking velocity, of which the representatives of the Martorell firm did not want to reveal the secrets to us, while admitting to having worked in depth on the running gear. The first Cupra-specific vehicle, in other words not from Seat, the Formentor is now awarded a range of eight engines : five in gasoline (150-390 hp), one in diesel (150 hp), and two in plug-in gasoline hybrid (204-245 hp).
VIDEO – Our test of the Cupra Formentor VZ5 (390 hp)
0-100 km / h in 4.2 seconds
In the VZ5, the acceleration capacity is doubled by a rather successful auditory palette. From the first revs up, 2.5-liter 5-cylinder petrol engine delivers a dense sound, enhanced by four tailpipes in copper finish, positioned diagonally. Switching from Sport mode to Cupra doesn’t change the pitch of the beast’s hoarse roar, but amplifies its volume. You don’t need to have keen hearing to feel the approach of the red zone at 7000 rpm. When it comes to planting the first brake, the pedal delivers the expected force, coming from these six piston calipers, associated with discs of 375 mm x 36 mm. On an overheated tarmac like the one we walk in the Barcelona region, on the Castelloli circuit and around, it is not luxury.
390 hp engine, optimized chassis
It is especially when entering a curve that we feel the benefits of a chassis optimized in several ways. It capitalizes on a recalibrated progressive steering, a piloted suspension configurable in 15 levels, a carbon fiber diffuser and a ground clearance lowered by 10 mm, although it would have been interesting if it were more so, in order to become even more one with the machine. That said, the speed of passage in a curve is there, favored by the use of very wide tires (255 mm). In addition, our muscular Formentor has a rear differential able to extract it easily from each turn by instantly operating the torque distribution on the rear wheel that needs it most through technology Torque Splitter. In Drift mode, all of the torque promised at the rear axle is shipped to one of the two wheels, knowing that the front-to-rear balance is in balance (50:50).
Bucket seats, 6 driving modes
At the cost of a sustained attack, no fatigue felt on these new CupBucket leather bucket seats, inaugurated on this model. They give us satisfaction in their ability to guarantee the necessary support in search of sportiness, without sacrificing comfort, their low setting making us almost forget that it is an SUV. The couple de 480 Nm is available over a wide range of use, from 2250 to 5700 rpm, a cavalry sent to four wheels via the 4Drive all-wheel drive and the DSG dual-clutch gearbox. However, the reports tend to pull a long hair and it is then appropriate to resort to the paddles located at the steering wheel for a surplus of sparkling. The interior gives pride of place to an environment combining connectivity and sportiness, although the elements that compose it are already known. As such, the 12-inch infotainment screen lacks ergonomics and speed of execution in GPS guidance. On the other hand, the satellite buttons installed on the Cupra steering wheel provide real added value in the speed of the mode change (Confort, Sport, Cupra, Drift, Individual, Offroad).
Arrival in November
Can be chosen in Matt Magnetic Gray, Midnight Black or Matt Petrol Blue, this model will be entitled to a new exterior color in 2022, a light gray called Taïga. The famous copper color “Copper”, signature of the brand, appears on specific elements such as the 20-inch alloy wheels, calipers and tailpipes in particular. Proud of its claims, the most powerful of the Formentor emphasizes its exclusive character, as evidenced by the limited series of 7000 copies of which it is the subject. For now, its price is not defined, except that its penalty in France should be around the maximum threshold of 30,000 euros. No clue either on the number of copies destined for our territory. To date, the only information confirmed about the arrival of this VZ5 concerns the deadline for the opening of orders, scheduled for the month of November next.
Our verdict
Although it is promised a big penalty in France, this 390 hp Formentor is convincing for the wide spectrum of sensations it delivers for an SUV, from feet to ears.
WE love :
- Performances
- 5-cylinder full
- Agile chassis
We like less:
- Malus maous
- Info-div. indented
Technical sheet
- Cupra Formentor VZ5 2.5 TSI 390 ch DSG7 4Drive
- Engine: front, 5-cylinder in-line petrol, turbo, direct injection, 20 valves, 2480 cc
- Transmission: four-wheel drive, 7-speed dual-clutch robotized gearbox
- Horsepower (hp @ rpm): 390 to 5700-7000
- Torque (Nm at rpm): 480 to 2250-5700
- Max speed (km / h): 250
- 0 to 100 km/h (s): 4.2
- Average manufacturer consumption / during the test (l / 100 km): NC / 10-23
- AV-AR standard tires: 255/35 R20
- Production: 7000 copies (price not communicated)
More informations :
Cupra Formentor VZ5 – VIDEO: discovery of the 390 horsepower sports SUV
Essays Cupra Formentor TSI 310 hp (2020): strong mentor
Cupra range: what are the models of the young sports brand?
