The hottest version of Cupra’s Formentor fastback SUV is set to get a limited run in Australia, with performance provided by a version of Audi’s iconic inline five-cylinder engine.
The Audi RS3 five-cylinder-powered Cupra Formentor VZ5 is about to get a second global run, but in good news for Australian enthusiasts, it’s locked in for an Australian release for the first time.
Cupra Australia confirmed the local arrival of the Formentor VZ5, set to enter limited production of just 4000 units worldwide in 2026.
It remains to be seen how many are destined for local showrooms, after Australia missed out on the first run of VZ5s three years ago, as it was not built in right-hand drive.
The Formentor VZ5 is powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine, borrowed from the Audi range, which produces 287kW and 480Nm in the Cupra.
Outputs are down slightly on the 294kW/480Nm tune used in the Audi RS Q3 SUV and 294kW/500Nm of the RS3 hatch and sedan.
Despite the reduced output, the first batch of VZ5s was quoted as capable of running from 0-100km/h in 4.2 seconds, 0.3 seconds ahead of the RS Q3.
Cupra has not yet released official performance details of the updated model, but says the engine has been “recalibrated to deliver an even more emotive experience”.
One step down from the Formentor VZ5, the previous performance flagship Formentor VZx model touted 228kW and 400Nm from its 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, and ran to 100km/h in a claimed 4.9 seconds when it was last offered in Australia.
Like the VZx, the VZ5 channels drive to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Lateral torque vectoring and a rear differential capable of shifting torque between the back wheels, again from the Audi RS parts bin, are also included.
Styling changes to the Formentor VZ5 include a variant-specific front splitter with the VZ5 logo, wider wheel arches, and changes to the rear bumper and diffuser.
A set of diagonally-stacked copper-coloured quad tips for the exhaust, and VZ5-specific 20-inch alloy wheels also form part of the styling changes.
Inside, the VZ5 comes with the four-cylinder Formentor’s Cup Bucket power-adjustable sports seats, set to be optional on the incoming Formentor VZ in Australia.
Full specifications and pricing for Australia have not yet been announced, with more details expected closer to the Formentor’s on-sale date.
Timing for the Formentor VZ5’s Australian arrival is also yet to be confirmed, but the limited-run model is set to enter production in the first quarter of 2026 (January to March), with Australia’s allocation likely to follow shortly after.
The mainstream models of the facelifted Formentor range are expected to launch in early 2026.
Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.
