CUPRA Formentor SUV
New from £34,970 / £337 p/m
Is the CUPRA Formentor SUV a good car?
Read our expert review
Words by: Autotrader
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The stylish Formentor crossover successfully launched Cupra as a standalone brand within the wider VW family and has sold with a variety of engines, ranging from sensible hybrids to high-performance turbos. This rare-groove VZ5 version takes the latter to extremes, lifting the signature five-cylinder engine and drift mode enhanced powertrain from the Audi RS3and repurposing it to Cupra’s ends into a surprisingly serious performance crossover. The first version was so exclusive it never made it to the UK but, second time lucky and for the facelifted Formentor Cupra has added a right-hand drive VZ5 and strictly limited number for FOMO affected British fans who missed out on the first one. Was it worth the wait, though?
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Running costs for a CUPRA Formentor
You don’t buy a high-performance crossover with a powerful, non-hybrid 2.5-litre engine and expect great fuel economy and so it is with the Formentor VZ5. Nor is it cheap to buy or tax, given the exclusivity and emissions classifications. If these dictate your buying decisions there are better options in the Formentor range but for the passionate few attracted by the performance and rarity these will be prices worth paying. The fact it’s rather more unusual and quirky than the Audi RS3 on which it is based should also keep values strong, the if-you-know-you-know factor another point in its favour on that score. But, any way you cut it, the VZ5 is a very expensive indulgence!
Reliability of a CUPRA Formentor
Although the Cupra Formentor is built on parts used elsewhere in the wider Volkswagen family it’s not immune to problems. Owners have reported issues with the onboard electronics, specifically the infotainment system fitted to early examples, but also the hybrid system. Thought that of course doesn’t apply here. At least Cupra’s five-year warranty is better than that offered by other brands within the wider VW group.
Safety for a CUPRA Formentor
The VZ5 is based on the updated version of the Formentor, bringing with it various upgrades to the safety tech to meet the latest rules and regulations. Some of them welcome, some of them not so much. The fat tyres and stiff suspension limit the intrusion of the lane-keeping while the noisy engine drowns out some of the more annoying beeps and bongs, many of which can be quickly silenced via a swipe-down shortcut on the central screen. We scored more than our fair share of false alarms from the forward collision system as well, the instrument cluster screaming in panic when innocently squeezing past parked cars on urban roads. It’s a common frustration in modern cars but a shame when it spoils what is an otherwise thrilling driving experience.
How comfortable is the CUPRA Formentor
If you want a comfortable, family-friendly Formentor we’d say save your money and go for one of the more regular versions. For the fact this VZ5’s priorities are more towards carving the corners at speed than mooching about town or the school run. Keen drivers will therefore appreciate the stiff ride, sharp steering, powerful brakes and responsive throttle pedal more than most passengers, though the clever suspension does have a nifty range of adjustment via a sliding scale on the touch-screen. Even set to the softer end the VZ5 still feels on the harsh side on its signature 20-inch wheels, especially around town. When you have the road – and, perhaps the car – to yourself and have the space to let the Cupra off the leash you’ll appreciate just how hardcore it really is, the grippy sports seats hugging you tightly as you fling it through the bends. It’s all the more amusing for the fact it’s less obvious than the RS3 on which it is based, meaning you can enjoy its abilities somewhat under the radar. Though best not to test that theory to its literal limit…
Features of the CUPRA Formentor
The VZ5’s flagship status means it has a generous standard specification including lots of items that would otherwise be expensive optional extras, including the branded Sabelt sports seats, carbon fibre trimmings and bespoke bodykit. Other goodies include big alloy wheels, an uprated Sennheiser sound system, Matrix LED headlights, three-zone climate control and upgraded brakes. None of which comes cheap, the asking price for the VZ5 nearly double that of the base Formentor!
Power for a CUPRA Formentor
We’ve always like the Cupra Formentor’s looks and sporty manners, this VZ5 version simply taking it to new extremes on all counts. It looks meaner, goes harder and has enough grunt to humble serious sports cars all with the added bonus most people won’t even realise what it is until it blasts past them. It’s no one-trick-pony either, and everything from brakes to steering and suspension has been upgraded to match the formidable power of the Audi-supplied five-cylinder engine. True, this has been symbolically detuned a fraction to spare the blushes of the related RS3 but 390 horsepower is still plenty to be going on with and the VZ5 is that rarest of things these days in its combination of old-school turbocharged thrust and modern crossover style. And if those are your tastes this makes it a literal rare treat!
Lease deals
These deals are based on terms of 8,000 miles, for a 36 month lease with a 6 months initial payment.
£426.21
Monthly payment
£2,557.24
Initial payment
£619.60
Monthly payment
£3,717.60
Initial payment
Standard equipment
Expect the following equipment on your CUPRA Formentor SUV. This may vary between trim levels.
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Your questions answered
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