Cupra Formentor VZ5

You can be young and have the reflexes of old people. But this time, it's for a good cause, and for the pleasure of all lovers of properly motorized cars. Seat's sports label before becoming a brand in its own right, Cupra launched the Formentor, its first model, less than a year ago. A bold move, in the midst of a health crisis, with the sole initial proposition being a 2.0 hp 310 turbo engine and four-wheel drive (see test, Ah n°2296). Then Cupra expanded the range of its crossover with a small 4 1.5-cylinder 150 hp, and a plug-in hybrid version (204 hp and 245 hp). On the sidelines of this downward opening, the manufacturer of Spanish origin (owned by Seat, and therefore by Volkswagen) had announced without saying more an “even sportier” version to top the range. Today, the suspense ends: in search of exclusivity and differentiation, Cupra equips its Formentor with a 5-cylinder borrowed from Audi, that of the RSQ3 and new RS3, adjusted to 390 hp.

The interior is conversely more sober than the bodywork is demonstrative. © Cupra

Aesthetically, this VZ5 version (VZ for Veloz, speed or speed in Spanish, 5 for the number of cylinders) adopts a racy look with a chassis lowered by 10 mm. The front and rear feature shields shaped and decorated with carbon parts, while the specific 20-inch rims or the exhaust outlets feature a copper color, Cupra's identity. The whole thing is made more discreet by rather dark body colors, which offer a certain aesthetic balance to this crossover, whose style would have struggled with a deeper approach in this area.

Inside, we find very designed seats and a completely digital universe, very much in tune with its time. The general style is very sporty, and we say that with such a philosophy, Cupra could resist the galloping electrification of the European market. But don't think that the Spaniard is a Gallic automobile village, an irreducible manufacturer who will fight alone in the face of European diktats. Because to develop in Europe, its only chance is electric. Moreover, it will also soon launch a 100% zero-emission model (the Born), based on a Volkswagen ID.3. The 5 cylinder is marketing, image research for a brand which, for the moment, is largely unknown. Today, Cupra is chasing its legitimacy, even within the ranks of its own industrial family.

A safe bet

The characteristic of this five-cylinder engine is its angry character, and this volcanic side which makes it one of the best current proposals in price spheres in line with its pedigree. As it will not be marketed before the end of the year, this wanton crossover has not yet announced its prices, which we hope will be around 60 euros. Of course, in France, he will be hit with a penalty of 000 euros. We can therefore consider that this version was made for other European countries, where the penalty is less or non-existent.

The ergonomic work carried out on the seats ensures a pleasant position and very good support. © Cupra

Under the hood of the Formentor, the addition of the particle filter has not stifled the 2.5-liter unit, but the spirited behavior that characterized it until now has evolved. There is a slight ignition delay, especially at low revs. On the other hand, when the cavalry rushes, it's a surge of power and the driver finds sensations that feel good. Developed on a chassis already geared towards dynamism, equipped with steering appreciated for its incisive power and precision, the Formentor VZ5 makes the talk despite its critical height for going really fast. By choosing Cupra mode, the sensations are amplified, even if its dimensions and weight (around 1600 kg) end up bringing back fond memories of the man-machine duo. However, it does not have to be ashamed of the comparison with the Audi RSQ3 or the Volkswagen Golf R (320 hp and soon 333 hp), from which it uses the torque vectoring differential. This device limits understeer and works wonders when going around, in sequences of tight turns. The Formentor, 100% thermal, wants to be eccentric in today's automotive world, but also volcanic and almost diabolical for a car taller than a classic sports car. The driving position is then a little unusual, however the ergonomic work carried out on the seats ensures a pleasant position and very good support. Locked to the ground even in its most permissive modes, the Formentor VZ5 is however equipped with fairly intrusive driving aids.

VZ for Veloz, speed or speed in Spanish, 5 for the number of cylinders. © Cupra

Even in Cupra setting, which pushes back the electronic guardrails, you really have to provoke it and generate significant mass transfers to make it a little more mobile. Braking is entrusted to a system with increased dimensions, with six-piston calipers which bite 375 mm discs at the front (four pistons and 310 mm at the rear). To have fun, you will then have to try the Drift mode, to be reserved for use on the circuit, but which adopts settings which help with drifting. It's a bit of a glide for dummies, but it's a nice little extra on this kind of chameleon car. Because the Cupra Formentor VZ5 also knows how to play a softer register, becoming a pleasant car, usable on a daily basis, and that is what makes it strong.