There's no better way to launch a new brand than with a humorous limited edition with vehicle enthusiasts licking their lips. This flagship model emphasizes the core qualities of this new brand in fluorescent light. And this Formentor VZ5 fits that duty for Cupra. Under the hood, this Cupra Formentor VZ5 is powered by Audi's legendary five-cylinder engine. This was a huge honor because no sister brand had ever had this opportunity.
The Cupra Formentor VZ5 is equipped with a slightly modified version of the legendary EA855evo block. Not 400 hp, as in the Audi RS 3, but 390 hp. The maximum torque remains the same, but its 480 Nm is only available at 2250 rpm. That's 500 more laps than the Audi. But I didn't notice any difference. So, after a week of trying, how did I feel?
Naturally, my attention is drawn to the engine. From its zeal to its captivating music, this 2.5-liter is a jewel. Yes, ringing the horn of the Cupra Formentor VZ5 is enjoyable to verify that 4.2 seconds is sufficient to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h. However, it is the whole experience that distinguishes this five-cylinder engine. Your heart skips a beat every time you push the start button. Of course, if you are a vehicle fanatic.
It doesn't have to be a crossover for me, but it is. At the very least, the body concept does not interfere with the Cupra Formentor's attractive lines. The distinctions between the Cupra Formentor VZ5 and the rest of the lineup are too minor - more on that later. But it's difficult to ignore those gorgeous rims and delicious exhaust pipes.
The Cupra Formentor's interior is still too upscale for me, with a slightly frigid design and materials that are difficult to reconcile with the VZ5's high price. However, you are situated in supreme comfort in attractive classic bucket seats. There's also plenty of space in the back; however, it comes at the sacrifice of trunk capacity.
The Cupra Formentor VZ5's suspension has been lowered by 10mm and boasts more negative camber and firmer bushings to combat understeer and eliminate body roll tendencies. However, the Spanish manufacturer must thank Audi once more for the refined driving characteristics since the VZ5 with all-wheel drive receives the Torque Splitter, which regulates the driving forces between the rear wheels. Each rear wheel can be given up to 100% traction (this is true of the maximum 50% of engine torque that can be transmitted to the rear wheels). There's a drift mode, but the rear end seems content to wander even without it.
Cupra was synonymous with Cup Racing, a sporting crest reserved for only the quickest Seat models. For a period, the Spanish automaker was billed as the Volkswagen Group's Alfa Romeo, resulting in cars with clean lines and a strong personality.
Despite a shaky start, Cupra swiftly carved out a niche for itself in the market. With a southern attitude that is eerily similar to Alfa Romeo. On the other hand, Cupra should consider getting rid of that horrible logo, which reminds me of a tribal tattoo on an overage Johnny. Furthermore, its copper design accents and matte body hues may be overkill, but they give the Cupra Formentor a cool look.
The Cupra Formentor VZ5 may also benefit from a better standing. A unique name would have improved the appearance of this Cupra Formentor. Consider the Bocanegro, a Seat Cupra with a black front end. However, "ve zed five" sounds much better. For a minute, let's return to the matte body hues and brass design accents. Perhaps the Cupra Formentor VZ5 should have only been available in matte white. Or matte black to give the top-of-the-line model even more cachet.
Aside from that, the VZ5 has all of the advantages and disadvantages of any Cupra Formentor. And this brings us to the infotainment system, which only sometimes stands out in terms of use. Or those awkward sliders you use to set the temperature of your air conditioner that become almost undetectable when it gets dark. They put LED strips in the most inconvenient places, but they needed to consider effective lighting. Anyway, Cupra's user interface is slightly superior to the nearly comparable multimedia systems from Skoda and Volkswagen.
I like the five-cylinder engine, and it helps the Cupra Formentor win. The Cupra Formentor VZ5 could stand out more clearly from the herd regarding terminology and styling. This crossover looks and drives great without sacrificing practicality or everyday comfort. I'd like to see if the Cupra can carry over the VZ5 spirit into future models. Keep your fingers crossed.
Finally, among the drivers of a sporty VW Golf, the Cupra Formentor appears to have the impact of a red rag on a bull. Every GTD, GTI, or R I've encountered recently shows arrogance. Does this imply that Cupra Formentor is working well?
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