Cupra Formentor VZ5 – more cylinders and a higher price tag
Words: Kyle Cassidy
Cupra NZ has confirmed the Formentor VZ5 will soon arrive in New Zealand, marking the first time the flagship has been produced in right-hand drive.
With a global production run limited to 4000 units, only ‘a small allocation’ has been secured for the local market.
The VZ5 is priced from $119,990 plus on-road costs. That makes it $32,490 more than the four cylinder $87,500 VZ. Still, it’s cheaper than the Audi RS 3, which asks $132k.
The VZ5 is powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder petrol engine producing 287kW and 480Nm. The regular VZ makes 245kW/420Nm.
The VZ5 has a seven-speed dual-clutch, and with AWD, Cupra says it can hit 100km/h in 4.2 seconds and reach a claimed top speed of 280km/h. The VZ does the 0-100 in 4.8s.
Drivers can tailor the experience in the VZ5 via multiple drive modes including Comfort, Performance, CUPRA, Individual and a dedicated Drift mode. Standard are Dynamic Chassis Control and Akebono six-piston front brakes.
Visually, the VZ5 builds on the standard Formentor with unique sports bumpers, quad exhaust outlets, and dark chrome exterior detailing. Matrix HD LED headlights and a full-width LED rear light signature further distinguish the range-topper, while buyers can opt for 20-inch machined alloy wheels and a range of customisation options, including carbon-fibre mirror caps and matte paint finishes.
Tick a few boxes and you could pay even more for the VZ5. Black wheels add $1500, matt paint adds $4000, a panoramic sunroof is $3100, copper carbon fibre mirror caps are $1500, CUP Bucket seats with PVC wings and bolsters are $4500, while sat nav is $1300. That would make it $135,890.
Inside, the cabin features include heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, Dinamica upholstery with copper stitching, and a digital cockpit layout comprising a 12.9-inch infotainment screen and 10.25-inch driver display. A premium Sennheiser sound system, wireless smartphone connectivity, and ambient interior lighting also feature.
A lower seating position and available CUP bucket seats further enhance the car’s performance focus.
Orders are now open through selected Cupra dealerships, with customers encouraged to secure one of the limited build slots available.
