Cupra Formentor VZ5 headed Down Under

CUPRA Australia has confirmed that it has locked in the hard-charging Formentor VZ5 for arrival in the latter half of 2026.

Offered initially in 2021, the Audi RS3-powered Cupra Formentor VZ5 is now available in right-hand drive format, meaning it will now make it to Australian showrooms – albeit it limited numbers.

While Cupra Australia was unable to confirm just how limited those numbers will be, it is understood that just 4000 examples of the 287kW all-wheel drive variant will be produced for global markets.

Production begins in the first quarter of 2026 at Cupra’s Martorell factory in Spain.

Powered by the same turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder petrol engine as the Audi RS3 and RSQ3, the Formentor VZ5 will transmit its 480Nm of torque via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Acceleration and other performance metrics have not been announced for the facelifted model, but with the original model cracking the 0-100km/h standard in just 4.2 seconds, it’s fair to say the Formentor VZ5 will be one quick crossover.

The Formentor VZ5 is characterised by pumped wheel arches, copper-coloured exhaust outlets, and copper-accented 20-inch alloy wheels.

Paint colours include Century Bronze, Dark Void, Enceladus Grey Matte, Magnetic Tech Matte, and Midnight Black, though it is not known if all of these will be on the Australian spec sheet.

Inside, it features sporty carbon-fibre shelled bucket seats and LED ambient lighting among other highlights that will be introduced with the remainder of the facelifted Formentor range.

Expect this new flagship to be accompanied by a similarly handsome price tag, which will push the Spanish brand further upmarket.

The old VZ5 was priced at €61,000 (A$108,046) in Germany, giving it similar market positioning to the RSQ3, BMW X2 M35, Mercedes-AMG GLA 35, and Mini Countryman JCW.

“The return of the Cupra Formentor VZ5 is a bold statement of our commitment to performance and emotion,” said Cupra executive vice president of sales, marketing, and aftersales Sven Schuwirth.

“With its iconic five-cylinder engine, this model embodies the essence of Cupra – daring, unconventional, and driven by passion.

“For the first time, the Cupra Formentor VZ5 will be available in both left- and right-hand drive, opening the door to car enthusiasts in markets such as the UK and Australia.”