If you had to wrap Cupra’s changes to the Formentor VZ into one word, it could be “aggression”. It’s technically just a facelift (part of a range-wide refresh), but it’s a pretty effective one.
The new “shark nose” front gives Formentor some extra personality; the toothy grille(s) and sharp triangular daytime running lights make this new model look like it means business.
The VZ is the fast one of course, and in this new version power is up from 228kW to 245kW; there’s a new gearbox calibration to go with it, which Cupra claims makes better use of the available torque. We also reckon it’s a bit more aggressive in the sportier modes, but more about that in a minute.
And last for the aggression-update, the chassis. Formentor now has Progressive Steering (it gets more direct the more you turn) and a new “torque splitter” on the rear axle, which is basically a torque-vectoring system that can shift power side-to-side to help push the car around a corner faster.
It also features a manually selectable drift mode, as introduced on the previous-generation Volkswagen Golf R.
There's a new 'torque splitter' on the rear axle; basically a torque-vectoring system that can shift power side-to-side to help push the car around a corner faster.
If you want to get really serious you can add Akebono front brakes ($4500) and/or a shouty Akrapovic exhaust system ($7400). Valid ways to demonstrate you understand that Cupra means “Cup racer”... and turn your Formentor into something painfully close to a $100k vehicle.
Now, about that Golf. We’ve always been fans of the Formentor, because it’s good to drive and nobody seems to be entirely sure what it is: hatch, coupe or SUV? Which is fun. It’s a bit of everything and no need to worry about that any further, thank you.
Think of the hotted-up VZ as a close relation to the Golf R/T-Roc R or the Audi S3/SQ2. Same basic recipe, but cooked up with a distinctive Cupra flavour.
This type of genre-indulgence is only possible because Cupra has the Volkswagen Group parts bin to play with. You know how with Lego you can pull apart a family SUV and make a sports car using the same bits? You’ve nailed platform sharing.
Formentor is on the ubiquitous MQB platform used for all VW Group small/medium cars, including Golf, Skoda Octavia and Audi A3/S3.
Individual mode allows you to select a favourite combination of steering, powertrain and chassis settings. The suspension alone has 15 different levels of firmness available, via a virtual slider.
So think of the hotted-up VZ as a close relation to the Golf R/T-Roc R or the Audi S3/SQ2. Same basic recipe, but cooked up with a distinctive Cupra flavour. But even if you’re not entirely familiar with the Cupra brand, don’t make the mistake of thinking of this as a substantially cheaper alternative to the big names; at $87,500, it’s just an alternative to a Golf R. A very valid one.
“Ubiquitous” is a good word here (it’s a good word generally), because despite the rapid performance of the VZ - which can rocket to 100km/h in 4.8sec - it’s also a perfectly comfortable day-to-day drive.
The 2.0-litre turbo engine can be pleasantly torquey when it needs to be, and there’s quite a difference between the different drive modes (which includes the DCC adaptive suspension), so you can turn everything down to Comfort and be quite happy. Despite the VZ’s performance focus, Cupra hasn’t gone crazy with the footwear: it’s riding on 19-inch wheels and the chassis does a pretty good job of soaking up the bumps in the city.
Those copper-highlighted wheels are only available on the VZ and V e-Hybrid, albeit still optional ($3300 for our test car's "Hailstorm" design). Cupra won't let you add them to a V... at least not officially.
The VZ also has special “bucket sports” front seats, which are figure-hugging but not overbearing. Our car had the $2300 Moon Slate leather option, which also brings power adjustment for the front-passenger seat (it's already on the driver's side).
But you didn’t buy the VZ to potter around town all the time, right? It really rises to the occasion when you wind things up, the recalibrated 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox (which can still feel a little slippy in town) working well with the pumped-up petrol engine to keep things on the boil.
Back in the day, Seat Cupras were famous for their crackling exhaust soundtracks. Those days are gone in the main, although you can add that Akrapovic system for a bit of extra aural character.
If you tap the steering wheel-mounted mode selector right through to the "Cupra" setting, a prominent growl does erupt… but largely through the speakers. The artificially enhanced sound is kind of fun, but doesn't sound entirely convincing.
You won’t want to drive in full Cupra-mode too much on the road anyway; it puts the gearbox into a super-aggressive “S+” setting that hangs onto ratios way too long unless you really are driving at 8/10ths, although you can cancel that (but stay in the top mode) with a quick flick of the stubby gear selector.
In fact, you can mix and match whichever way you want, because the VZ is unique in the lineup in having an Individual mode, which allows you to select your favourite combination of steering, powertrain and chassis settings. The chassis alone has 15 different levels of firmness available, via a virtual slider.
The VZ is a lively and accomplished handler regardless of the mode chosen. The torquey powertrain helps get the power down, but the clever AWD system also provides impressive traction without feeling in the least bit stodgy - no doubt with a bit of help from that side-to-side rear torque split we were talking about. Formentor also has an electronic “differential lock” at the front, to keep a handle on torque steer.
Overall, it’s still softer than the likes of a Golf R, because it’s got a higher centre of gravity. But some people may prefer that extra bit of compliance and chassis-telegraphing in the tight stuff, and there’s no doubt the Formentor VZ is a heap of fun.
It also helps that while it’s a bit SUV-ish with extra ground clearance, it has a coupe-like roofline and you sit pretty low in those bucket seats, like a hot hatch.
It’s a nice cabin environment. The larger 12.9-inch infotainment screen is new, and while it looks like there’s a lot more going on than the previous OS (there's certainly a lot more colour), it’s a lot more intuitively laid-out. Again, the basic hardware and software is borrowed from the new-gen Golf/Tiguan, but there’s a unique Cupra skin over the whole thing. Oh, and the VZ gets a thumping Immersive by Sennheiser sound system with 12 speakers, including sub.
The Formentor is quite similar to its VW Group siblings, while at the same time feeling appealingly unique. It’s fast and fun. This update has sharpened it up considerably, without diminishing its abilities as a day-to-day drive car. We still like it a lot.
How much is the Cupra Formentor VZ?
The high-performance VZ is $87,500, although weirdly it's not the most expensive Formentor: that's the special-order V e-Hybrid, which is $90,500.
What are the key statistics for the Cupra Formentor VZ?
The 2.0-litre turbo engine has been tweaked up to 245kW/420Nn and drives all four wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch (DSG) transmission.
Is the Cupra Formentor VZ efficient?
If you want the thrifty one, buy the 110kW V: 5.5l/100km. But the VZ's 8.9l/100km isn't bad given the performance potential.
Is the Cupra Formentor VZ good to drive?
It's a very accomplished iteration of this VW Group platform: fast and fun. And the changes in this facelift model have increased the speed and responsiveness of the car from what was already a good base.
Is the Cupra Formentor VZ practical?
It's a small-medium SUV with a coupe-like roofline, so fashion does come before function with Formentor. But the cabin is comfortable (albeit not generous in the back) and the 505-litre boot with adjustable floor is useful.
What do we like about the Cupra Formentor VZ?
Cupra has taken a good thing and made it better - not to mention sharper. Outwardly small changes to the powertrain, steering and chassis have made it a sharper tool for the keen driver. The new infotainment system is pretty impressive, too.
What don’t we like about the Cupra Formentor VZ?
Cupra mode is too aggressive for road driving unless you tweak it a bit with Individual mode, and the enhanced exhaust note sounds unconvincing. It's $22k more expensive than the Formentor V and you'd be hard pressed to pick them apart.
What kind of person would the Cupra Formentor VZ suit?
Somebody who appreciates the powertrain and chassis talents of this particular VW Group platform, but wants to be a bit more stylish and/or different.