After years of waiting in the wings, Cupra’s five-cylinder beast is finally heading Down Under. Cupra Australia has officially confirmed the local arrival of the Formentor VZ5 in 2026. It isn’t just another facelift; it’s a second global production run for a car that skipped Australia entirely three years ago. The reason then was simple; no right-hand drive! Now, with a new batch of just 4,000 units slated for worldwide production, Australia has finally secured a precious allocation to hear the throaty vroom of Audi’s legendary five-cylinder engine—now wearing a Cupra badge.
Audi-derived powertrain
Under the sculpted bonnet sits Audi’s legendary 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder TSI petrol engine, the same unit that’s powered RS icons like the RS3 and RS Q3.
In the Cupra Formentor VZ5, this engine produces 287kW and 480Nm, delivered to all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
| Engine & Performance | Cupra Formentor VZ5 | Audi RS3 | Audi RS Q3 |
| Engine | 2.5L turbo inline-5 | 2.5L turbo inline-5 | 2.5L turbo inline-5 |
| Power | 287 kW | 294 kW | 294 kW |
| Torque | 480 Nm | 500 Nm | 480 Nm |
| 0–100 km/h | 4.2 sec (claimed) | 3.8 sec | 4.5 sec |
| Drivetrain | AWD (7-speed DCT) | AWD (7-speed DCT) | AWD (7-speed DCT) |
Even with slightly less output than its Audi siblings, the Cupra Formentor VZ5 still sprints to 100km/h in around 4.2 seconds, making it quicker than the previous VZx and on par with some serious performance machinery.
Cupra engineers say the engine has been “recalibrated to deliver an even more emotive experience”, hinting at sharper throttle response and that unmistakable five-cylinder soundtrack that enthusiasts crave.
Handling hardware borrowed from Audi Sport
Power alone doesn’t define the VZ5. Like the Audi RS range, it features:
- All-wheel drive with lateral torque vectoring
- Rear torque splitter for sharper cornering control
- Adaptive suspension tuned for both comfort and precision
This setup allows the Formentor VZ5 to behave like a rear-biased hot hatch when pushed, yet remain composed during daily driving.
Outmuscling the German rivals
The Cupra Formentor VZ5 doesn’t just borrow from Audi, it also threatens to upstage its premium German rivals.
With 287kW and 480Nm, it comfortably outguns both the BMW X1 M35i xDrive (233kW/400Nm) and the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 (225kW/400Nm).
That’s more than 50kW of extra power and 80Nm of additional torque compared to either competitor, impressive for a newcomer from a young performance brand.
Aggressive exterior styling
Cupra’s design team has ensured the VZ5 looks as potent as it drives.
Visual upgrades include:
- Variant-specific front splitter and rear diffuser
- Wider wheel arches for a more muscular stance
- Copper-finished diagonal quad exhaust tips
- Exclusive 20-inch copper alloy wheels
Buyers will also get to pick from five stunning paint finishes, including Midnight Black, Dark Void, Magnetic Tech Matte, Century Bronze Matte, and Enceladus Grey Matte, available in either matte or gloss for an extra visual punch.
Interior styling
Inside, the VZ5 continues Cupra’s theme of performance luxury. Expect:
- Bucket-style sports seats
- Ambient interior lighting
- Distinctive Cupra branding and copper accents
- A driver-focused cockpit with digital displays and performance modes
It’s a mix of premium craftsmanship and racing-inspired design, tailored for enthusiasts who want both thrill and refinement.
Price and availability in Australia
While official pricing is yet to be confirmed, expectations place the Cupra Formentor VZ5 between $90,000 and $105,000 before on-road costs.
That would position it neatly between the outgoing Audi RS Q3 (from $104,215) and high-spec premium SUVs from BMW and Mercedes-AMG.
Production starts in Q1 2026, and the Australian launch is likely in late 2026, just in time to heat the summer performance car season.
The final word
The 2026 Cupra Formentor VZ5 is more than just a car; it’s a statement. It’s for the driver who craves the character of one of the world’s most celebrated engines, wrapped in the bold, unconventional styling of the Cupra brand. With production limited and Australian allocations expected to be fiercely contested, this is one rebel you’ll want to get on your watchlist early.
Stay tuned to CARS24 for more updates on pricing and final specifications as we approach its 2026 launch.
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