Cupra Formentor VZ5: Audi's Five-Cylinder Reborn, But Not in the Golf We Hoped For
The automotive world is buzzing with the re-emergence of Audi's potent turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine, this time nestled within the sleek frame of the updated Cupra Formentor VZ5. This is exciting news for performance enthusiasts, yet it arrives with a bittersweet note: the engine hasn't found its way into the much-speculated Golf R, disappointing those who yearned for a five-cylinder Golf. Nonetheless, Cupra, a brand increasingly known for its dynamic offerings, once again secures access to Ingolstadt's lauded inline-five, presenting a compelling, albeit exclusive, performance SUV.
The revived Formentor VZ5, a successor to the 2021 special edition, continues its limited production run, with only 4,000 units planned, making it even more exclusive than its predecessor. This iteration of the VZ5 is built upon the recently refreshed Formentor platform. While it harnesses the raw power of Audi's 2.5 TFSI, it's calibrated to produce 385 horsepower and 354 lb-ft (480 Nm) of torque, a slight detuning from the RS3's full output. For those craving the absolute maximum, Audi's RS3 Sedan and the European-market RS3 Sportback remain the go-to choices.
Sharing certain mechanical characteristics with its Audi brethren, the Formentor VZ5 utilizes a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. However, Cupra asserts its own distinct all-wheel-drive system, differentiating it from Audi's Quattro setup. It is plausible that this system incorporates a torque-splitting rear differential, functionally similar to the innovative RS Torque Splitter first seen in the RS3. Although official performance figures for the new VZ5 are yet to be disclosed, expectations are that it will mirror its predecessor's impressive 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h), given the minimal change in power output. Stylistically, the model retains its signature stacked copper-finished exhaust tips, complementing the eye-catching 20-inch wheels and front badging.
In a significant expansion of its market reach, the updated Formentor VZ5 will no longer be confined to left-hand drive configurations. This new generation will also be available in right-hand drive, opening up markets such as the United Kingdom to this high-performance vehicle. While pricing details are still under wraps, the current Cupra Formentor VZ, equipped with the Golf R's engine, begins at approximately €60,000 in Spain. It is anticipated that the VZ5 will offer a more accessible entry point compared to the RS3 models, which command around €85,000 in Cupra's home territory. Manufacturing is slated to commence in Barcelona during the first quarter of 2026.
Despite the excitement surrounding the Formentor VZ5, the silence from Volkswagen regarding a five-cylinder Golf R remains notable. The window of opportunity for such a model is narrowing. Audi has previously indicated that its 2.5 TFSI engine will not undergo the necessary modifications to comply with Euro 7 emissions regulations, which are set to take effect in November 2026. While engineering solutions could theoretically extend the powerplant's life, the limited demand for the RS3 makes substantial investment in such adaptations economically challenging. Consequently, with the TT RS already discontinued and the RS Q3 not slated to return with a five-cylinder option, the RS3 and a few niche models like the Formentor VZ5, alongside bespoke creations from manufacturers like Donkervoort, are among the last bastions of this distinctive engine. Enthusiasts continue to hold out hope that the Volkswagen Group will leverage this iconic engine to its fullest potential, perhaps finally delivering the ultimate Golf R experience that has been yearned for since the unfulfilled promise of the Mk7 R400/R420.