CUPRA has confirmed what performance enthusiasts in New Zealand have been waiting for: the arrival of the Formentor VZ5, the brand’s most ferocious, emotional, and exclusive combustion model yet. Limited to just 4,000 units worldwide, this flagship performance SUV has finally been engineered in right‑hand drive for the very first time, unlocking availability for New Zealand, Australia, and the United Kingdom. It’s CUPRA’s pinnacle of combustion engineering, unleashed in its purest, most focused form.
A Cabin That Feels Like a Cockpit
Open the door and you’re greeted by a cabin that screams performance without sacrificing modern luxury. Low-mounted seats create a proper race-inspired driving position that places the driver deep into the experience, heightening connection and control. Ambient lighting, brushed dark aluminium elements, and CUPRA’s signature copper accents infuse the cabin with a moody, motorsport-infused aesthetic that feels premium and purposeful.
Tech lovers will enjoy the 12-inch infotainment screen and the sharp 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit, which displays performance metrics including RPM, torque, turbo pressure, and acceleration, vital data for those who enjoy spirited driving. The premium Sennheiser sound system rounds out the interior with high-fidelity audio clarity for daily commuting or long-distance trips.
Five Cylinders. Endless Thrills.
At its heart, the VZ5 is powered by the legendary 2.5‑litre TSI five‑cylinder turbocharged engine, a configuration beloved by enthusiasts for its distinctive rhythm and aggressive sound signature. This powerplant produces a mighty 390HP (287kW) and 480Nm of torque, delivering fierce acceleration and an unmistakable auditory growl that sets it apart from the pack.
Coupled with a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission and CUPRA’s intelligent 4Drive all-wheel-drive system, the Formentor VZ5 delivers precision power application and effortless traction, whether on tight corners or straight-line sprints. Its lateral torque control system sharpens handling dynamics, ensuring agility and confidence when pushing the vehicle to its limits.
Sharper, Meaner, More Purposeful
The exterior is no less dramatic. The VZ5 boasts wider wheel arches and a newly sculpted front bumper that gives it an assertive, muscular stance. A front splitter engraved with “VZ5” adds to its exclusivity, while optional black carbon-fibre mirror caps introduce a stealthy, motorsport-inspired edge.
Look closely and you’ll notice CUPRA’s attention to detail in its lighting innovations. Matrix LED headlights illuminate the road with crisp precision, while projection technology casts the CUPRA logo ahead of the vehicle. From the side mirrors, a distinctive VZ5 signature is projected onto the ground, a bold statement even before the engine starts.
Diagonal copper-accented quad exhaust tips complete the rear design, reinforcing the aggressive tone and serving as a visual cue that this machine is built for drivers who crave emotion, sound, and speed.
Stopping Power to Match Its Speed
With performance like this, serious braking hardware is essential. The VZ5 comes equipped with standard Akebono six-piston brakes paired with large 375mm x 36mm discs, delivering immediate and repeatable stopping power for high-performance scenarios. These brakes work harmoniously with the exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels, ensuring stability, control, and confidence even during demanding, high-speed driving.
Tarmac Takeaway – A Milestone for CUPRA and a Gift to Enthusiasts
The introduction of the Formentor VZ5 in right-hand drive is a major milestone for CUPRA. Until now, this ultra-limited model was strictly left-hand drive, making it unattainable for drivers in New Zealand and other RHD markets. Its arrival signals a defining chapter for CUPRA New Zealand and serves as a rare opportunity for enthusiasts to own the most coveted combustion CUPRA ever built.
