Cupra Introduces a Sporty Crossover Powered by the Audi RS3’s Engine

Of course, when I say “you,” I’m not talking about anyone in America.

0 2 minutes read

Being part of a global automotive powerhouse comes with plenty of perks, but few are as thrilling as fitting one of the last remaining five-cylinder engines into a standard crossover. That’s likely the excitement at Seat, Volkswagen Group’s Spanish brand, as the wildly impressive Cupra Formentor VZ5 makes its debut for the 2026 model year.

Technically, Cupra is a spin-off of Seat, specializing in the crossover segment that’s hugely popular across Europe. Most of the time, Cupra are fairly conventional in both design and performance. But the Volkswagen-owned brand isn’t afraid to tug at enthusiasts’ heartstrings occasionally—case in point: the Formentor VZ5. Initially offered earlier in the model’s lifecycle, it now makes a comeback following the crossover’s mid-life facelift, sporting an even more aggressive and striking appearance.

At first glance, the Cupra Formentor may resemble any other compact crossover, but the VZ5 houses one of the most characterful drivetrains you can find for under $100,000 today. At its heart lies Audi’s turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five, borrowed straight from the high-performance RS3.

Cupra claims the Formentor VZ5 delivers 384 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, just a touch shy of Audi’s compact sport sedan. It retains Volkswagen’s seven-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission, though Cupra notes it’s paired with its own all-wheel-drive system. Still, the torque-splitting rear differential in the VZ5 strongly resembles the hardware found in its Audi counterpart.

The Formentor VZ5 also gets a striking visual update. Model-specific front and rear bumpers, along with a front splitter and rear diffuser, come standard on this high-end variant. Other performance-oriented design touches include copper exhaust tips and widened wheel arches, while 20-inch copper wheels complete the earthy color palette. Cupra will offer the VZ5 in five shades: Midnight Black, Dark Void, Magnetic Tech Matt, Century Bronze Matt, and Enceladus Grey Matt—the latter three presumably non-reflective finishes, rather than nicknames for members of the accounting team.

Here’s the engine in the Audi, in case you wanted to stare at it. Which we would totally understand.

Inside, the Formentor VZ5 receives subtle trim updates and a standout upgrade in the form of CupBucket seats; otherwise, it retains the familiar Cupra cabin. Production is limited to just 4,000 units, though for the first time, both left- and right-hand drive models will be available. That means buyers in the United Kingdom can finally get their hands on Cupra latest enthusiast-focused crossover. As for the U.S., don’t hold your breath—unless Cupra decides to finally launch stateside, or, more realistically, until 2050, when it could qualify under the 25-year import rule.