Five-cylinder Cupra Formentor VZ5 levelled up with racing-inspired looks
The five-cylinder Cupra Formentor VZ5 has been enhanced by in-house tuners ABT Sportsline, giving the already striking SUV an even sharper stance.
Cupra is going all-in on the Formentor VZ5 – the SUV which shares its turbocharged, five-cylinder engine with the iconic Audi RS3 – by launching a new ABT Sportsline bodykit for the incoming model.
Named the Formentor VZ5 Custom Cupra by ABT Edition, the styling package builds on the already exclusive VZ5, adding racing-inspired elements such as lower side door mouldings, a big rear spoiler, gloss black 20-inch alloy wheels, black quad exhaust tips, and dark chrome exterior badging.
Inside, the changes are minimal, with ABT floor mats providing the only hint of any changes by the German firm, which has most recently run Cupra’s Extreme E program.
Priced from $109,990 drive-away nationwide, the Formentor VZ5 Custom Cupra by ABT Edition is $8000 more than the SUV upon which it’s based, taking the mantle as the Spanish marque’s most expensive car to be sold in Australia yet.
The five-cylinder 2.5-litre turbo engine produces 287kW and 480Nm, down slightly from the 294kW output of the RS3, but well up on the 228kW and 400Nm figures from the four-pot Formentor VZx.
Drive is sent to all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, as well as Cupra’s tweaked torque-vectoring system, also shared with the RS3’s unit which can send the majority of power to the rear wheels.
Behind the wheels sit six-piston Akebono front brake calipers, while inside the front occupants score Sabelt Cup racing-style carbon-fibre backed bucket seats.
Jordan Mulach
Cupra Australia says it’ll only bring “limited numbers” of the ABT Edition to local showrooms during the second quarter of 2027 (April to June), after earlier announcing the Formentor VZ5 would be restricted to fewer than 100 examples in its "initial allocation”, arriving between December 2026 and March 2027.
“The Formentor VZ5 already occupies a unique position within the Cupra range, combining the unmistakable character of the five-cylinder engine with the design and driving dynamics that define our brand,” said Cupra Australia head of product, Jeff Shafer.
“The new VZ5 Custom Cupra by ABT Edition builds on those foundations with a carefully considered package that enhances the vehicle’s visual presence while respecting everything enthusiasts already love about the VZ5.
“ABT has earned an outstanding reputation among performance enthusiasts around the world, and we’re delighted to bring this collaboration to Australian customers in a way that feels authentic to both.”
