The facelifted Cupra Formentor has landed with the broadest range the nameplate has offered in Australia: five powertrains, opening at $53,990 drive-away for the new S grade and topping out at $101,990 for the returning five-cylinder VZ5.
What the money buys
The S pairs a 1.5 litre turbo four with a 48V mild-hybrid system for 110kW, sent to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch auto. The V steps up to a 150kW 2.0 litre turbo with all-wheel drive at $61,990. The big mover is the VZe plug-in hybrid at $74,490: it now makes 200kW, gains DC fast charging at up to 50kW, and claims 114km of electric range on the tougher WLTP test, up from the old car's 58km NEDC figure. The 245kW VZx sits at $74,990 with a torque-vectoring rear differential. All prices are drive-away, checked 31 August.
Cartell Assessment
The S is the smart buy: a sharp European SUV with a 12.9 inch screen, bucket seats and tri-zone climate as standard, for mid-size Japanese hybrid money. The VZ5 is the halo. Its 287kW 2.5 litre five-cylinder comes from the Audi RS3, only 4000 will be built globally, and fewer than 100 are earmarked for Australia.
AU Outlook
The VZ5 arrives late 2026 or early 2027 and will be spoken for quickly. For everyone else, the VZe's 114km electric range makes it one of the longest-range PHEV SUVs at its price, and that is the variant to watch against the plug-in wave arriving from China.
