CUPRA Formentor 2.0 TSI VZ3 ABT Edition 370PS Review

What is it?

We drove the most expensive CUPRA model available in the UK, which comes in at £59,999. This is the UK’s answer to the 2.5-litre VZ5 with 390PS that we can’t get over here. It comes with extra power, new wheels, lowered suspension, an Akrapovic exhaust and more. Is it worth the extra £10,619 over the VZN we reviewed last year? And is it worth spending your money on with a new Formentor on the way? Read on to find out.

Exterior

When you look at the Formentor VZ3 ABT Edition, you can see it’s something special. Our test model, which was in Midnight Black Metallic, had a commanding presence thanks to the aggressive ABT body kit.

The car sits on lowered suspension springs (35mm height reduction), giving the Formentor a more purposeful stance, while the Akrapovič exhaust system adds a sporty edge to the rear.

I really like the tailpipes; they look smart. But are they worth the money?

The large 20-inch ABT GR matte black alloy wheels look lovely, too, and nicely expose the copper-coloured Brembo brakes lurking behind.

The car has Matrix LED headlights with dynamic indicators, providing excellent visibility at night and adding to its high-tech aesthetic.

The welcome (or “puddle”) lights projecting the CUPRA logo onto the ground are a neat touch that we have seen on the other CUPRA models. They could have included the ABT logo here as well.

With so many Formentors on the road and it being difficult to tell the models apart unless you know what you are looking for (wheels/exhausts, etc), the changes here do turn heads and make the car stand out.

The rear of the car features an ABT and VZ badge. VZ is now the new “R” from the SEAT CUPRA model equivalents.

Interior

Inside, the black nappa leather CUP Bucket Seats were a particular highlight for me. They provide excellent support and comfort, whether you’re tackling twisty roads or cruising on the motorway. I found these to be the best seats I’ve sat in from any car produced by the brand to date, and I hope I’ll be able to tick the option on my next car (hopefully the new CUPRA Leon).

The 12-inch navigation system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto worked well for me. Of course, the climate touch controls are still a pain in the rear and don’t light up at night (I still to this day don’t know how CUPRA ever thought that was acceptable – luckily, they have seen the error of their ways on the new 2024 models).

The system comes with the BeatsAudio sound system, which sounds acceptable to my ears. I suspect I’d need to compare it back-to-back with a car without the Beats system to tell the difference.

The Digital Cockpit is easy to read and has familiar customizable views that can display navigation, media, or performance data.

The extra interior ABT touches this car comes with are:

• ABT Start Button replacing the standard start button – it’s a proper button I checked it wasn’t a sticker stuck over the top!
• ABT Gear Shift Paddle Extensions – I liked these; they were much easier to use than the standard ones – these are glued on by the looks of it

The three-zone climate control ensures all passengers can find their ideal temperature and the wireless charging pad works as expected. The wraparound ambient lighting can be adjusted as, for me, the highest setting at night could be quite distracting just below the window (although it still looks cool!).

On the road

Under the bonnet lies the familiar 2.0 TSI engine, which is now fitted with ABT’s tuning unit. This produces 370 PS and 450 Nm of torque, a significant boost over the standard Formentor’s 310 PS. The result is a 0-62 mph time of just 4.6 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. As I’m used to driving remapped cars, this finally felt like the power the car should have as standard. I wasn’t disappointed.

Power is delivered through a 7-speed DSG gearbox and the 4Drive all-wheel drive system, which ensures grip and stability even under spirited driving conditions.

I have complained before about the feeling of lag in the gearbox unless you are in lairy sport mode on the Formentor and CUPRA Leon. I didn’t find this as much of an issue with this car.

The car offers multiple driving modes, as we have come to expect:

• Comfort for relaxed cruising.
• Sport for a more responsive feel.
• CUPRA for maximum performance.
• Individual to tailor settings to your preference.

In CUPRA mode, the Formentor comes alive with sharper throttle response (thankfully, this seems to have noticeably improved over the non-ABT version), heavier steering, and a more aggressive exhaust note. The ABT-tuned suspension keeps the Formentor planted through corners, while the Brembo brakes deliver strong and consistent stopping power. I didn’t feel wanting in any of these areas.

The VZ3 ABT Edition feels agile and responsive, offering a driving experience that fools you into thinking it’s smaller than it is. The steering is direct, and the ABT Sportsline suspension setup ensures minimal body roll through corners. Even in Comfort mode, the ride remains firm but compliant, soaking up road imperfections. I do like having this option as the roads these days are terrible!

The Akrapovič exhaust system produces a satisfying growl under acceleration without becoming intrusive on longer journeys. However, I thought it would have offered more pops and bangs. I only managed to get it to do this a few times, which was disappointing. Maybe it was my driving, but I expected more from it, and if it was my money I’d spent on the car, I’d definitely have wanted more from the exhaust.

Practicality and Fuel Economy

The Formentor remains a practical alternative to a regular hatchback. The 420-litre boot space is generous for this class and expands further with the rear seats folded. The low-load lip makes it easy to load heavier items, and the virtual pedal for the electric tailgate is a handy feature when your hands are full, although sometimes it failed to register my foot wiggle.

In the rear, passengers enjoy ample legroom and headroom, and the inclusion of USB-C charging ports means the kids or other passengers can keep their tablets or phones topped up.

Given the performance on offer, fuel economy is surprisingly decent, achieving 39.2-40.4 mpg (WLTP). It will be interesting to see real-world reports from our members compared to the standard non-ABT models.

Safety and Assistance Features

The VZ3 ABT Edition comes with the following safety and assistance features, including:

• Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control that adjusts speed based on traffic conditions.
• Lane Assist keeps the vehicle centred in its lane.
• High Beam Assist automatically switches between high and low beams.
• Side Assist monitors blind spots and alerts the driver to approaching vehicles.
• Exit Assist warns of approaching traffic when opening doors.
• Park Assist helps with parallel and perpendicular parking.
• Rear View Camera provides a clear view of the area behind the vehicle.
• Top View Camera offers a 360-degree view of the vehicle.

Pricing and Conclusion

The CUPRA Formentor VZ3 ABT Edition, as tested, is priced at £59,999, which includes the ABT Performance Pack (£8,957) and Metallic Paint (£630). While this price tag places it at the premium end of the crossover market, it reflects the exclusivity and performance that come with the ABT Sportsline collaboration. The vehicle also has a comprehensive five-year warranty, a 12-year body warranty, and two-year CUPRA Service Mobility coverage.

As a package, it is a lot of money, and I would certainly be looking to see what else I could get for that if I had the cash. However, as a CUPRA Loyalist, it’s certainly the most exciting car to come out from CUPRA in the UK so far, in my opinion.

With so many Formentors on the road now, if you’re after a car that can turn heads and deliver on the road, this special edition is worth serious consideration if you have the cash!

How do you get one?

This special edition collaboration is limited. There are 160 CUPRA Formentor VZ3 with factory-fitted Akrapovic exhaust and bucket seats available for CUPRA retailers to supply and fit the ABT pack to. They are available from stock only, subject to availability, and while stocks last.  

Let us know what you think in the comments below.