Here is the CUPRA Formentor 2.5-litre VZ5 with 390PS and 0-62 in 4.2 secs – but not so fast..

[Syphon]

Let’s get this out of the way first



Our lucky readers in Europe are in for a treat with this car, it’s stunning, super-fast, and is simply the most desirable car ever made by SEAT and CUPRA as far as we’re concerned.



Yet our UK readers will be miffed that at this point in time, there are no plans to bring this to the UK in right-hand drive.



What?!!

When we heard this car was being made in “limited numbers” a few weeks ago and not coming to the UK, we expected “limited numbers” to mean 500 or so. Not the 7,000 that has been announced. That’s not particularly limited.



This then begs the question: Why could SEAT make 799 MK3 Leon CUPRA R’s in total, and still manage to make 24 specifically in right hand drive for the UK?



With the VZ5 being produced in much greater volumes, using the same ratio as a guide CUPRA should easily be able to make 210 right hand drive VZ5s for the UK. We really hope...

Continue reading...

 

[Syphon]

Added the video to the article.

 

[Mike the_cupra]

Disappointed but not surprised. I hate to think what the OTR price in the UK would be, especially with new FY tax. But I have zero doubt they would sell 50-100+ if they did bring them here. Guess we can keep asking!

 

[Peyton]

Did they release the prices?

Looking at the car, for me, carbon highlights at the bottom of the car work quite well. I like the changes to the front bumper (mostly the plastic in contrasting parts on the normal car), it just flows better. Rims look good. I am not a huge fan of the changes to the rear bumper, especially the exhausts in this tilted configuration.

 

[Syphon]

Did they release the prices?

Looking at the car, for me, carbon highlights at the bottom of the car work quite well. I like the changes to the front bumper (mostly the plastic in contrasting parts on the normal car), it just flows better. Rims look good. I am not a huge fan of the changes to the rear bumper, especially the exhausts in this tilted configuration.

No prices yet. I don't expect we'll get those until second half of the year.

 

[Yaz2010]

So no vz5 and no abt version to uk

 

[Peyton]

So no vz5 and no abt version to uk

ABT is not an official version. You can probably buy an ABT tune up in the UK as well.

Despite its left-hand-drive production, Cupra UK has confirmed the VZ5 will be available locally in limited numbers, but precise figures, and its high-flying price point, have yet to be established.

Not sure what this means. You can buy one in UK, but it will be LHD?

 

[Syphon]

Not sure what this means. You can buy one in UK, but it will be LHD?

Where did you get that quote from?

SEAT UK are looking to import some LHD models for press / possible sales, but they are also asking for CUPRA to consider making some proper RHD versions.

 

[Peyton]

Where did you get that quote from?

SEAT UK are looking to import some LHD models for press / possible sales, but they are also asking for CUPRA to consider making some proper RHD versions.

Here - at the end of the article.

386bhp Cupra Formentor VZ5 revealed – crossover gets hot new powertrain | Evo

Cupra unveils a new Formentor flagship with a familiar five-cylinder and a halo status

www.evo.co.uk

 

[Yaz2010]

ABT is not an official version. You can probably buy an ABT tune up in the UK as well.


Not sure what this means. You can buy one in UK, but it will be LHD?

I don't think uk cupra dealers offer this as an option.

 

[Peyton]

I don't think uk cupra dealers offer this as an option.

Dealer locator - Audi Tuning, VW Tuning, Chiptuning von ABT Sportsline.

www.abt-sportsline.com

ABT is a separate tuning company that sometimes works with VW to release offical versions (like Cupra Ateca ABT). Formentor is not getting official treatment but ABT is offering a chip tune that can get you to 365 BHP. Voids warranty on the engine though.

 

[Yaz2010]

Oh makes sense I was thinking dealer meant as in it was done at cupra dealer. Considering the problems people have faced with the initial orders , I don't think it would be wise to do this abt uograde.

 

[Syphon]

Photos added to the Formentor media gallery

 

[Yaz2010]

thanks Scott. Still the rear caliper is black even on vz5. Lol.

 

[Peyton]

thanks Scott. Still the rear caliper is black even on vz5. Lol.

Quite frustrating.

 

[Zephyr]

thanks Scott. Still the rear caliper is black even on vz5. Lol.

Those details are the ones that drives me so mad. If you drop a serious coinage for Brembo brakes... what about getting some rear brakes color coordinated? Getting the stock black painted ones after dropping >2500Eur for Brembo option... spending some cents on a different color brake caliper should be a reasonable thing.

Wondering how much could be a complete disassembly, paint stripping and color matching paint (or powdercoat) for the rear brake calipers.

 

[Signor Whippy]

Would be a shame if none of these made it to UK roads. I do like the formentor in general and there are some pretty good lease deals to be had.....

 

[Zephyr]

RHD cars need some parts relocated and there's a cost on doing this and this on a very short run model like the 5cyl model could be unbearable. VZ5 will be just a very very small niche model and... maybe if someone really wants/need it it needs to step up and do it as a LHD model. Did the same (but at reverse) importing on my country a Subi Impreza B22 wrx sti (the one who made famous Colin McRae).

And.. maybe is an opportunity to start driving by the 'right side' of the road as the continentals do... (running before pitchfork raid is built).

 

[Rusty2k]

Top Gear are carrying quotes this morning from head of R&D Werner Tietz confirming no RHD models will be produced but it will be made available in the UK.

He compares the situation to how some British boutique car companies do not make LHD models for the export market saying as the car is a halo product for the Spanish brand LHD-only is the right choice.

The Cupra Formentor VZ5 will come to Britain

Cupra’s R&D boss says VZ5 will come to the UK, but only in LHD

www.topgear.com

 

[Peyton]

Top Gear are carrying quotes this morning from head of R&D Werner Tietz confirming no RHD models will be produced but it will be made available in the UK.

He compares the situation to how some British boutique car companies do not make LHD models for the export market saying as the car is a halo product for the Spanish brand LHD-only is the right choice.

The Cupra Formentor VZ5 will come to Britain

Cupra’s R&D boss says VZ5 will come to the UK, but only in LHD

www.topgear.com

There is a RHD Formentor already, so not sure how complicated it would be to bring 5 cylinder to RHD. I'd expect the engine layout to be the same regardless of RHD/LHD and only differences in the interior (where they already have RHD version).

More likely explanation is that Audi allowed the engine to be used in only limited numbers (7000) and only LHD.