Cupra Formentor 2026: Audi RS3 five-cylinder engine joins face-lifted and expanded sport-crossover range

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Cupra Australia has revealed full pricing and specification for the expanded and facelifted MY26 Formentor medium crossover range, now available in four different powertrain configurations for 2026 and the recently confirmed ‘full hybrid’ to join the ranks in its lifecycle.

A front-drive Formentor S version kicks off the line-up at $49,990 list ($53,990 driveaway), powered by a 110kW powertrain using the Volkswagen group’s familiar 48-volt mild hybrid tech. 

The real fun begins with the Formentor V, at $57,490 list (or $61,990 D/A), perhaps the most conventional of the four current variants adopting a 150kW turbo-petrol four paired with all-wheel-drive, a lift of 10kW over the outgoing trim.

A not insignificant $13,500 walk-up is the VZe PHEV, at $68,990 list ($74,490 D/A), featuring the so-called Gen2 Plug-In powertrain that lifts power to 200kW. Battery capacity is doubled, boosting electric drive range from around 50 kilometres to, now, “100km-plus” claimed.  

The high-performance VZx is confirmed to now output 245kW – up 17kW on MY25 – and all-wheel drive, which lists for $69,990 ($74,990 D/A). The revamped former flagship variant now gets a torque vectoring rear differential to boost its dynamic potential. 

But it’s the arrival of the much anticipated 287kW 2.5-litre turbo five-powered VZ5 that is whetting gearhead appetites. 

With an engine shared with the illustrious hi-po Audi RS3, the ultimate Cupra crossover is priced from $94,990 list and will follow the launch of the above variants later this year.  

Cupra Australia has not released any details of the ‘full hybrid’ version likely to front up Down Under in late 2027 or first half of 2028.

Facelift details

The Spanish designed and built Formentor lineup has been treated to an evolutionary facelift outside, its revised “shark nose” front end featuring triangular DRLs, while the remodelled rear end now boasts an illuminated Cupra logo. New wheel designs feature across most variants.

Inside, the MY26 Formentor gets a tech boost with a new, larger 12.9-inch media screen with a revised interface, backlit physical climate and volume controls, a Supersport wheel with Start and Drive Model buttons across the range and Dinamica (faux-suede) trim on the lower S and V grades.

An optional Extreme Pack, similar to that seen on the current Leon lineup, is offered for now in the higher VZx ($7000) and VZe ($6500) versions. The pack brings Sabelt Cup bucket seats with carbon-fibre seat backs, Enceladus Grey upholstery, Akebono (VZx) or Brembo (VZe) brake upgrades, Matrix LED headlights and dark gloss exterior highlights.

All variants including the VZ5 are available to order now, with customer vehicles slated to arrive in showrooms in late May. 

Australia will get a “limited allocation” of the five-cylinder VZ5, though its importer has not stipulated how many examples will be available to local buyers.     

Cupra Formentor MY26: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• S: $49,990
• V: $57,490
• VZe: $68,990
• VZx: $69,990
• VZ5: $94,990