Cupra VZ5
EA855 five-cylinder turbo with 287 kW and 480 Nm — the legendary Audi five-pot from the RS3, now in an SUV coupé. Unmistakable 1-2-5-3-4 firing order: sonorous at low revs, screaming at high. Torque splitter on the rear axle enables genuine rear-end dynamics. Limited to 7,000 units.
Five-Cylinder Ecstasy in an SUV Coupé
The RS3 engine in the Formentor is pure emotion: that unmistakable five-cylinder sound — deep and sonorous at low revs, shrill at high — leaves no room for reason. Launch Control to 100 in 4.2 seconds, Torque Splitter pushes the rear out in corners with precision. Nürburgring under 8 minutes. 7,000 units worldwide. If you find one, buy it blind.
Engine Weaknesses 4
The standard oil pump of the DNWB reportedly fails to deliver sufficient oil pressure according to specialist workshops and is responsible for many engine failures. An oil pump upgrade is strongly recommended for high-performance use. Without intervention, catastrophic engine failure is likely.
Symptoms: Oil pressure warning light under high load; engine noise under full load; power loss; in worst case engine shutdown
Stuck injectors cause a torch effect in the combustion chamber on the 2.5 TFSI. This can melt pistons and lead to total engine failure. Preventive replacement or regular inspection every 60,000 km is recommended.
Symptoms: Rough running; misfires; power loss; in severe cases heavy smoke and engine shutdown
The plastic housing of the water pump and thermostat develops cracks due to repeated thermal cycling. Coolant loss is ultimately unavoidable on the EA855 long-term. Preventive replacement is recommended.
Symptoms: Coolant loss with no visible leak; steam from engine bay; unsteady temperature gauge; coolant smell
The EA855 evo's turbo wastegate rod develops play early on. The characteristic metallic rattle on overrun is widespread on the DNWB. No immediate damage, but wear progresses.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling or clattering on overrun; most audible between 2,000–4,000 rpm; no power loss initially
Vehicle Weaknesses 5
Plug-in hybrid variants from 2020–2022 were recalled due to fire risk. A defective fuse in the high-voltage system could cause a short circuit and fire. An additional insulating mat and new fuse were installed.
The Formentor's infotainment system freezes daily, crashes multiple times and loses settings. Crashes happen up to several times a day — including on the motorway while driving. Driver assistance systems also drop out when this occurs.
Several owners report water ingress in the boot. Workshops described it as 'within normal tolerances'. After multiple repair attempts the problem remained unresolved on some vehicles. Panoramic roof drains are frequently the cause.
Some Formentor owners report self-induced oil loss with no visible leak. Two oil top-ups within a few months were needed. TÜV data identifies oil loss and failed emissions tests as known weak points.
The TÜV report shows slightly above-average brake disc wear for the Formentor. The Brembo setup on VZ variants squeals in everyday driving and causes high running costs. Expensive to replace.
Reports & Tests
Passes the first main inspection reliably. Weak points are oil leaks and slightly elevated brake disc wear, attributed to the car's sporting character. Lighting, steering, driveshafts and chassis show no notable defects.
Ranks among the more reliable models in the compact class. The entire VAG Group including Cupra shows high to very high reliability in breakdown callout statistics.
Brakes and lighting score very reliably. Chassis springs and exhaust receive good marks. Brake disc wear slightly above average, likely due to spirited use. Isolated oil leaks known.
