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Pros: high-quality cabin, attractive design, long electric range
Cons: no diesel option
Cupra Terramar Design
Cupra has been given plenty of leeway in the wider Volkswagen Group in terms of design as it’s supposed to be the edgy brand, but the Terramar is quite a restrained-looking SUV, probably because it’s targeted at one of the biggest sectors of the car market and therefore can’t scare away buyers with too daring a look.
Nonetheless, we reckon it looks smart, handsome and well-judged, with just enough Cupra character to set it apart. Buyers can push the boat out with copper-accented wheels and an interesting paint colour of course, while all models feature Cupra’s latest ‘three triangles’ light motif front and back, and there’s a full-width LED bar across the tailgate as well.
Cupra Terramar Interior
Further copper-coloured detailing can be found inside the Terramar, which really lifts the cabin above those of most in the segment. It’s backed up by a sense of remarkably high quality. This feels like a car from a premium brand in terms of the materials used and the excellent build quality.
And while the Terramar is a sensible SUV at heart, it still features plenty of sporty details inside, such as the flat-bottomed steering wheel with an engine-start button on it and another bearing the Cupra logo to allow the driver switch between drive modes.
In terms of practicalities, the stylish centre console features lots of space for miscellaneous items, plus the obligatory USB-C ports. More of those can be found in the spacious rear and the boot volume – which varies depending on which powertrain is chosen – is competitive, too.
Cupra Terramar Performance & Drive
Our first drive of the Terramar was at the wheel of the high-performance eHybrid VZ model. This uses a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine and powerful electric motor to produce up to 272hp, sent through a DSG automatic transmission to the front wheels. Its 0-100km/h time of 7.3 seconds sounds more modest than it feels on the road, though this car majors on refinement rather than hot-hatch-chasing performance.
It’s at its most quiet when running on electric power, of course, and thanks to a large battery pack it can officially do that for up to 121 kilometres. This is a massively useful number and should mean more owners drive the car in electric mode more of the time.
Complementing the Terramar’s quietness and smoothness is a polished chassis that manages to be enjoyable to drive while also remaining comfortable. It remains to be seen whether a car without the adaptive damping system we tried will be so impressive.
Cupra Terramar Pricing
At the time of writing, pricing has not been confirmed, though Cupra did let slip that it’s likely to start in the region of €47,000 for the mild-hybrid petrol model, while pricing for a plug-in hybrid starts at about €53,000. There are no plans for a diesel engined model at this stage.
Carzone Verdict
The Terramar more or less replaces the Ateca of old, and instantly dates that car with a fresh exterior design, exceptional interior, premium-level quality and a refined driving experience. Whisper it, but it’s going to give its first cousin – the Volkswagen Tiguan – a serious run for its money.