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Pros: Sporty design, upmarket interior, fun to drive.
Cons: Rear legroom not so impressive, plug-in hybrid loses boot space.
Cupra Terramar Design
The CUPRA Terramar slots into the Cupra range above the bestselling Formentor and is the brand’s most sophisticated offering to date. It takes on more conventional SUV rivals like the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage and the closely related Volkswagen Tiguan, but adds aggressive body styling and a moody colour palette. Like the latest Leon and Formentor, it gets the new face of the Cupra brand with a muscular bonnet and LED lighting with charismatic three triangle signature. At the back the Cupra logo lights up and integrates nicely with the rear lights. For extra spice, the VZ models get larger 19-inch wheels with the option to upgrade to 20s.
Cupra Terramar Interior
Inside the Terramar is stylish and sporty compared to rivals with lots of Cupra’s signature copper accents, ambient lighting and gorgeous bucket seats available in a few different colours. They really add to the ambience and altogether the cabin feels nicely finished and well put together with no squeaks or rattles. All versions get a leather-wrapped steering with satellite buttons to turn the engine on/off and quickly toggle through the drive modes. There’s also a customisable full digital driver display and a 12.4-inch touchscreen with improved layout, shortcuts, voice control and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Standard features include heated front seats with lumbar support, parking camera and wireless smartphone charging.
Legroom in the back doesn’t feel as generous as some of its more conventional rivals and it will really be most comfortable for two. For family buyers there are Isofix points on the outer seats and the front passenger seat.
While the Terramar does have a bigger boot than the Formentor, the plug-in hybrid can still only muster 400 litres, or 490 litres when the rear bench is pushed forward. The other petrol models in the range offer a more competitive 540 litres.
Cupra Terramar Performance & Drive
There’s no diesel in the Terramar range but Cupra does offer a good range of petrol, mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, all with automatic transmission. Likely to be most popular among Irish buyers is the entry level 1.5-litre mild hybrid petrol with 150hp. There’s also a 2.0-litre petrol with 204hp and the high performance version with 265hp just like a Golf GTI, both four wheel drive.
The entry level plug-in hybrid has 204hp and then there is the VZ version with 272hp, both based around the 1.5 litre petrol engine with a 6-speed DSG automatic. It's new generation plug-in hybrid technology from the Volkswagen Group, which means bigger battery and more range – now up to 118 kilometres. For the lowest running costs, the PHEV’s battery will need to be kept topped up. But if you can’t/won’t charge it, it consumed about 7 litres per 100 kilometres during our time with it. Up to 11kW AC charging is possible for a full charge in 2.5 hours, though that will be longer from a 7kW wallbox. DC fast charging is also possible up to 50kW for a charge in as little as 26 minutes.
What’s even more notable is the power: the VZ gets 272hp, 400Nm of torque and 0-100km/h is just 7.3 seconds. This is a smooth, refined offering that will really suit buyers looking for more power and refinement than the 1.5 petrol. While all Terramars get sportier steering and lowered sports suspension, the VZ models get the added boon of the VW Group’s latest Dynamic Chassis Control, now with two-valve shock absorbers. It adds to the control and poise of the Terramar though bends, while also ensuring a supple and adjustable ride quality. In conjunction with the drive modes (Comfort, Sport, Cupra and Individual), it’s possible to really play with the Terramar and enjoy it on a twisty road. There’s a good driving position that's not as high as other SUVs, but it means the Terramar feels sportier and more hunkered down on the road.
Cupra Terramar Pricing
The range kicks off from €46,500 for the 1.5 mild hybrid petrol auto, €48,500 for the entry level plug-in hybrid, and from €51,955 for the 2.0 TSI (204hp). The 272hp plug-in hybrid we tested in VZ trim retails from €50,860. The Terramar 2.0 TSI VZ with 265hp is available from €55,385.
Carzone Verdict
The Terramar is a great addition to the growing Cupra line-up in Ireland, offering stand-out style, excellent refinement levels and a beautifully finished cabin. If you’re looking for a new SUV and bored of the usual suspects, then this is a good alternative and it’s great fun to drive too.