The automotive landscape is continually evolving, with manufacturers striving to blend performance, practicality, and style. Cupra, the Spanish automaker known for its sporty ethos, introduces the Terramar—a compact SUV aiming to redefine the segment. This review delves into the Terramar’s design, performance, interior, technology, and overall value, providing an in-depth analysis for prospective buyers.Top Gear+4Autocar+4What Car?+4
Design and Styling
The Cupra Terramar stands out with its distinctive and aggressive design language. The front fascia features a shark-nose profile complemented by triangular LED headlights, giving it a bold and confident appearance. The rear continues this theme with a full-width light bar and a diffuser-like element, enhancing its sporty credentials. Despite its dynamic aesthetics, the side profile maintains a practical SUV silhouette, ensuring ample interior space. Top GearThe Irish Sun+1carwow.co.uk+1
Performance and Driving Dynamics
Under the hood, the Terramar offers a range of powertrain options to cater to diverse preferences:Diario AS+14PistonHeads+14Top Gear+14
- 1.5-liter Mild-Hybrid: This front-wheel-drive variant delivers 148 horsepower, balancing efficiency and performance. YouTube+14What Car?+14Top Gear+14
- 2.0-liter Turbocharged Petrol: Available in two outputs—201 horsepower and 262 horsepower—this engine is paired with a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, ensuring robust performance. YouTube+12What Car?+12Autocar+12
- 1.5-liter Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV): Offered in 201 horsepower and 268 horsepower configurations, the PHEV boasts an impressive electric-only range of over 70 miles, making it ideal for eco-conscious drivers. What Car?+1Autocar+1
The Terramar’s driving dynamics are commendable, with precise steering and well-managed body roll. The adaptive suspension system, particularly in the VZ trims, provides a supple ride over varied road surfaces. However, the PHEV variant, due to its additional weight, exhibits slightly less agility in sharp turns compared to its petrol counterparts. PistonHeads+5What Car?+5Top Gear+5Top Gear+4Top Gear+4Wikipedia – Die freie Enzyklopädie+4
Interior and Comfort
Inside, the Terramar exudes a premium ambiance with a driver-centric dashboard adorned with Cupra’s signature copper accents. The materials used are of high quality, offering a tactile and luxurious feel. The front seats are supportive and comfortable, suitable for long journeys. Rear passengers benefit from sliding seats, allowing flexibility between legroom and cargo space. The boot capacity is generous, offering up to 642 liters in petrol models, though this reduces to between 400 and 490 liters in PHEV variants due to battery placement. PistonHeads+4carwow.co.uk+4The Irish Sun+4PistonHeads
Technology and Features
The Terramar is equipped with a 12.9-inch central touchscreen infotainment system, which, while feature-rich, may require some acclimation due to its interface. Physical buttons are minimal, with functions like climate control integrated into the touchscreen, which might not be to everyone’s preference. The digital instrument cluster provides clear and customizable information, enhancing the driving experience. Advanced driver assistance systems are standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a 360-degree camera system, ensuring safety and convenience. Wikipedia – Die freie Enzyklopädie+14Top Gear+14CarExpert+14Diario AS+2carwow.co.uk+2What Car?+2
Pricing and Value
The Cupra Terramar’s pricing starts at approximately £37,605 for the base 1.5-liter mild-hybrid model, positioning it competitively within the compact SUV segment. Higher trims and more powerful engines, such as the 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol and PHEV variants, command higher prices, with the range-topping models approaching £51,790. While this places the Terramar at the premium end of the spectrum, the combination of performance, design, and features justifies the investment for those seeking a sporty yet practical SUV. Top Gear+11carwow.co.uk+11The Sun+11
Conclusion
The Cupra Terramar successfully merges sporty aesthetics with practical SUV attributes. Its range of powertrains caters to various driving preferences, from efficiency-focused hybrids to performance-oriented petrol engines. The interior offers comfort and flexibility, while the technology suite enhances the overall driving experience. Although priced at a premium, the Terramar presents a compelling package for those desiring a dynamic and stylish compact SUV.
