Cupra seems to be cornering the market in sports SUVs, with the latest Terramar joining the Ateca, the Formentor, and the Tavascan EV.
So, what is the Terramar? Well, this Cupra is a medium-sized SUV, which is closest in size to the brand’s oldest model, the Ateca. Although the Terramar, (a name taken from a historic racetrack) is designed to move it upmarket in the segment.
The Terramar certainly hasn’t got anything to do with the Seat-derived Ateca underneath, having more in common with the latest Skoda Kodiaq and the Volkswagen Tiguan, as there’s a similar choice of petrol, petrol mild hybrid, and plug-in hybrid drivetrains.
Performance and drive
It is the plug-in hybrid that is sure to catch most fleet interest, thanks to a highly impressive, expected EV-only range of over 70 miles, meaning it only incurs 6% BIK company car tax. It’s available with the choice of 204hp, or the 272hp version that we have here. This Terramar might have over 270hp, but the performance, although rapid, doesn’t feel as fast as the figures suggest, with the throttle response duller than expected. Even choosing the sportiest ‘Cupra’ option from the selectable drive modes doesn’t make this Terramar feel significantly more spirited, although it adds an artificial faux V8 engine note, which is unnecessary but fun for a while. It is also worth mentioning that the PHEV drivetrain gets noticeably snatchier when the battery is empty!
We did a lot of motorway work during the time we had this Cupra, and it felt most home there, being quiet and refined, and impressively frugal – showing over 60mpg on the longest trip. The mix of petrol and electric power is well-judged, and it’s hard to tell when one ends and the other begins.
Is this Cupra as sporty to drive as it looks? In plug-in form, we’re not sure. The steering feels reasonably precise, there’s plenty of grip, and whilst there is some body roll in corners, it’s well controlled.
Where we’re not so convinced, is with the Terramar’s ride. Our car was in top VZ First Edition spec, with trick two-valve shock absorbers and standard 20in alloy wheels. Around town it impresses with its composure, but on faster roads, and in corners, this Cupra is easily unsettled by bumps. Plus, it can feel oddly floaty in corners at higher speeds – where you can feel its substantial weight.
Design and interior
Outside, with its large grille, distinctive bronze bonnet badge, and unusual headlights, with their triangular detailing, the Terramar looks attractive and distinctively different from other medium SUVs. From the sides and back, the latest Volkswagen Tiguan is more obvious in the silhouette. Although, the full rear light bar, with intricate lights and lit logo, make the Terramar stand out.
Inside, with the bronze detailing, metallic textured plastics, and in our car, leather-trimmed, one-piece sport seats, the feeling is cool and sporty. Although we’re not quite convinced the feel and quality inside justify the £56,000+ price as tested! From the driver’s seat there’s a feeling of being cocooned in a cockpit, with the infotainment screen angled towards you. The only part of the interior design we weren’t so keen on, was the vertical row of poorly marked switchgear, which is out of the driver’s line of sight.
Rear legroom is decent, and headroom is good even with the sunroof fitted to our test car, with the head lining cleverly sculpted to create extra space (though this doesn’t apply in the middle seat where things are tighter).
At 400 litres, the boot in the PHEV is 140 litres smaller than that with the petrol – however, what Terramar owners get instead, is a sliding rear seat which allows for extra boot space, at the expense of rear legroom.
Compared with equivalent PHEV C-segment SUVs such as the Ford Kuga and Kia Sportage, the Terramar looks expensive. However, where it scores is with the 6% BIK rate, meaning it will incur cheaper company car tax payments. However, that’s an advantage it doesn’t have compared with its cousin, the Volkswagen Tiguan, which also comes in cheaper, while sharing the same low-tax powertrain – although we felt as a package, the Cupra felt more special.
From a fleet point of view, if you’re already considering the plug-in hybrid version of the Volkswagen Tiguan, the Terramar PHEV should also be on your list. Although, if you’re expecting a sportier drive to match the Cupra’s looks and image – you might be disappointed.
Positive: Distinctive exterior styling, PHEV range, stylish interior, practical sliding rear seat.
Negative: Compromised driving dynamics with the PHEV drivetrain, not cheap to buy.
Standard equipment: LED headlights, rear 3D lights, dark tinted rear glass, electric tailgate with virtual pedal, heated and electrically folding door mirrors, 10.25in digital cockpit display, 12.9in touchscreen with sat-nav, wireless phone connectivity, wireless phone charger, keyless entry and start, three-zone climate control, heated steering wheel, front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera, adaptive cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, dynamic road sign display, lane assist.
Engines: Petrol: 204hp 2.0, 265hp 2.0; Petrol mild hybrid: 150hp 1.5; Plug-in hybrid: 204hp 1.5, 272hp 1.5
Equipment grades: V1, V2, VZ1, VZ2, VZ First Edition, America’s Cup Edition
Transmissions: Six-speed automatic, seven-speed automatic
| Model | Cupra Terramar 1.5 TSI e-Hybrid VZ First Edition |
| P11D | £51,735 |
| Residual value | TBC |
| Depreciation | TBC |
| Fuel | £4,778 |
| Service, maintenance and repair | TBC |
| Cost per mile | TBC |
| Fuel consumption | 706.2mpg |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 11g/km (6%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £52/£103 |
| Luggage capacity | 400 litres |
| Engine size/power | 1,498cc/177hp with 116hp electric motor |
| Score | 8/10 |
