Cupra Terramar: Two New Entry-Level Versions Offering Great Value for Money

Although it wasn't always the case, for years now, brands have launched new models in their highest-end versions, in terms of power and equipment. Subsequently, the versions that truly drive sales volume arrive.

This is the case with the Terramar, a model with which the young Spanish brand enters a highly competitive and ambitious family SUV segment, yet still leaves room for daring products.

Thus, following the plug-in hybrid e-Hybrid with 272 HP, the 2.0 TSI with 265 HP (all-wheel drive), and the 2.0 TSI with 204 HP (all-wheel drive), we now have a 1.5 eTSI mild-hybrid petrol engine with 150 HP ("eco" label), and a 204 HP plug-in hybrid e-Hybrid ("0" label) with a 1.5 engine and a 19.7 kWh net capacity battery, offering an electric range of up to 123 km.

Both versions are a synthesis of sporty performance, efficiency, and good dimensions in terms of cabin and boot space. We took them for a drive on the roads of La Rioja.

With a design that doesn't go unnoticed, the Terramar, adopting Cupra's latest stylistic language, stands out with its shark-nose front, featuring a channeled and curved hood that reinforces the impression of power. The daytime running lights, composed of three LEDs arranged in a triangle, contribute to the visual dynamism of the front. From the side, the pronounced wheel arches enhance its character, and the rear is distinguished by a light strip with the illuminated logo at its center.

Inside, the layout also opts for originality and a good overall quality of materials in the upper part of the dashboard, with foamed plastic that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the touch, and a good overall presentation. Some plastics in the lower part seem more fragile, like the glove compartment door, but this is common in VW group cars and other brands. The brand also emphasizes the use of certain recycled textiles.

Once behind the wheel, it's easy to find a good driving position, as is customary with the brand. The semi-bucket seats perfectly envelop the occupants, and there's no lack of space in this SUV, although the boot loses some volume due to the battery installation in the e-Hybrid version. In the eTSI, we have no less than 642 liters of boot space, moving the rear bench to its most forward position, and with the boot's double floor in its lowest position. With the bench in its most rearward position, it greatly expands the longitudinal space for rear occupants, and the boot still offers a generous 508 liters. The e-Hybrid version loses liters, offering between 400 and 490 liters, depending on the rear bench position, due to the high-voltage battery's location under the rear seats.

Built on the same MQB Evo platform as its cousin, the Volkswagen Tiguan, it benefits from the latest VW group technologies, including the infotainment system with a 12.9-inch screen and its more intuitive MIB4 operating system. The interface, with its dedicated Cupra presentation, is pleasing to the eye and is fluid and quick to use.

The Terramar e-HYBRID 204 HP is a front-wheel-drive vehicle equipped with a 204 HP plug-in hybrid engine and 350 Nm of maximum torque, paired with a six-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission, and an electric range of up to 123 km in combined cycle; making it the perfect option for daily urban journeys without emissions — the more powerful VZ e-HYBRID version offers 272 HP (200 kW), 400 Nm of torque, and an electric range of up to 121 km —, and we can even recharge on medium-range trips, saving fuel.

The battery can be recharged at a 50 kW fast charging point (Direct Current). It also allows charging in Alternating Current via a domestic Wallbox charging point, with a maximum power of up to 11 kW, requiring 2h 30 minutes to fully charge the battery. From the infotainment screen, we can select between e-Mode (100% electric), automatic Hybrid, or manual Hybrid. The latter serves to reserve a percentage of the energy stored in the battery and drive with the petrol engine until the electric mode is needed.

Additionally, the standard CUPRA Drive Profile mode selector — which can be selected from the steering wheel button — allows us to adjust the hybrid mode, engine response, DSG gearbox, steering stiffness, and the operation of the climate control and adaptive cruise control.

Accelerations and starts are very lively, and the torque is felt on the steering wheel. In tune with these performances, this Terramar is efficient and incisive in corners. However, its high mass quickly reminds the driver that this SUV, which promises to be dynamic, can accept fast driving, but only if abruptness is avoided.

As for the Eco label version, it is a front-wheel-drive with a 1.5-liter TSI engine that integrates Mild-Hybrid technology with a 48V system, to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. This model is ideal for those seeking an SUV with an efficient engine. The eTSI engine is paired with a seven-speed DSG transmission.

The Mild Hybrid technology consists of a generator and a 48V lithium-ion battery. The system achieves high efficiency partly because it allows the CUPRA Terramar to move with the combustion engine off in certain circumstances. It also allows energy recovery during braking and provides some electric assistance to the thermal engine. The Mild Hybrid technology has improved, and now the car starts exclusively with the 48V system, making it even smoother compared to the previous system, which included both the 48V and 12V batteries.

Regarding its performance, the CUPRA Terramar eTSI 150 HP DSG accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 9.3 seconds, and achieves a combined fuel consumption of 6.1 to 6.6 liters per 100 km, according to the WLTP combined homologation cycle, a figure that, based on our contact, is very close to reality.

When choosing a version, and starting from its prices (with brand discounts applied) of 41,490 euros for the e-HYBRID 204 HP, and 38,950 euros for the 1.5 eTSI with 150 HP (110 kW), we must consider that the Cupra SUV is equipped with a wide range of safety, connectivity, and comfort technologies.

Let's highlight that the entry-level Terramar includes rear LED lighting with a light strip connecting both taillights and includes the illuminated logo, and Full LED headlights. Among the options, we have the Matrix LED Ultra headlights with high-definition technology, which works alongside other onboard sensors to illuminate the road and project information onto the asphalt ahead of the driver: thus, in low temperatures, we can see an ice crystal image projected onto the asphalt...

But when buying, it's very interesting to consider the brand's approach to optional equipment: a simplified offer at a reasonable price.

It's better to forget about individual options and study the wide variety of optional packages (at very attractive prices) offered by the brand, such as the Edge Pack, which includes the electric tailgate with hands-free function, keyless entry and start system, and heated and electronically folding mirrors.

One can also opt for the Intelligent Drive Pack, which incorporates the automatic parking assistant (Intelligent Park Assist), and the Training Park Assist with memory function — which memorizes up to five autonomous maneuvers of up to 50 meters each, to park automatically —, the 360º camera system (Top View Camera), or the complete level 2 semi-autonomous driving system, which includes travel assistant (Travel Assist), Lane Assist, safe exit assistant, blind spot detector, light assistant, and Pre Crash Assist or pre-collision assistant.

Meanwhile, the Pure Performance Pack incorporates the Matrix LED Ultra headlights and the Adaptive Chassis Control (DCC Sport).

The Digital Drive Pack adds the Head-Up Display, navigation system, and CUPRA Connect Plus services for 3 years, which, in addition to the free functionalities included as standard for 10 years, add Online functionalities to obtain real-time information from the Cloud.

For sound enthusiasts, the Inmersive Pack by Sennheiser includes a 390W system with a subwoofer and 11 speakers. Lastly, the Skyline Pack offers the panoramic sunroof.

As for free optional equipment, notable elements include the tow hook, Trailer Assist, heated seats, two optional upholsteries, five different wheel designs, or up to seven different body colors.

Cupra was born as a sporty brand very oriented towards a young audience, and now offers a complete range that also reaches those looking for more family-oriented cars. This is where the Terramar comes into play, a very attractive car, inside, outside, and behind the wheel.