Cupra Terramar (2024 - )

The compact crossover sector is bursting at the seams, but it would appear there is enough room for new models to compete for sales. And the latest manufacturer to launch into the segment is Cupra (the performance arm of SEAT) with its stylish five-door Terramar.

There are two plug-in hybrid powertrains, both driven by a 1.5-litre petrol engine, but with different power outputs of 204 or 272PS. Both feature a 25.8kWh battery.

Then there is a pure 1.5-litre petrol engine with 150PS and mild-hybrid technology. And finally, the 2.0-litre petrol unit with 204PS on 2WD models or 265PS on 4WD versions.

The entry-level V1 and V2 trims are generously equipped, but if you want a sportier look then you need to step up to VZ1 or VZ2.

We tested the Cupra Terramar VZ1 with the 2.0-litre 265PS powertrain and 4Drive all-wheel drive.

While many of today’s cars seem to morph into one another with distinguishing features few and far between, Cupra certainly bucks that trend with its five-door Terramar.

The crossover boasts quite a menacing look with sharply-styled front end and a sculpted bonnet housing the bronze Cupra emblem. There is a blacked-out grille, air vents and performance Matrix lights with triangular LED daytime running lights, along with privacy glass, black roof rails and, at the rear, more triangular clusters of LEDs joined by a light bar stretching the width of the car. The CUPRA name is spelt out across the tailgate and the look is completed with 19-inch ‘Cosmic’ machined alloy wheels with bronze detailing – no Rodney Trotter jokes please!

Moving inside, the interior is thoroughly modern and the sporty theme continues with bucket seats crafted from a suede-like material. These are powered and, along with the steering wheel, can be heated for added convenience. Additionally, copper decals look dapper on the doors, air vents and steering wheel.

The main nerve centre is a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen display where functions such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity is found, along with the nine-speaker sound system, DAB radio, sat nav, Bluetooth, plus quick-access controls to the climate settings. This all works really well, although some of the icons were a tad small and difficult to press on the fly.

Behind the steering wheel is a 10.25-inch digital instrument display where all the vital driving data is clearly shown and this can be customised to taste.

The flat-bottomed steering wheel looks and feels good and has lots of simple controls for the cruise control and audio, as well as buttons to start or stop the engine, and flick through the drive modes.

Powering our Cupra Terramar VZ1 was a 2.0-litre TSI 265PS petrol engine with 400Nm of torque. This results in sharp performance with the 0-62mph sprint completed in 5.9 seconds and a maximum speed of 151mph.

The car features 4Drive, Cupra’s all-wheel drive set-up and there is a seven-speed automatic gearbox with steering wheel paddles for added driver engagement.

This is a car that will quickly reach cruising speed on a motorway where it will sit effortlessly at 70mph for mile after mile. The adaptive cruise control works well and the sportier seats offer ample support on longer journeys.

But the Terramar really comes alive when faced with more testing country lanes with sharp twists and turns. The balance impresses and there is minimal sign of body sway with nicely weighted steering proving another positive point. With ample power on tap, the Terramar makes light work of overtaking slower-moving vehicles the engine note is an ideal accompaniment too.

Drive modes called Comfort, Performance, Cupra, Individual, Off Road and Snow can be accessed via the touchscreen or, more practically, by pressing a Cupra button on the steering wheel. These alter the handling of the car considerably with the Cupra setting sharpening up responses and adding an edge to the performance.

In busy town centres, the Terramar is agile, easy to manoeuvre, and visibility forwards or sideways is excellent. The over-the-shoulder view is hampered somewhat by wide pillars. But the car does feature sensors and cameras to assist with parking needs.

Refinement levels impress with a relatively quiet cabin, unless the car is being pushed on in one of the sportier modes. And comfort is enhanced by the clever Adapative Chassis Control. This system, shared by parent company VW, automatically adjusts the dampers according to the road surface and conditions for a smoother ride.

The Cupra Terramar is a family crossover that’s easy on the eye and deceptively spacious. It stretches 4,519mm in length, is 1,863mm across (including mirrors), 1,584mm high and has a 2,681mm wheelbase.

While some crossovers leave taller drivers and front seat passengers feeling a little cramped, that’s certainly not the case in the Terramar with oodles of space for a couple of six-foot-plus basketball players up front. And the slightly shorter support staff and coaches will be happy with the rear legroom too. There is a slight transmission hump that the middle seat occupant needs to straddle, but it’s not too intruding. The Terramar scores another bonus point for its sliding rear seat facility that can free up extra leg or boot space depending on requirements.

The boot is accessed via a powered tailgate and the storage space once again impresses with a capacity that ranges from 642 litres to 1,544 litres with the 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats dropped flat.

Additionally, there are numerous handy storage compartments scattered throughout the cabin, including a glovebox, door bins, central cubby, front and rear cup holders and a wireless charging pad, along with USB-C ports to keep devices connected on the move.

The Cupra Terramar line-up costs from £38,995 for the V1 specification with the 1.5e powertrain and rises to £50,595 for the VZ2 model with 2.0-litre petrol engine. There is also a special Americas Cup edition based on the VZ2 trim and this costs from £52,500.

Our VZ1 test car carried a price-tag of £47,855, but optional extras, including metallic paint (£695), a panoramic roof (£995) and 19-inch alloy wheels in Cosmic Copper shade (£260) saw the final cost creep up to £49,805.

The VZ2 is also available with plug-in hybrid technology, costing from £47,410, and this option will be more cost-effective when it comes to the day-to-day running costs. 

Our model could deliver a WLTP-tested combined 32.1-33.6mpg with carbon emissions of 191g/km.

Unfortunately, this high CO2 figure results in a first-year car tax charge of £3,300, dropping to the standard fee of £195 after the first 12 months.

However, there is more bad news for owners as additional costs need to be factored in. That is because the Terramar costs in excess of the government’s Expensive Car Tax threshold of £40,000. And that means owners will need to find an extra £425 from years two to six.

And if you are considering the Cupra Terramar as a company car, that high carbon emissions figure results in a poor Benefit in Kind tax rating of 38 per cent.

While the Terramar is too new to accurately assess its reliability, it does feature many tried and tested parts from sibling models within the VW stable. And for added peace of mind, the vehicle comes with an impressive five-year, 90,000-mile warranty package.

The car, as tested, sits in insurance group 32. 

It may seem like the family crossover sector is bursting at the seams right now, but Cupra adds something a little bit special to the mix with its sporty Terramar.

Not only does it possess distinctive, head-turning styling cues, but it backs the dynamic look up with impressive handling credentials.

Yes, it’s expensive, but it’s a car that’s certainly worth exploring further if you have the cash to splash and are searching for a practical, yet performance-based model.