Test drive – Cupra Terramar : It keeps the Cupra Spirit

With the Terramar, Cupra continues to expand its range with an SUV that is more family-oriented than the Formentor, without giving up its sporty identity. We had the opportunity to live with it for a full week, covering urban driving, motorway journeys and more winding roads. The goal was simple: to find out whether this larger and more versatile model can still deliver the extra dose of emotion we expect from a Cupra.

Design and Dimensions: Bigger, but Still Dynamic

At 4.52 metres long, the Terramar is more generously proportioned than the Formentor while maintaining a relatively low and dynamic silhouette. Its expressive front end, sharp body lines and distinctive three-triangle light signature give it a strong presence on the road.

Despite its size, it avoids the bulky appearance of some family SUVs. What we particularly appreciate is the balance between elegance and sportiness. Inside, the larger dimensions directly benefit passenger space, especially thanks to the rear bench that can slide by 15 cm. Boot capacity is, however, more limited on the plug-in hybrid versions.

Interior and Ergonomics: A More Mature Atmosphere

The cabin carries over Cupra’s usual design cues, with copper-coloured accents, angular shapes and supportive sports seats. The relatively low driving position is comfortable and reinforces the feeling that you are driving something more dynamic than a conventional SUV.

The 12.9-inch central touchscreen is combined with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. The system is modern and responsive, although some functions still require using the touchscreen. Combined with the ambient lighting and well-chosen materials, the cabin becomes particularly pleasant at night.

Powertrains: Electrification at the Heart of the Range

The Terramar is available with several electrified powertrains, including a 150 hp 1.5 eTSI mild hybrid and a range of plug-in hybrid versions.

The VZ eHybrid develops up to 272 hp by combining a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor. Its 19.7 kWh battery makes it possible to cover around 100 kilometres in electric mode under favourable conditions. DC fast charging can reach 50 kW, making the car particularly appealing for daily use if it can be plugged in regularly.

Driving Experience: More Versatile Than Truly Sporty

In everyday driving, the Terramar is very pleasant to live with. In the city, electric driving brings plenty of smoothness and silence. On the motorway, good sound insulation and overall comfort make long journeys easy and relaxing.

It is on more demanding roads, however, that some of Cupra’s DNA starts to come through. Despite the considerable weight of the plug-in hybrid version, the Terramar remains precise and relatively agile. The steering inspires confidence, while the adaptive suspension allows the car to move from a comfortable setup to a noticeably firmer configuration.

The 272 hp output provides more than enough performance for overtaking and quick acceleration. The electric motor delivers immediate torque, although the DSG gearbox can occasionally feel a little slow when the pace becomes more demanding.

The Terramar is therefore not a pure performance SUV, but it succeeds in offering a convincing balance between comfort, refinement and driving enjoyment.

Conclusion: A More Family-Friendly Cupra Without Losing Its Character

After a week behind the wheel, what impressed us most about the Terramar was its versatility. It can be quiet and comfortable in the city, relaxed on the motorway and still sufficiently engaging when the road becomes more interesting.

It feels more mature than the Formentor, offering more space and comfort while retaining the strong visual identity and driving character associated with Cupra.

The Pros

• Distinctive and successful design
• Good electric driving range
• Comfort and sound insulation
• Pleasant driving position
• Dynamic road manners
• Sliding rear bench

The Cons

• High weight on plug-in hybrid versions
• Reduced boot capacity on eHybrid models
• Too many controls integrated into the touchscreen
• Gearbox can feel slightly slow during sporty driving

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