At first glance, it can be difficult to see the difference between the new Terramar and its stablemate Formentor.
The difference in size is only seven centimeters, and from the front they look almost identical. According to Cupra themselves, however, the Formentor is more like a coupé, with a lower and sportier appearance.
Marcus Berggren traveled to Sitges in Spain to test drive the new Cupra Terramar.
Terramar can easily be translated to surf and turf” in English. (Photo: Cupra)
We got to drive the Cupra Terramar on the Terramar track. (Photo: Cupra)
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A practical SUV with Spanish character
Cupra Terramar is intended to appeal to a more practical target group and aims at a different clientele than previous models.
It replaces the Cupra Ateca to some extent, but is not a direct replacement. The goal of the model is to attract new customers to the brand through a characteristic design language and a unique image.
Cupra emphasizes that market positioning is more important than internal similarities within the group.
The Terramar will be manufactured at Audi’s factory in Hungary, signaling that Cupra is targeting the premium segment and competitors such as BMW. The original plan was to compete with Alfa Romeo, but Cupra themselves are surprised by “how poorly Alfa Romeo sells.”
Terramar is meant to be decidedly practical. (Photo: Cupra) The luggage compartment holds up to 540 litres. (Photo: Cupra)A range of powertrains
The Cupra Terramar comes with five different powertrains, and during the visit to Barcelona we got to test two of these: a plug-in hybrid with 272 horsepower and a gasoline engine with 265 horsepower.
Our test drive began with the plug-in hybrid on the iconic Terramar course, a dosed course from 1923, where the twin-valve suspension system really showed its capabilities.
The system, which is also found in the new Tiguan and Passat, provided a stable driving experience by constantly maintaining contact with the uneven surface.
We got to ride the Terramar on Spanish country roads. (Photo: Cupra)
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Road driving with hybrid power
The plug-in hybrid shares a powertrain with the Volkswagen Golf GTE, which means a 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox, front-wheel drive and an electric range of around 90 kilometers.
Despite similarities to other group models, the Terramar has a sportier suspension that is 10mm lower, standard fitted bucket seats, a special sport mode for the anti-skid system, and upgraded brakes.
Cupra has chosen a simplified product range for the Terramar, which means that you can choose between different equipment levels rather than adapting specific options. This makes it easier for the customer and more cost-effective for the manufacturer.
The interior is met by an updated infotainment system and a high quality of materials, although some details could be improved.
The system is intuitive and can be adapted to your own preferences, which is appreciated. The back seat is spacious, with plenty of space for a person of 184 cm, good thigh support and light entry.
Terramar is manufactured in Audi’s factory in Hungary. (Photo: Cupra)Terrmar is meant to appeal to families. (Photo: Cupra)
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Sporty hybrid for everyday use
The plug-in hybrid is expected to be popular in Sweden, where it is available in two variants – 204 and 272 horsepower. In Cupra mode, the most performance-oriented setting, the driving experience is complemented by artificial engine noise that enhances the sporty feeling, but is a bit exaggerated.
Although the drivetrain is fast, there is a certain delay in the response during dynamic driving, which means that you sometimes have to accelerate earlier out of curves or shift manually.
The interior is perceived as more elaborate than previous Cupra models. (Photo: Cupra) The petrol engine gives more life
During the test drive in Barcelona, we also tested the 265 horsepower petrol variant, which has four-wheel drive and shares an engine with the Volkswagen Golf GTI.
This version felt livelier and more responsive thanks to lower weight compared to the plug-in hybrid. The car inspires a more playful drive and feels surprisingly smooth. As in other group cars, the driving dynamics are forgiving and allow higher speeds regardless of the driver’s experience.
Petrol engine is nicer than the plug-in hybrid. (Photo: Cupra) The Cupra Terramar is a hard-to-define SUV with a premium feel
First impressions of the Cupra Terramar are positive. The car differs from the brand’s other models in both size and design and offers a more premium driving experience, especially with the petrol engine.
The suspension and the choice of materials give a solid feeling of quality. The plug-in hybrid has a good electric range and some environmental and fiscal benefits, although four-wheel drive is missing from the hybrid version.
The Cupra Terramar feels thoughtful and competent, although some aspects still make it difficult to pin down the brand’s identity – as many of their models aren’t necessarily particularly sporty, design aside.
A more extensive test at home will show how well Terramar fits into everyday life.
First impressions of the Cupra Terramar: 4/5
Hybrid
Engine: 1.5-liter four-cylinder, electric motor, 272 horsepower, 400 newton meters
Transmission: 6-speed double clutch box, front wheel drive
Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in 7.3 seconds
Top speed: 215 km/h
Electrical range: 121 km
Weight: 1,904 kg
Dimensions (length/width/height): 4519/1863/1584 mm
Price: From SEK 639,900
Petrol engine
Engine: 2-liter four-cylinder, 265 horsepower, 400 newton meters
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox, four-wheel drive
Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds
Top speed: 243 km/h
Weight: 1,750 kg
Dimensions (length/width/height): 4519/1863/1584 mm
Price: From SEK 520,600