New CUPRA Terramar Mild Hybrid is Dynamic & Efficient.
Cupra Terramar Mild Hybrid is Dynamic & Efficient.
With its striking SUV profile, assertive styling and unmistakable triangular lighting signature, the new Cupra Terramar is the Spanish brand’s all-new mid-size SUV, and it offers buyers the choice of mild hybrid (mHEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) or pure-petrol powerplants. The Terramar’s sharp, aggressive nose sets the tone for the entire design language, which maintains Cupra’s enviable reputation for creating visually striking vehicles. The body lines are taut and purposeful, with just the right amount of sculpting to create an eye-catching, dynamic design. The distinctive rear light arrangement spans the width of the car, creating a modern and cohesive appearance, while the sporty rear diffuser adds a touch of motorsport-inspired design.
Driver-Focused Cabin.
The Terramar’s spacious cabin features a driver-focused cockpit design. The dashboard wraps around the driver’s position, creating an enveloping feel that reinforces the car’s sporty intent. In true Cupra fashion, copper-coloured accents adorn the cabin, appearing on air vents, steering wheel controls, door handles and around the cupholders, with copper-coloured contrast stitching on the seat upholstery. At the centre of the dashboard sits a 12.9” touchscreen interface that features the latest generation of Cupra’s infotainment system. The display features crystal clear graphics, responsive touch controls, and seamless smartphone integration, while the digital instrument cluster provides easy-to-read, customisable information directly in the driver’s line of sight. The family-oriented cabin proves spacious enough to accommodate up to 5 adults in comfort, with particular attention paid to rear passenger space. All occupants will enjoy generous levels of headroom, while enhanced legroom in the rear allows even taller passengers to stretch out on longer journeys. Storage areas within the cabin include thoughtfully-designed door bins that can hold large water bottles, a spacious glovebox, cupholders in the centre console, and a height-adjustable front centre armrest that features deep storage beneath. An impressive 642-litre boot capacity behind the rear seats offers family-friendly flexibility, and the split-folding rear seats can be folded down to access over 1,400-litres of space when required.
Mild-Hybrid Powertrain.
The Terramar’s 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine works in conjunction with a 48-volt electrical system and integrated starter motor. This mild-hybrid (mHEV) set-up allows for smoother stop-start operation, energy recuperation during deceleration, and brief electric assistance during acceleration, all of which contribute to enhanced fuel efficiency and lower emissions. The mHEV system represents a pragmatic approach for drivers not yet ready to commit to the charging requirements of a PHEV but still want some efficiency benefits. This powertrain delivers a respectable 150PS (148bhp) and 250Nm of torque to the car’s front wheels via a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission. As a result, a 0-100km/h sprint can be completed in 9.3 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 205km/h (where permitted).
Test Car Details.
My Cupra Terramar 1.5 eTSI 150PS mHEV test car was finished in Dark Void (special metallic paintwork) with optional 19” Spectrum machined alloy wheels in matt black and silver in lieu of the standard-fit 18” Atomic alloy wheels. Key standard equipment includes: textile bucket seats, CUPRA Drive Profile, a 12.9” infotainment system with illuminated sliders, a 10.25” digital driver information display, front LED headlights with exclusive Cupra signature, heated front seats, front & rear parking sensors, rear view camera, black roof lining, leather multi-function sports steering wheel with satellite buttons, keyless entry & start, steering wheel-mounted start/stop button, wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, wireless charging (15W fast charge), CUPRA CONNECT and cruise control, along with a host of additional comfort, convenience, safety and infotainment features. In addition to the upgraded alloy wheels and special metallic paintwork on my test car, other optional extras fitted include an Edge Pack. Pure Performance Pack, and an Intelligent Drive Pack . The Terramar’s mild hybrid powertrain is impressively responsive and suitably refined, with its punchy performance being particularly noticeable when accelerating in urban settings. The system provides maximum torque from just 850 rpm all the way to 4750rpm, ensuring strong, linear acceleration across a wide range of driving scenarios. During motorway driving, the powertrain settles into a refined cruise, with the integrated starter-generator smoothing out transitions and adding subtle assistance when required. On twisty roads, the Terramar demonstrates competent handling characteristics that inspire confidence during spirited driving, and the car’s nicely-weighted steering makes it easy to place the car on the road. The Terramar’s suspension is tuned to balance sporty response with a comfortable ride quality, and it does a good job of isolating occupants from most road imperfections. The textile bucket seats up front offer excellent lateral support for spirited driving while remaining comfortable for longer journeys. Material quality throughout the cabin is impressive, with soft-touch surfaces in all of the important places and minimal use of hard plastics. Tight panel gaps and sturdy switchgear are testament to Cupra’s impressive attention to detail, and ambient lighting enhances the cabin atmosphere after dark, with customisable colours allowing drivers to set the mood according to their individual preference.
Verdict & Price.
The new Cupra Terramar mild hybrid successfully translates the brand’s sporting ethos into a practical family package without taking away the distinctive character that makes Cupra stand out from its more conventional siblings within the Volkswagen Group. The mild hybrid powertrain strikes the perfect balance between performance and efficiency, and the 7-speed DSG automatic transmission is a joy to use. The Terramar’s sharp and purposeful styling ensures it stands out from mainstream rivals in the mid-size SUV market segment, and its spacious cabin and boot certainly enhance its overall practicality. Pricing starts from €46,500 (ex-delivery).
Visit www.cupraofficial.ie for further information.
