The Cupra Terramar is fast becoming one of the most popular sports SUVs and joins one of the highly competitive and fastest growing segments in the European market. Since 2018, more than 650,000 Cupras have hit the tarmac and that number is sure to increase as the brand gains in popularity.
In bringing this new model to market, much attention was paid to give it a bold and confident look with a very strong on road presence. The sports theme from the exterior is tastefully executed to the interior with a driver oriented cockpit which is further enhanced by the design of the centre console. In true sports style the bucket seats are hip hugging with a choice of materials which includes leather. Digitalisation is very much the centre of focus for the driver with a newly designed and improved HMI which is behind the steering wheel in the proper place and there is a 12.9 inch infotainment system with a retro illuminated touch slider. I reckon most who own and drive a car enjoy entertainment on the move and with this Cupra model there has been a joint exercise with audio experts Sennheiser Mobility to deliver a Hi-Fi twelve speaker sound system.
The design work was carried out in Barcelona with the actual production taking place in Hungary at the Audi plant in Gyor. With the new Terramar comes a choice of powertrains, no less than five, across TSI petrol, eTSI mild hybrid and a new generation of plug-in – hybrid; power outputs range from 150PS to 272PS. The hybrid version can give you up to 112km (70m) of all electric range and is compatible with fast charging. Right across the range a DSG dual shift gearbox is standard. Looking at performance, rest to 100kph (62mph) ranges from 5.9 to 7.3 seconds and with top speed, 215kph (134mph) to 243kph (151mph) depending on the version. There is no doubt that plug-in-hybrids are becoming more and more popular, giving the best of both worlds re power choice. Handling and comfort and driving dynamics are improved thanks to a standard suspension set up, adaptive chassis with progressive steering and the all-important stopping ability is courtesy of Akebono brakes. Different drive modes further enhance the drive experience with this new Cupra model, comfort, performance and off-road. Standard tyre fitment, 18 or 19 inch with the option of 20 inch wheels with wider tyres. With the new Terramar comes a wide range of safety and convenience features to keep driver and passengers safe. Included are predictive adaptive cruise control, travel assist, side and exit assist, emergency assist and attention and drowsiness assist.
Interestingly, the brand has a number of well-known ambassadors which they call the Cupra Tribe and in the line-up are Formula E driver Lucas Di Grassi, Olympic gold medallist Adam Peaty, German football goalkeeper Marc ter Stegen and award winning FIFA footballer Alexia Putellas. Cupra originated from SEAT’s motorsport division and became a standalone brand in 2018, previously it was a sub brand of SEAT since 1996 and the first true Cupra model was the Formentor in 2021 and in the same year their first EV was Born.
Ian Lynas
