The new Cupra Terramar SUV offers five hybrid powertrains and bold design, blending traditional combustion with modern innovation for a wider audience.
The Cupra Terramar is a brand-new compact SUV that sticks with traditional combustion engines rather than going fully electric. Built on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB Evo platform, the Terramar was first previewed two years ago at the brand’s Impulse event and is now ready for production.
Wayne Griffiths, CEO of Cupra, introduced the Terramar in Barcelona, highlighting it as a key step in the brand’s expansion. “The Terramar represents the next stage in our growth journey,” Griffiths said. “It’s a sporty SUV that embodies Cupra’s youthful and bold spirit, reaching a broader audience looking for emotion and performance.”
The Terramar also marks the start of Cupra’s strategic partnership with the America’s Cup, launching during the competition’s 37th edition. To commemorate this, Cupra will produce 1,300 special America’s Cup Terramar models, featuring unique design elements both inside and out.
Contrary to some of Cupra’s recent electric models like the Tavascan and Born, the Terramar is focused on appealing to a wider audience by sticking with internal combustion engines (ICE). This approach is intended to keep prices competitive and maintain a strong market presence, especially in light of fluctuating demand for electric vehicles and global uncertainties.
The Terramar offers a range of five powertrain options, starting with a 1.5-liter 48V mild hybrid engine producing 148 bhp and paired with a seven-speed DSG transmission. There are also two petrol engines: a 2.0-liter TSI engine with 201 bhp and four-wheel drive, and a more powerful version with 262 bhp for the VZ model. Additionally, the Terramar offers two plug-in hybrid (eHybrid) options, with power outputs of 201 bhp and 268 bhp, both using a 19.7kWh battery that provides up to 70 miles of electric-only range.
In terms of size, the Terramar fits comfortably in the mid-sized crossover segment, measuring 1,584mm tall, 1,863mm wide, and 4,519mm long, with a wheelbase of 2,681mm. As expected, it features Cupra’s distinctive design cues, including triple-triangle lights, copper accents, and bold rear-light styling. A large grille, necessary for cooling its ICE powertrains, distinguishes it from Cupra’s other recent models.
The Terramar rides on 18-, 19-, or 20-inch alloy wheels and is available in nine exterior colors, including two matte options. Inside, it’s less adventurous than the all-electric Tavascan, but still offers a 12.9-inch infotainment screen, a head-up display, and an improved human-machine interface (HMI) with a more visible touch slider.
Cupra offers three interior themes, each with varying degrees of sustainability. The Deep Ocean option uses 100% upcycled Seaqual yarn, Moon Light uses 73%, and the High Canyon trim features leather with a plant-based tanning process. The Terramar also offers a generous 602 liters of luggage space.
The Terramar aims to set itself apart with a unique driving experience, featuring a front MacPherson strut and rear multilink suspension setup that has been lowered by 10mm. The Dynamic Chassis Control system and two-valve shock absorbers offer multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Performance, Individual, and Off-road, with the VZ models also featuring a dedicated Cupra mode. For those seeking more control, the electronic stability control (ESC) system can be set to Sport mode or turned off completely on the VZ models.
