Cupra Terramar: A Sporty Crossover with Mixed Results
Cupra, the sporty brand of the VW Group, has been striving to establish itself as a performance-oriented marque. While the Cupra Born has successfully embodied this ethos, the Cupra Terramar, a front-wheel-drive hybrid crossover, faces a tougher challenge in upholding the brand’s sporty image. Having driven both VZ versions of the Terramar – the 262bhp 2.0-litre petrol and the 268bhp plug-in hybrid, it’s evident that these powertrains significantly influence the character of the vehicle.
The plug-in hybrid variant of the Terramar struggles to deliver on the sporty promises made by Cupra’s marketing efforts. Despite its 268bhp power output, the 0-62mph time of 7.3sec falls short of expectations for a performance-oriented vehicle. Furthermore, the driving experience lacks the excitement and engagement one would anticipate, resembling the somewhat uninspiring nature of Toyota’s hybrids.
With a range of drive modes and a Sport mode for the gearbox, the hybrid Terramar fails to provide a truly immersive driving experience. The car’s autonomous decision-making, such as shutting off the engine unexpectedly, further disconnects the driver from the driving dynamics, hindering the enjoyment of piloting this supposedly sporty crossover.
Conversely, the 262bhp 2.0TSI petrol engine in the Terramar, also found in the VW Golf GTI, offers a more engaging and predictable performance. Coupled with a four-wheel drive system, this engine delivers power seamlessly with minimal turbo lag, enhancing the driving experience compared to the hybrid variant.
While the Terramar may lack the power output of competitors like the BMW X1 M35i, Mercedes-AMG GLA35, and Mini Countryman JCW, its brisk 0-62mph time of 5.9sec still appeals to certain buyers. The seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, although occasionally clunky under sudden throttle inputs, operates smoothly for the most part, contributing to the overall driving dynamics of the crossover.
