If you’re after a five-seater SUV but you want something that stands out from the crowd a little more, CUPRA’s new Terramar VZe could be just what you’re looking for. With distinctive styling and four trim levels to choose from, it ticks a lot of boxes.
‘Terra’ refers to land, while ‘mar’ refers to the sea, which makes for an interesting name for an SUV, but the CUPRA design team have managed to make the Terramar Plug-in Hybrid instantly recognisable, but different and exciting at the same time.
Upstaging its stablemate, the Ateca, at least in this reviewer’s opinion, it features a sharp and low swooping profile. The looks and the badge come with a price premium over other Volkswagen group products and competitors though.
The entry level S trim starting from $53,990 with its mild-hybrid system and a modest 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 110kW/250Nm at the front wheels. At the other end of the scale is the PHEV we’re testing.
The range topping VZe trim starts from $77,990 and offers 200kW/400Nm, driven through the front wheels. CUPRA quotes 1.8-litres/100km in the brochure, but real-world usage saw 4.7-litres/100km, which we thought were still respectable figures.
Overnight home charging allows for 100km of electric range, although we managed to eek 110km out of it. That’s impressive to say the least, with the 20kWh Li-on hybrid battery capable of up to 50kW DC charging.
That can get you from zero to 80 per cent in about 30 minutes, with the remaining 20 per cent doubling that time (as is normal with EVs and PHEVs). The VZe takes a leisurely 7.3 seconds to get to 100km/h and requires 95RON fuel.
Our test vehicle came in Fiord Blue, which has a nice grey/blue hue that changes in different lighting conditions. A range of other more traditional colours are also available, including Century Bronze Matte.
Bronze accented 20-inch wheels finish the signature CUPRA exterior look. The front and rear lights do all sorts of complex movements when the key is detected nearby. That includes projecting the brand name in front of the car at night, when you shut it off.
Inside, there’s a large neon arc stretching across the forward dash and front doors. Notably too, the blind spot monitor lights are not in the side mirrors, instead incorporated into the inner door lighting.
Audio is provided through a 12-speaker Sennheiser Premium sound system that is easily one of the best systems we’ve seen in possibly forever. A deep burgundy leather trim and an overall dark tone feature throughout.
It allows the copper touches to stand out a bit but also shrinks the feel of the cabin for occupants. The driver is catered for with clear instrumentation and an infotainment screen that’s canted towards them.
The centre console is clear, with the gear selector being stalk mounted, while the steering wheel features physical buttons. Infotainment and the sunroof and sunshade controls are haptic, which took some guesswork in figuring out their function.
The front seats feature power adjustability and three memory positions for the driver as well as heating for colder days. Rear occupants get a fold down armrest with two cupholders, some USB-C ports and an electronic panel for the rear climate zone.
That said, the rear seats feel a bit flat and much less supportive than those up front. Leg room is adequate for taller travellers, and the pews can individually fold down in a 40:20:40 arrangement.
Boot space for the Terramar VZe is 400-litres with the rear seats in their standard position (or 490-litres if you slide them fully forward). On the road, it drives quite smoothly, as is to be expected from a plug-in hybrid, even when the petrol motor kicks in.
There are a few drive modes to choose from too, including Comfort, which is a nice all-rounder and the default setting. Performance feeds a bit of artificial engine sound through the speakers and adjusts the steering, engine response and suspension.
CUPRA mode feels like it turns everything to maximum, including the engine noise. The final option is Individual, which lets you mute the fake sounds and simply enjoy the engine, suspension and steering feel at their chosen settings.
The electric pull under acceleration is hard to miss though, with real care required in damp or wet conditions as the Pirelli’s up front tend to struggle for grip – even in Comfort mode. The VZe uses a specialised six-speed DSG. It feels well adjusted.
The paddle shifters behind the wheel seem a bit small, or are just difficult to reach, but do allow for manual gear changes, should you feel inclined. When there’s no electric power available, the real engine sound is more noticeable. Acceleration feels that bit more laboured.
Otherwise, the Terramar is fun to drive around, with decent cornering ability and a very quiet cabin on most road surfaces. While re-gen is available, being a plug-in hybrid, it never feels too obvious.
As a result, the VZe doesn’t feature one-pedal driving and we did note that the brake pedal feel needed a bit more effort to properly engage fully. It’s a little odd if you’re not used to it. Braked towing capacity is 2200kg.
A full safety suite is included, and we appreciated that the car didn’t get all vocal about speed limits, lane keeping or in providing any other unwarranted advice. Instead, it’s quietly presented on the head-up display or instrument panel.
It allows you to get on with your drive, peacefully and without frustration. Driver’s can choose from a range of different displays for information and instruments, with native navigation included, along with a raft of other apps.
Phones can easily connect and charge wirelessly to provide Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. CUPRA has equipped the Terramar with a parking assistant too, but we found this system more of a miss than a hit.
When it did work, the time taken to park, and attempt to get into a spot took too long and the resulting effort was usually off centre in the spot, requiring our intervention to fix it. Other times it wouldn’t even detect a clearly marked parking space to activate.
The Terramar is covered by a 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty and 5-years roadside assist. Servicing packages can be pre-purchased for three and five years. Without a doubt, it’s a great looking car in a sea of dull and generic peers.
That said, it’s also not the most affordable offering out there. It could be an option for those wanting something a little different and distinct though. You can find out more on the CUPRA Australia website, or by talking to your local dealership.
To get a low rate finance quote, talk to Australia’s best reviewed car finance broker; Credit One. To see a great range of vehicles for sale, check out OnlyCars.com.au.
Our test vehicle was provided by CUPRA Australia for independent review purposes. Exhaust Notes Australia has not been paid to review this vehicle.
