CUPRA Terramar, a faux sports car with hefty prices

CUPRA has unveiled the Terramar, its new premium multi-energy SUV, at prices as dynamic as its design!

It was in the prestigious setting of the 37th edition of the America’s Cup, the oldest sporting competition in the world created in 1851, that CUPRA unveiled the new Terramar. This SUV allows CUPRA to upgrade its offer in the SUV segment, the most dynamic yet also the most competitive in Europe. With this model, CUPRA continues its largest product offensive in its history, following the launches of the new Leon, Formentor, Born VZ, and Tavascan. These rollouts boost the sales of the Spanish manufacturer, which recorded the best first half of its history this year with 125,700 cars sold, an increase of 17.2% compared to 2023.

The first visuals of the Terramar highlight… a striking presence! There is nothing derogatory about this; the latest electric creations have accustomed us to quite minimalist and subdued front faces, a path that CUPRA eagerly abandons. The CUPRA logo is placed at the end of the front hood, overlooking a gigantic two-level air intake that CUPRA assures is functional. One wonders how much air the engine really needs, but it is certain that it will not lack it. The sides are muscular, yet the overall line feels rather heavy despite contained dimensions of 4,519 mm long by 1,863 mm wide. The sportiness comes more from the relatively dramatic bodywork, large wheels, and matte paint, which are constants at CUPRA, than from the overall line. At least, with a wheelbase of 2,681 mm and a constant roofline, the habitability should benefit. The sliding rear bench that allows for an increase in trunk capacity to 600 liters illustrates this point well.

Inside, we find that slightly convoluted CUPRA style, from the paddle shifter steering wheel with multiple control buttons to the dashboard and central console with pronounced reliefs. Animal leather is present, but in a more virtuous way thanks to plant-based tanning. The overall look is appealing, but it is still disappointing to consistently rely on dark materials with bronze touches for a sporty appearance. The approach is well-known, but its overuse is tiresome while some contrast stitching achieves the same effect with a far less dreary outcome.

The Terramar will be available in three engine options covering two distinct technologies. The mild hybrid 48 V with the eTSI Hybrid gasoline starting from 150 hp and the plug-in hybrid delivering from 204 to 272 horsepower, with more than 100 km of range in all-electric mode thanks to the 19.7 kWh battery. The fast charging up to 50 kW should thus enable a 100% electric daily life.

Despite its sporty appearance, this CUPRA is thus much more of a family model. A vehicle for family men who do not wish to sacrifice a bit of aesthetic pleasure on the altar of passenger comfort. But without any chauvinism, a Renault Rafale or a Peugeot 3008 offers much more interesting looks and considerably more reasonable prices than those set by CUPRA. So let’s talk about these prices! With a starting price of 47,500 euros for the small 150 horsepower engine, the bill is immediately as steep as the waters faced by the boats in the America’s Cup. And indeed, what can be said about the limited edition America’s Cup priced at 63,750 euros…