Skip advert
Advertisement

The 2024 Cupra Terramar packs Golf GTI power

The Terramar is Cupra’s sportier alternative to the Volkswagen Tiguan, and gets the Golf GTI’s 261bhp turbo engine – plus mild and plug-in hybrid options

Hot on the heels of the updated Leon hatch, Cupra has added another string to its bow in the form of a new mid-size SUV. Called the Cupra Terramar, the model is based on the Volkswagen Tiguan but gets a sportier flavour for its design, interior and dynamics – plus the option of a 261bhp Golf GTI powertrain, as offered with the Tiguan R-Line. The Terramar is expected to cost from less than £40k when it goes on sale, with first deliveries expected near the end of this year. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

At around 4.5 metres long and 1.8 metres wide, the Terramar has a similar footprint to the BMW X1 and adopts Cupra’s latest design language with a large front grille, sharp sinews in the body and triangular LED running lights. 18-inch wheels are standard, with 19s and 20s available at extra cost. 

The Terramar’s powertrain tech is borrowed from elsewhere in the Volkswagen Group, with a mild-hybrid 1.5-litre eTSI engine kicking off the range with 148bhp. This engine forms the basis of the Terramar eHybrid, which uses a 19.7kWh battery and an electric motor to boost power to 201bhp (or 268bhp in VZ spec) and deliver more than 70 miles of e-range. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Advertisement - Article continues below

Two pure petrol options sit alongside these, with a 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder offering either 201bhp or a Golf GTI-matching 261bhp. A seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox is standard across the range, with the 261bhp version gaining four-wheel drive.

Based on Volkswagen’s MQB Evo architecture, the Terramar gets 10mm lower sports suspension as standard, as well as progressive steering with speed-sensitive feedback and power assistance. The Terramar’s front uprights have been designed to allow for more negative camber, and its newly developed front control arms are said to deliver more direct steering feel. Two-valve DCC adaptive dampers have been tuned to work with the lowered suspension, and an optional Akebono brake package is available with the petrol 261bhp and petrol-hybrid 268bhp models.

Inside, the Terramar gets lashings of faux carbonfibre, copper-coloured trim and a 12.9-inch infotainment system lifted from the latest Golf. Touch sensitive sliders for temperature and volume controls sit on a shelf below the screen, with a 10.25-inch digital dash set behind the steering wheel. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 15W wireless charger and an optional Sennheiser audio system are some of the tech features on offer. 

Pricing for the Terramar hasn’t been announced yet, but expect it to cost a few grand more than the cheapest Tiguan, which starts from £34,075. That could rise closer to £50k for the top spec petrol and PHEV versions.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Audi SQ5 2025 review – a quietly competent but uninvolving performance SUV
Audi SQ5 – front
Reviews

Audi SQ5 2025 review – a quietly competent but uninvolving performance SUV

Audi’s latest SQ5 rides on a new PPC platform and packs a 362bhp V6 – it’s a well-rounded fast SUV but lacks the sparkle of the best
6 Mar 2025
Audi SQ5 Sportback (2021-2024) review – does diesel power work in a performance SUV?
Audi SQ5 Sportback 2021 – front cornering
Reviews

Audi SQ5 Sportback (2021-2024) review – does diesel power work in a performance SUV?

Broadly competent, the second-generation SQ5 is a polished but ultimately perplexing proposition
1 Mar 2025
Alfa Romeo Stelvio 2025 review – a worthy alternative to the BMW X3?
Alfa Romeo Stelvio – front
In-depth reviews

Alfa Romeo Stelvio 2025 review – a worthy alternative to the BMW X3?

The Stelvio offers a unique dynamic flavour and plenty of style, but updates haven’t addressed its second-rate cabin
26 Feb 2025
BMW X3 M50 2025 review – 393bhp six-cylinder SUV previews the X3 M
BMW X3 M50
Reviews

BMW X3 M50 2025 review – 393bhp six-cylinder SUV previews the X3 M

The new, fourth-generation BMW X3 has arrived, with the B58-powered M50 leading the pack (for now)
20 Feb 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

​Best hot hatchbacks 2025 – from grassroots greats to supercar slayers
Best hot hatchbacks 2025
Best cars

​Best hot hatchbacks 2025 – from grassroots greats to supercar slayers

Contracted though the hot hatch market may be, there are still some great models out there, from the electric Alpine A290 to the five-cylinder Audi RS…
10 Mar 2025
Porsche's EV U-turn means more new petrol cars and hybrids are coming
2025 Porsche 911 GT3
News

Porsche's EV U-turn means more new petrol cars and hybrids are coming

The 911 will get even more exclusive and desirable variants with increased customisability going forward
12 Mar 2025
Pagani Utopia 2025 review – £2.2m Huayra successor nails the hypercar formula
Pagani Utopia
Reviews

Pagani Utopia 2025 review – £2.2m Huayra successor nails the hypercar formula

Only Pagani’s third model-line in more than 25 years, the Utopia builds on everything that made the Zonda and Huayra great, then adds its own unique c…
12 Mar 2025