Recently, our tests of new cars have mainly included electric or electrified cars. And this is because mainly such cars are appearing on the market. Now, however, we are focusing on a new SUV that has a powerful engine without electric assistance.
We are talking about the Cupra Terramar with 265 hp. , which is intended to be the sportiest and most dynamic option for those who prefer a traditional gasoline engine to a plug-in hybrid or electric car. It is positioned as the top model among all-gasoline options, offering a combination of power, agility and technological advantages. Here are our impressions.
Exterior
The appearance of the Cupra Terramar will not leave most people indifferent. It is extroverted and recognizable. At first glance, the Cupra Terramar declares its presence. This car is designed in the new Cupra design language, including characteristic copper-colored accents, a sharp "shark nose" and distinctive light graphics.
The front HD matrix LED headlights and the full LED rear light with an integrated 3D Cupra logo and illuminated "Terramar" contribute to the unique and recognizable look of the model. From the side, the silhouette is a bit more conservative compared to the aggressive front and rear, but the overall impression is of a dynamic and modern car.
Interior
Inside, the Cupra Terramar offers a bold and distinctive interior, combining high-quality materials with characteristic copper accents. The centerpiece is the 12.9-inch infotainment system, which, although feature-rich, may require some getting used to the on-screen controls. Fortunately, Cupra has added some physical buttons on the steering wheel for quick access to important functions, which is an improvement over some other VW Group models.
The seats are comfortable, imitating the "bucket" type, but they are more comfortable than racing seats. Options for upholstery made of recycled materials that resemble leather are available, but their quality is not top-notch. Otherwise, passenger space is good, especially in the front. There is room for two in the back, but in the class in which the Terramar is positioned, it is less than in competitors, such as the Tiguan and Kodiaq. The trunk offers good volume, and can be adjusted by sliding the rear seats. In short, the interior space is futuristic, but with some compromises.
Engine and driving characteristics
This modification is equipped with a 2.0-liter TSI (turbo gasoline) engine that generates 265 hp and 400 Nm of torque. This is the same engine that is used in other sports models of the Volkswagen Group, including the Golf GTI, which guarantees proven performance. And this power is truly felt, transmitted to the wheels through a seven-speed automatic DSG gearbox, which impressed us with its quick and smooth shifts.
All 265 hp versions come with Cupra's 4Drive system (equivalent to Volkswagen's 4Motion), providing all-wheel drive. This is key to improving traction and stability, especially during dynamic driving and in adverse road conditions, and is a must for such a powerful car. The Cupra Terramar accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in an impressive 5.9 seconds. This makes it the fastest modification of the Terramar at the moment, offering a significantly sportier feel compared to the base versions. The maximum speed reaches 243 km/h.
The driving feel is distinctly sporty, but does not cause discomfort. This version is tuned to provide a balance between sporty feel and comfort. Despite being an SUV, the Terramar offers good traction and predictable road behavior, partly thanks to the adaptive suspension (DCC - Dynamic Chassis Control), which can be adjusted between comfort and sport mode. The steering wheel feels good, although it lacks some of the directness that the Cupra Formentor had. However, for a family SUV, the dynamics are at a very high level.
Conclusion and prices
This is the best of the latest Cupra and of course it has its price. The 265-horsepower version has all the high-tech features integrated, among which the 12.9-inch infotainment system, digital dashboard and numerous driver assistance systems are impressive. In other words, the Cupra Terramar 2.0 TSI with 265 hp is ideal for drivers looking for a more dynamic and fast family SUV and prefer a traditional gasoline engine to a hybrid or electric option, without compromising on the drive and can take advantage of the advantages of all-wheel drive.
This version offers a strong balance between performance, comfort and functionality, which makes it a very attractive option in the class of compact and medium-sized SUVs with a pronounced sporty character. And as for the price, as we have already mentioned, it is not low at all. price. For the Terramar 2.0 TSI version with 265 hp (195 kW) and 7DSG Start/stop 4DRIVE OPF petrol the base price is 101,380 BGN.
It is important to note that this is the starting price for this specific engine and configuration. The final price can increase significantly depending on the selected equipment level, with our test car, which you see in the photos, priced at 120,000 BGN. However, the base price of the Cupra Terramar in Bulgaria starts at 81,010 BGN, which, considering the "new normal", makes the model an attractive proposition.
