A tailor-made character for the Cupra Terramar VZ Hybrid

Cupra has built up a strong reputation in the automotive market. Yet, this wasn't a given for a brand born from Seat's sporty division. So, what is this sporty, design-led formula worth with the Terramar plug-in hybrid?

On paper, the package is tempting: 272hp and 400Nm. The look is just as appealing with its taut lines, triangular headlights, and a colour that shifts between dark grey and deep purple (Dark Void / Interstellar Violet). A large hexagonal grille feeds air to the engines under the bonnet. As for the optional Hadron copper wheels, they set the tone for the interior details. Inside, you get leather (optional) and unique textures, with a steering wheel that's pleasant to hold and attractive bucket seats (optional) for a sportier vibe. The central touchscreen is angled towards the driver, underlining its dynamic intent. In short, you expect this Spanish machine—built on the Volkswagen Tiguan platform, like the Audi Q3—to pack quite a punch.

The Storm

For this test, I took the Cupra Terramar to the Dutch coast in Zeeland and South Holland, as well as Rotterdam. It was on the beaches and between Rotterdam's skyscrapers that the wind blew strongest. In Comfort driving mode, the Terramar VZ didn’t seem very spectacular at first. When activating the Cupra driving mode, with the DSG 6-speed gearbox in sport, it was noisy but not especially thrilling... Yet the battery was empty at this point. The SUV could then rely virtually only on its 177hp 1.5-litre petrol engine—despite the simulated engine noise from the Sennheiser sound system.

It's a different story once the battery is recharged. In Cupra mode, the 116hp electric motor brings its muscle and torque to help the 1.5-litre petrol engine. Suddenly, the Terramar transforms into a lively, angry bull. The car accelerates furiously and slides sideways; the ESP sometimes intervenes rather over-zealously, as if alarmed by the car’s lack of delicacy. Definitely don't let go of the steering wheel. And yes, dear friends, that's truly 272hp at your command. If you wanted a tickle in your stomach and startled shrieks from the passengers, here they are. For 0-100km/h in 7.3 seconds, you’ll just need a bit of electric magic for this 1.9-tonne thrill ride—it’s not complicated at all.

Planning Ahead

So, for track escapades or strong acceleration on deserted country lanes (where you can let loose without shamefully breaking speed limits), it’s best to have the battery at at least 50%. In Cupra mode, both engines work together and the chassis makes no compromises. In Performance mode, there’s a good balance: punchier power with docile agility and suspension and steering firmer than in Comfort. That said, most of our 895+ km test was done in Comfort mode, which prioritises the electric motor before handing over to the petrol. Unless you manually select hybrid mode, possibly recharging the battery as you drive. You’ve got it: sometimes you need to set up the car to match your needs.

100 km

That said, the Cupra Terramar VZ e-Hybrid delivered impressive range in pure electric mode. Despite several motorway sections, it took 100km for the 19.7kWh battery to drop to 0%, handing over to the 1.5-litre petrol. Officially, it claims up to 120km, which is indeed possible—or more—if you avoid the motorway and drive pre-emptively with maximum regeneration. If you set out with a full battery and top up twice for 30 minutes at a 40kW CCS rapid charger (to regain 80% each time), you can easily clock over 1,000km between fuel stops—ideal for holidays! And, if you’re impatient, refilling the petrol tank is quicker than charging. However, the 45-litre tank will only give around 600km on petrol alone.

Not so great

By the way, the Dutch road trip highlighted that boot space isn’t very generous. While four adults are comfy in the cabin, suitcases and gear will be tight in the 400-litre boot because of the battery under the floor. You can fit a 230V socket in the boot (optional), though. Don’t count much on the door bins, either—they’re just adequate. You’ll need to pack smart. Sure, you can gain a little space by sacrificing rear legroom with the sliding bench (up to 15cm!), and for unusual loads, the bench folds down. But this won’t be your top pick for moving house.

Fortunately, the driving feel makes up for the stinginess in cargo space. I felt right at home behind the wheel of the Cupra Terramar VZ. Ergonomics match what you expect from a car that can be both serene and sporty. Extras include automatic heating for the driver’s seat (optional), although at times, the Cupra seemed less keen on warmth than my own rear. Another clever touch: blind-spot warning doesn't flash in the mirror, but along the ambient lighting LED strip—impossible to miss. The branded button on the steering wheel lets you quickly switch drive modes—much handier than the fiddly central screen. I mainly used Android Auto, especially to programme my destinations. Thankfully, the 'Recharge' menu is always just a shortcut away—handy for keeping the battery topped up for motorway stretches between low emission zones.

Good Habits

To make the most of this plug-in hybrid, remember to plug it in regularly. At 11kW on a wall box, charging takes less than three hours. A CCS rapid charger gets you to 100% in around an hour, or around 80% in about 30 minutes. What about consumption? That depends on your charging discipline and driving style. Petrol use can be zero for daily commutes, with an average of 13.2–19kWh/100km in electric mode depending on your route; and up to 7.5 l/100km on the motorway with an empty battery. Managed smartly, you can keep petrol consumption to under 4.5 l/100km on long trips, or even under 3 l/100km—possibly zero—on your daily drives.

Prices

Let’s not kid ourselves: plug-in hybrids are expensive. The Cupra Terramar 1.5-litre 150hp eTSI mild hybrid starts at €44,000 in Belgium. The 204hp 2.0-litre goes for €46,500, and the 204hp plug-in hybrid for €48,150. There’s also a 4WD VZ version with a 265hp 2.0-litre (permanently) for €51,200.

The 272hp eHybrid VZ model starts at €51,780. Fully loaded as in our test car—with Sennheiser sound, panoramic roof, Hadron Copper 20-inch performance wheels, High Canyon leather, head-up display and LED lights packs, bucket seats—the total comes to €60,000*!

In France, the entry price is €40,000 for the 150hp 1.5 eTSI. To get to the tested model, your bank will need to let you spend €60,400. For the Swiss, prices start at CHF 47,500 for the 150hp version. The 272hp plug-in hybrid from the photos, with the specific Swiss winter pack, is CHF 69,100!

* These Belgian and French prices are as of May 2025. At the end of 2024, when the car was purchased, they were about €5,000 higher!

(MH with Olivier Duquesne – Source: Cupra – Pictures: © Olivier Duquesne)