2025 Cupra Terramar V Review

When a vehicle range kicks off at over $70k, you know you’re in premium territory. That’s the price of the Terramar V, the entry point to Cupra’s new SUV range. It manages to serve up a decent mix of design, tech and practicality. But how does it stack up against the VZ we tested recently? Is it a shrewd buy for $20k less?

It looks not unlike the full noise VZ, the V still rather striking in a way most mid-sized SUVs aren’t. The biggest difference is those wheels, but otherwise, you’re not giving up much in street presence. It wears the same slick design that defines Cupra’s SUV range, the V model retaining the bold front fascia, prominent creases and dynamic LED lighting.

And the V is not stripped of all the goodies inside either. You’ll find the same 12.9-inch touchscreen with voice control and wireless Android Auto and CarPlay. You’ve got your phone charger, keyless entry, configurable displays and triple zone air con. The level of finishing is similar too, though the ambient lighting is toned down, not a bad thing.

It has the same spiffy sports seats as the VZ, though trimmed in a lower grade textile. They look the part and offer decent comfort but they aren’t heated (the steering wheel is however), are manually adjustable, and some may find the lumbar support lacking. There’s also the electric tailgate and a surround-view camera on the spec list. The only omission is built-in sat nav. It has all the safety helpers. The forward collision alert can be a bit sensitive and while the active cruise is a smooth operator it leaves too big a gap in traffic, inviting others to fill the space.

Under the bonnet, the focus is more on efficiency than excitement. Here you have a 1.5 turbopetrol with mild hybrid gubbins. The totals amount to 110KW and 250Nm, sent through the front wheels alone via a seven-speed twin-clutch.

So it’s not nearly as quick and effortless as the twice as powerful VZ. The 0 to 100 takes a leisurely 9.3sec, though fuel economy is better, stated at 5.8L/100km. Real world figures are slightly higher, the long term average sitting at 7.8, while we registered 6.8. That was in part due to a journey through to Hamilton, the V proving to be a good distance machine, recording 5.0L/100km on the expressway.

During light-throttle cruising, both in town and out, the 1.5 will either coast along in neutral, or at times turn off altogether. It switches on and off often, usually seamlessly, though there can be a hint of hesitation when stepping back into the power.

But does this V deliver a premium driving experience? There is enough power if you’re never in a hurry, but it often feels like you’re massaging the gas a little too often, looking for more go. When you’re behind schedule, it can be good to rotate the column-mounted gearselector forward to access S, or hit that Cupra satellite drive mode button on the wheel. That helps kick the driveline along, with better access to the midrange pull. All the same, 250Nm still seems not quite enough to pull this near 1700kg SUV along in an unfussed, premium manner.

This V rides well on both town and country surfaces. It might not have the adaptive damper tech of the VZ, but the added tyre sidewall is a plus here. The steering has just enough life to it, and the V turns agreeably. It’s more competent than entertaining, but such is medium SUV life. In the urban setting, the steering is quick with turn arounds done easily, parking too.

Terramar is the more family-friendly Cupra, with more rear seat space for hangers on. It’s not overly endowed with leg room but is comfortable enough. There’s a quoted 540L of luggage space in the back, which extends out to 1544L when folding the rear seats. With the right tow hitch, it’s good to haul up to 2000kg braked.

Buy the Terramar V if you like the styling and the vibe inside, it’s all okay. But the 1.5T doesn’t really deliver that Cupra character. There is a middle child in the Terramar range, the 4Drive that adds AWD while its 2.0-litre turbopetrol also puts more go on the menu with 150kW and 320Nm. It does command a further $11,400, but it might be a better balancing act between Cupra’s usual dynamic vibe and its new premium ambitions.  

Cupra Terramar V
$070,500  /  5.8L/100km  /  140g/km
0-100 km/h 9.3s
Engine  1498cc / IL4 T
Max power  110kW@5000-6000rpm
Max torque  250Nm@1500-3500rpm
Transmission  7-speed twin-clutch, FWD
Weight (claimed)  1686kg