Review: 2025 CUPRA Terramar V2
“Terramar? Isn’t that a theme park or a dodgy Spanish lager?” was my first thought when CUPRA announced their newest sporty SUV. But no, the 2025 CUPRA Terramar is neither fizzy beverage nor rollercoaster haven, though it does have a bit of both in its personality.
Built on familiar VW Group bones (MQB Evo for those who like to sound clever), the Terramar V21.5 eTSI DSG-auto AFV 150 (giving it its full title), shares much of its oily bits with the Audi Q3, VW Tiguan and SEAT Ateca. But CUPRA being CUPRA, they've added angry headlights, a growly front grille, and chucked in a bit of ‘dynamic styling’ for good measure. And what about this V2 1.5 eTSI mild hybrid version? Well, it's pitched as the sweet spot for folk who want sporty looks but without the fuel bills or back-breaking ride of the performance variants.
So, does it deliver?
On-Road Ride: Quick Enough, Mostly Comfy
Let’s not kid ourselves, the 1.5 eTSI is a mild-hybrid 150PS petrol lump that’s mated to a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox. It’s not going to tear up your nearest B-road or scare your nana, but for day-to-day running about, it’s lively enough.
The DSG 'box shifts slickly when you’re pootling, though it does get a bit flustered when you stamp on the throttle, that said, once it gets its act together, there’s a decent amount of pull and the turbo kicks in with a respectable surge. It’s quiet too, most of the time. You’ll only really hear the engine if you’re ragging it, which, let’s be honest, you won’t be in a 1.5 eTSI.
Handling-wise, it’s a CUPRA, so you’d expect a bit of sportiness. And yep, it’s there… somewhere. Body roll is minimal for something this tall, and steering is reasonably precise. In Comfort mode, the suspension does a decent job of soaking up potholes and sleeping policemen. Sport mode stiffens things up, but unless you enjoy your fillings rattling, leave it in Comfort and enjoy the ride.
Compared to its sibling, the Formentor, the Terramar is more mature, less eager. The Formentor is like a pup tugging on the lead; the Terramar is the dog who knows there’s a biscuit at home and doesn’t rush.
Off-Road Capability: Soft-Roader Territory
Right, let’s not mince words: this ain’t no rock-crawler. You’re not going to throw it down Strata Florida or head up an unsurfaced Lake District pass with reckless abandon. It’s front-wheel drive only in this trim, and while the mild hybrid system adds a smidge of torque fill, there’s no real off-road gubbins like a locking diff or hill descent control.
But, for gentle green lanes, campsite tracks, wet grass and those slightly suspect farm shop car parks? It’ll manage just fine. Ground clearance isn’t amazing, so maybe avoid massive ruts or anything that’d leave you beached like a seal.
Tyres are more road-biased than a Sunday driver in a Civic, so don't expect miracles on mud. But with a steady foot and a bit of know-how, it'll take you far enough into the countryside to make your dog happy and your other half question your sense of direction.
Interior Spec & Comfort: Slick, but Cupra-Quirky
CUPRA’s gone all-in with the copper accents, faux suede, and angular design. There’s a definite “sporty lounge bar” vibe, and I’ll admit, it works. The seats in this V2 trim are well-bolstered, heated and very comfy on long drives. They hold you in place nicely when you’re chucking it through bends, too.
The 12.9” infotainment screen looks the business, but, here we go, the some of the heating controls are on the screen. Yep, another victory for style over sensibility. Want to switch the air-conditioning off? Tough. Fancy turning the fan up without diving into a sub-menu? Not today, sunshine.
There’s also the usual haptic volume slider nonsense. It’s not as bad as some VW Group cars, but it’s still nowhere near as user-friendly as a proper dial.
Storage-wise, it’s solid. There’s a decent glovebox, big door bins, wireless charging, and a pair of cupholders that don’t require an instruction manual. Rear seat space is fine for adults, even lanky ones, and the panoramic roof (optional) doesn’t eat too much headroom.
Practicality: Dog-Friendly Enough
The boot’s a decent size at just under 550 litres, though there’s a slight lip to lift stuff over. Getting a muddy dog in the back isn’t too tricky, especially with the seats down. The rear bench folds 40:20:40, which is handy when you’ve got long stuff to carry alongside a passenger or two. There’s enough room for camping gear, chairs, stoves, and a crate of pies without needing Tetris skills. There’s also a bit of space where the spare tyre should be.
There’s no 12V sockets though, which is a shame if you’re running a coolbox or inflating an airbed, or in my case looking for somewhere to plug my Garmin Tread 2 into. Still, the boot floor is flat, the opening is wide, and with a rubber liner fitted, it’s a fine place for soggy spaniels or dripping hiking boots.
Fuel Efficiency: Decent… for a Petrol
Thanks to the mild-hybrid wizardry, official figures claim around 45-50mpg combined. In real-world use, expect 40mpg on a gentle run and closer to 36mpg if you’re fully loaded and driving like you’re late for the chippy.
Emissions are sensible enough to keep company car tax folk from weeping, and for private buyers, road tax isn’t too savage. Just don’t expect diesel-level economy if you’re hauling a trailer or doing big motorway miles.
Compared to the CUPRA Formentor, it’s a bit more efficient in stop-start traffic, and the start-stop system is slick enough not to make you shout at it.
How It Drives Everywhere Else
Motorways? Comfortable. Quiet. Lane-keep assist can get a bit shouty, but the Terramar cruises effortlessly, and the adaptive cruise (standard on V2) is ace once you get used to it.
Country roads? It holds its own. Quick enough to overtake tractors without planning an itinerary, and stable through bends. Though you’ll feel the front-wheel drive limits if you push it too hard in the wet.
Town? Easy to manoeuvre, decent visibility (apart from the thick rear pillars), and the parking sensors and camera are standard on V2 trim, no annoying “you’ve not paid extra so good luck reversing” shenanigans.
The brakes are progressive, the ride is refined, and it’s just... pleasant. Not pulse-quickening, but sorted. Like a really nice pair of walking boots.
The Tech Bit: Can I Switch Off the Nannying?
Yes, but. CUPRA’s safety systems are many and persistent. Lane assist reactivates every time you restart the car, and finding the right menu to switch it off, thankfully, doesn’t involve some touchscreen spelunking (good word, that). Instead there’s a button on the steering wheel that you press once, that takes you to a small on/off menu on the screen - quite easy.
Adaptive cruise is fine, blind spot monitoring is helpful, and emergency braking works, though it’s quite eager, but y’know, it’s doing its job.
Verdict
The 2025 CUPRA Terramar V2 1.5 eTSI is a bit like that one mate who turns up to a muddy walk in white trainers, you know they’re not really built for it, but they’ll give it a go, and they look good doing it.
For the average UK buyer who wants a sporty-looking SUV with decent space, good manners on the road, and the ability to handle a bit of countryside, the Terramar makes sense. It’s not as shouty as the Formentor, and not as vanilla as a Tiguan. Think of it as a halfway house, sensible shoes wrapped in a fancy coat.
If you’re looking for a family car that can cope with dogs, kids, camping trips and soggy hillwalks, and you’re not too fussed about climbing rocks or braving ruts, the Terramar V2 might just hit the sweet spot. Just don’t expect dials. CUPRA doesn’t do dials anymore.