First Drive: Cupra strikes a distinctive note with the Terramar

But Cupra already has a number of SUV and crossover offerings, so what can the Terramar really bring to the table? We’ve been finding out.

But underneath its striking exterior sits a tried-and-tested platform. It’s a version of the Volkswagen MQB Evo, similar to that used under cars like the Volkswagen Tiguan. As a result, the Terramar is available with a good – and familiar – line-up of engines.

But the one we’re testing is a little more traditional. It’s a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine similar to the one you’ll find in the Volkswagen Golf GTI. With 261bhp, it’s one of the more potent Terramar engine options and is good to get this car from 0-60mph in 5.7 seconds. As a result, however, it’s not one of the most efficient with Cupra claiming 33.2mpg.

It maintains its composure through the bends, too, with only the slightest amount of lean being present. As in other Volkswagen Group products, this 2.0-litre engine feels strong and purposeful, though the level of gearbox lag is an annoying negative – try to make a quick entrance onto a roundabout, for instance, and the Terramar takes an age to get going before eventually lurching forward. Putting the car into a sportier mode helps reduce this, but it’s still present even then.

Our only issue is that – to our eyes – there’s not enough distinction between Cupra’s vehicles. The front end of the Terramar looks very close in design to the Formentor or Tavascan and that just makes it more difficult for each car to have its own identity.

But there are decent levels of space and the material quality is good, too. Two large cupholders up front are aided by well-sized door bins and this helps to make the whole car more practical. At 540 litres, the Terramar’s boot feels a bit under rival offerings but, remove the false boot floor and this increases to a very usable 642 litres.

Got the need for speed and want this higher-powered version, however? It’ll cost from £45,095 but does bring added features such as 19-inch alloy wheels, variable LED headlights which can ‘split’ beams depending on if there’s a car in front and adaptive chassis control. Though better equipped, this version will be heavier on fuel, of course, and we’d expect lower-powered versions – and the plug-in hybrid – to prove more popular as a result.

The Terramar sits within a heavily contested segment with rivals coming from all angles. In many areas, it stands out well, with this car’s exterior design and smartly-finished interior making a big impact. We’d like a few more physical controls, but that’s a criticism which could be levelled at many cars on sale today.

Does the Terramar go far enough in establishing itself as something different? Not quite. But as a usable and practical crossover, it’s likely to offer more than enough for most.