Cupra Terramar long-term test: report 8

The car Cupra Terramar V2 1.5 e-Hybrid 204PS DSG Run by Stuart Milne, digital editor

Why it’s here To see if the Terramar could be a practical, low-cost Porsche Macan alternative

Needs to deliver the driving experience those looks promise, while being an economical family workhorse

Miles covered 10,474 Price £46,700 Target price £39,999 Price as tested £47,395 Official economy 176.5mpg Test economy 74.3mpg

7 April 2026 – Not charging ahead

Your mileage may vary, so the saying goes. And in terms of cars, that’s never been more relevant than it is for a plug-in hybrid.

I’m a big fan of the latest crop, but as far as I’m concerned, they make the most sense if you’re a company car driver looking to minimise your benefit-in-kind bills, or that you’re willing – and able – to charge up regularly to give the engine as much electrical assistance as possible.

Of course, the fiscal benefits of my Cupra Terramar plug-in hybrid for the company car driver are clear. Its CO2 emissions of 36g/km means it’ll cost the 20% taxpayer £651 per year, while higher-rate taxpayers will pay £1303 in the current tax year. By contrast, the mild-hybrid 1.5-litre model emits 137g/km, and will cost £2640 or £5279, depending on your tax band. 

But it’s the extra oomph from the electric motors that has been at the front of my thoughts this month. That’s because a change of personal circumstances means I’m able to charge my Terramar much less frequently.

I knew the difference in economy between my around-town driving in fully electric mode, and most of my long-distance trips – such as my 160-mile round trip to the office – in hybrid mode would be stark. But even I was surprised that my economy has basically halved. 

You see, over the first 6200 miles, I averaged an impressive 80.7mpg. But during the last 1000-or-so miles and without charging, my economy has tumbled to 44.8mpg. And that means my lifetime average has slipped to 74.3mpg.

The assistance of the motor and the battery with 19.7kWh of usable capacity is, then, vital for economy. But as I’ve mentioned before, that assistance is also helpful to keep the noise levels down.

You see, one of my biggest frustrations during my time with the Terramar is just how thrashy the petrol engine sounds as it passes the 4000rpm mark. Not only does it make a din as you accelerate hard to overtake or to join motorways, but it also feels strained as it does so, feeling like you shouldn’t be pushing it so hard.

I generally drive my family SUV in a fairly sedate manner, but doing so feels at odds with the Terramar’s otherwise sporty persona.

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