CUPRA TERRAMAR

Petrol SUV delivers great practicality with a dose of Latin flair

- Darren Wilson

OUR Cupra Terramar could be described as the lively sibling in a line-up of Volkswagen Group five-seat SUVs. Youthful, aggressive lines with stylish exterior light assemblies present funky yet flashy signatures upon locking, helping it stand out in the local supermarket car park. But, is it a case of style over substance when it comes to ticking the boxes of a working family SUV? So far, I've found the Terramar extremely practical. I've been lucky enough to have two recent holidays that required airport runs, and comfortably accommodated four adults along with multiple cases, rucksacks and coats. A fifth person and luggage would have been achievable, but with some creative packing.

The 540-litre boot has a removable floor that can be set on two levels. Our car has no spare wheel, so by dropping the floor, I can stand luggage up without removing the parcel shelf or sliding the seat forward. For everyday use I raise the base a notch and use that underfloor space for bags, picnic blankets, wellies and spare waterproofs – the kind of essentials an outward-bound family likes to keep handy, but without cluttering up the boot.