Cupra SUV mix gets performance boost

Petrol flagship Terramar gets sweetener injection, writes Tom Sharpe

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Browsing the C-segment SUV market may feel like agonising over the wall of sweets in the local cinema's pick-n-mix aisle but Cupra is confident that its Terramar introduces an enticing new flavour.

Slotting in between its Formentor and all-electric Tavascan, it is the brand's petrol-powered flagship, offering a plugin hybrid drivetrain capable of 70 miles between charges, or turbocharged 1.5or two-litre petrol units.

We tested the 261bhp two-litre 4Drive all-wheel-drive version, which felt in keeping with the Catalonian brand's performance-focussed USP.

The Terramar's powerplant - a detuned version of the Golf R's engine - prioritises mid-range torque, serving up 400Nm from 1,650 to 4,350rpm.

Consequently, 62mph will is possible in 5.9 seconds, alongside a 151mph topspeed.