What's the difference?
We’ve waited more than two years and it’s finally here.
Cupra has introduced the updated version of its most popular car in Australia, the Formentor.
A spicy small SUV rival to the likes of the Mini Countryman, BMW X2 and Audi Q3, among others, this design-led small SUV is now offered in more flavours than ever before.
It’s our first time testing out this updated Formentor on local soil, so read on to see how it stacks up.
There aren’t many cars like the new Cupra Terramar VZe as it’s a mid-size plug-in hybrid flagship that sits firmly at the premium end of the mainstream market. That’s either a huge advantage… or it’s not.
Because when you don’t have a clear set of rivals, you tend to stand out.
There are alternatives, of course. Things like the BYD Sealion 6 Premium, Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid, GWM Haval H6 GT, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Volkswagen Tiguan eHybrid - but they each approach this space a little differently, whether it’s in pricing, positioning or execution.
Which leaves the Terramar VZe carving out a niche for itself. So the question is, does this plug-in hybrid make a compelling case?
It’s clear that Cupra has listened to feedback as this updated Formentor addresses many key criticisms of the pre-update car. Overall it makes it easier to live with and to recommend than before.
Although the VZe's updated PHEV powertrain offers double the amount of electric range, the V forms as a sweet spot of the line-up as it offers all the power and equipment you'd ever need. It's hard to look past the top-spec VZx though as power is a drug.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.
The Cupra Terramar VZe looks fantastic on the road and confidently handles most things you throw at it. The plug-in hybrid set-up offers a nice blend of performance and efficiency. But… when you start digging into the price and ownership promise and what you do (and don’t) get for your money, it doesn’t always feel like the most compelling package. Sexy and sporty? Definitely. Value-for-money? Mmm.