A leather and stereo-upgrade option for the S and V versions costs $1600 (it's standard on the VZ) while the panoramic sunroof on any variant is a $2000 option. The VZ model can also be optioned with performance brakes including six-piston calipers and drilled rotors for an extra $4200. A tow-bar, roof-rack, mud-flaps, cargo mat and car cover are also available from Cupra dealers.

Slick detailing is the name of the game inside the Terramar. Cupra claims the use of parametic design, which relates to the way the patterned surfaces change subtly to form new patterns. Most won't notice it. Despite the sweeping exterior styling, vision out of the cabin is good. Legroom in the rear seat will be the limiting factor but it's still pretty good. Tri-zone climate control is a nice touch.

The Terramar range opens with the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder in the S with a mild-hybrid add-on in the form of a 48-volt alternator. Power is 110kW and 250Nm. The V gets a 2.0-litre turbo engine with no hybrid function, but 150kW and 320Nm. The VZ has the same 2.0-litre as the V, but in a different state of tune for 195kW and 400Nm.

Despite the Cupra's European badge, the basic seating trip remains cloth rather than leather. You can choose leather trim, but it's a $1600 option that also comes with a stereo upgrade. Only the top-shelf VZ version has standard leather. Front seats in the Terramar are powered, heated and have a memory function. The rear seat can be slid forward to improve cargo space.

Claimed acceleration figures start with the S version's 0-100km/h time of 9.7 seconds. The V variant's larger engine slices that to 7.1 seconds and the VZ version with the highest output claims just 5.9 seconds for the 100km/h dash.

The hybrid S variant is king here, even with its smaller, 55-litre fuel tank. Thanks to its overall efficiency, it should be capable of 900-plus km journeys between fill-ups. The bigger engine in the V and VZ is offset by a slightly bigger, 60-litre fuel tank. Theoretical ranges are more than 800 and 700km, respectively.