Cupra Terramar vs GWM Tank 300

What's the difference?

Creating a model-shared product that’s selling into a hotly contested – and crowded – marketplace is a great way to wind up with something derivative and easily overlooked. But Cupra seems to have managed to avoid that with an end result that is distinctive and has its own character within the VW family. In top-shelf VZ form, the Terramar is an entertaining drive and there’s enough driver involvement for it to be short-listed by anybody who values the journey as much as the destination.

The less powerful entry-level S version, meantime, can’t call on the services of that fabulous 2.0-litre engine and, instead, will possibly have a harder job convincing the masses of its worthiness. The lack of all-wheel drive probably won’t count for as much as the 'missing' 85kW (compared with the VZ) and some would-be buyers might find it hard to reconcile a driver’s SUV with the smaller engine in the S. Inside either variant, though, it’s prime family real estate with the clever rear seating and plenty of space and light inside. The value for money equation is pretty handy, too.

But for all that, you get the sense Cupra will need to shout about the Terramar if it’s to be heard over the general din of this fierce market segment. It would be a real shame if this car became simply a part of that background noise.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer with accommodation and meals provided.

The diesel is now the pick of the Tank 300 range. It’s the best fit for this vehicle and offers greater driver engagement than the petrol or hybrid.

It also has genuine off-road chops while still managing to suit family life.

While it could benefit from further refinements to on-road behaviour, cabin noise and the ADAS systems, none of these are deal breakers. 

The fact that it is priced so keenly against some excellent competitors and is stacked with standard gear adds to the Tank 300’s appeal.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.

Depending on which angle you’re looking from, the Terramar has elements of the VW Tiguan and Porsche Macan in the way it sits on the road and in the metal shapes that make up the whole. Interestingly, though, it’s probably genetically closest to the new Audi Q3 alongside which it’s built in Hungary, although there is plenty of new Tiguan in the platform and engineering aspects.

The highlights remain the nth-degree detailing that every current-model Cupra displays, combined with a sensible, practical layout. The detailing extends to what Cupra calls parametric design which, for those with their nerd on, refers to the way the little shapes moulded into the interior fan out and subtly change shape while still continuing the overall pattern.

Think of the way a nautilus shell consists of circular loops but where each one is bigger than the previous. Has car design really come to this? Apparently.

On a more practical level, the sliding rear seat is a master stroke for a vehicle like this one. The two-storey luggage floor is a nice touch, too, although the boot needs to start empty for this to be set up initially. But given Cupra’s place in the scheme of things and its continual hints at cutting-edge technology, you may ask where’s the plug-in hybrid or EV version?

The short answer is production of the plug-in hybrid model starts this week with Australian deliveries due in November this year. And an EV must surely also be on the cards given VW’s announcement that Australia will receive the SUV version of its electric offering, the ID4, and not the hatchback ID3. All of which makes an electric Terramar even more logical. We’ll keep you posted.

The only visible difference between the diesel and the petrol or hybrid 300s is a 2.4T badge. So you get the same boxy exterior as before.

It’s somewhat derivative and gives more than a nod to Jeep, but the design has intent - it looks capable off-road and for most people that’s enough. Luckily it is capable off-road. More on that later.

Inside the upright, shelf-like dash is appealing. I like that everything is nicely integrated, like the dual 12.3-inch screens which flow nicely into one another. 

The big T-shaped three-spoke steering wheel looks cool and the aeronautical air vents are clearly inspired by Mercedes-Benz. 

The chunky metal-look plastic glove box cover adds extra visual flair and the stitching throughout elevates the cabin further.

However, the futuristic looking gear shifter is chunky, takes up too much space and is unnecessary.

There’s an awful lot going on inside the Terramar, stating with all that parametric detailing. But the copper-coloured accents are a genuine point of interest and most of the touchpoints are relatively plush as well as looking good.

Given the side profile of the car and its upswept waistline, you might think the interior would be a bit dark and gloomy. There’s certainly plenty of black on show, but the view out is actually great. Even the typical over-the-shoulder blind-spot isn’t really there.

We managed to sample the entry-level S version and the range-topping VZ and, to be honest, the major difference is the cloth-and-vinyl versus leather seating. The former is okay but never threatens to feel high-end, while the leather in the VZ is quite lovely.

There’s only one catch: If you don’t like burgundy leather, you’re out of luck, because that’s all that’s offered. Optional in the S and V variants, the idea of burgundy leather in, say, a blue car sounds awful, but in the flesh, the colour is quite subtle. Classy, even.

There’s a pair of USB charge ports in the front centre console, and another pair in the rear seat. That rear pew also gets its own climate controls (tri-zone) and central air-vents and there are reading lights as well. It also splits 40/20/40 and the centre armrest folds down to include a pair of cup-holders.

But while the rear seat offers plenty of foot and headroom, knee room is a bit tighter. It’s not terrible, but this car won’t necessarily fit families with older, taller teenage kids. Up front, there’s no shortage of space although the centre console feels quite bulky and definitely separates the front-seat occupants.

You can see and feel a bit of Audi ergonomics rubbing off in the Cupra’s touchscreens and customisable layouts and, as always, we’re big fans of having physical buttons on the centre stack for climate control and other important functions.

The luggage area isn’t huge, but is quite deep and the tailgate has a kick-sensor. Bins at each corner of the cargo area keep smaller items under control, but the inky blackness of the trim in this area means it looks like a black hole when you first open it.

Up front the Tank 300 offers a commanding view of the road and it’s easy to find your perfect driving position thanks to the power-adjustable seats.

Those seats have good side bolstering but could do with a little extra cushioning for the thighs. The Nappa leather-appointed seats in the Ultra look and feel lovely. 

Storage is average for the segment with room for larger bottles and additional flat items in the door pockets, and a well-sized central bin that also houses two cupholders, although they sit low in the cavity and two coffees sit awkwardly together.

The Tank has one USB-C port for charging only but another USB-A port up front for connectivity. You shouldn’t need that given Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is wireless.

Keen off-roaders will have fun with the extensive Tank Expert Mode in the multimedia screen, which allows you to individualise your 4WD experience. 

Beyond that the screen is neatly laid out, responsive and easy to use. GWM has come a long way when it comes to in-car tech. The icons on the digital instrument cluster, however, are still too small.

There’s ample leg room in the rear, with space between my knees (I am 184cm tall) and the rear of the front seat, and enough toe room. It doesn’t feel enormously spacious across the rear row but three kids should be comfy. Headroom is enhanced by a scalloped section of the roof specifically for rear-seat passengers, but it doesn’t leave a huge amount of space for taller people.

The rear seat bench is flat but the backrests have some support and overall the seats back there are comfortable.

You’ll find lower rear-seat air vents, map pockets, a fold-down central arm rest with two cupholders, room for small bottles in the doors and two USB-A ports.

The boot can take 400 litres with all seats up and 1635L with the rear seats folded. That figure is measured from the floor to the top of the rear seats. 

Jeep says the Wrangler has 898L capacity with all seats in place but that is measured from the floor to the roofline.

There is no under-floor storage in the 300’s boot and the full-size spare wheel is housed in traditional 4x4 fashion on the tailgate.

One of the key selling points across GWM’s entire range is value for money, and the Tank 300 has always had that in spades. 

As with the petrol and hybrid 300, the diesel is offered in two well-specified model grades - Lux and Ultra.

At $47,990 drive-away, the Lux diesel is $2000 more than the Lux petrol, but $3000 cheaper than the Lux hybrid. 

The Ultra diesel, at $51,990, is $1000 pricier than the petrol equivalent and $5000 more affordable than the hybrid Ultra.

The GWM Tank 300 diesel Lux is also more affordable than equivalent grades of a number of ladder-frame 4x4 SUV rivals like the Isuzu MU-X, Toyota Fortuner, SsangYong Rexton and the Ford Everest.

It’s also significantly more affordable than the Jeep Wrangler, with the Tank 300 Lux costing about $30,000 less than a Wrangler Unlimited Sport S.

Note however that many of those models - except the Wrangler - have the option of seven seats, whereas the Tank is strictly a five-seat proposition. If you want a third row, check out GWM’s Tank 500.

There are cheaper off-road large SUVs out there – the LDV D90 and Mahindra Scorpio. But the Tank 300 is a more refined and higher-quality offering than those models.

Standard gear in the Lux includes 17-inch alloy wheels, synthetic leather seats and steering wheel, power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, seven-colour ambient lighting, keyless entry and start, a sunroof, power-folding mirrors, paddle-shifters, a nine-speaker audio system with digital radio, built-in sat-nav, and a pair of 12.3 inch digital displays with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

It also gets roof rails, side steps, privacy glass, all-terrain mode selection and a rear diff lock.

The Ultra upgrades to 18-inch wheels, Nappa leather-accented seats, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, more adjustment for the front seats and a memory setting, a massage function for the driver’s seat, a wireless phone charger, 64 colours in the ambient lighting suite, and a nine-speaker premium audio system.

There is nothing obvious missing from the standard features list, but I don’t know why a wireless device charger is limited to the top grade.

The Terramar range features a choice of two petrol engines and driveline layouts, three outputs and even a mild hybrid variant. In fact, the Terramar S which uses the hybrid driveline also happens to be the entry-level version of the car.

Generally, you’d expect the hybrid version of any line-up to be a more expensive option, but in this case, the hybrid system is one of those barely-there set-ups where a 48-volt electric motor – in this case disguised as the car’s alternator – also acts as the starter motor offering a little more 48-volt acceleration when required, and then recouping some otherwise lost during braking. Most drivers would need to be told the car is a hybrid at all.

Power for the S’s 1.5-litre, turbocharged engine tops out at 110kW, while torque peaks at 250Nm and the S is front-wheel-drive. Like the other variants, the S uses a seven-speed dual-clutch auto transmission.

The next step up the Terramar ladder is badged V and it gets a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine with no hybrid assistance, but an output of 150kW and 320Nm. This will be a familiar engine to anybody who has driven a mid-sized product from the Volkswagen family in the last decade or so.

In V form, the Terramar gains a part-time all-wheel-drive system. This is not driver-selectable but instead uses sensors to know when to shift some of the torque to the rear axle. In normal circumstances, the vehicle remains fundamentally a front-wheel drive one, but under full acceleration or on low-friction surfaces, the computer will send the torque rearward to maximise grip.

The range-topper is the Terramar VZ which is endowed with a retuned version of the same 2.0-litre engine in the V, but now punching out 195kW and 400Nm. The driveline is the same as the V’s but the VZ gets a premium brake package and also adds Cupra’s version of adaptive suspension to the mix. The system can adjust the dampers at up to 1000 times per second to provide the feel and feedback the driver chooses via the selectable driving modes.

And if you want even better brakes, there’s an optional braking package for the VZ which adds six-piston front calipers and larger front rotors. You might expect the mild-hybrid version of the Terramar to be a reasonably heavy vehicle, which it is at 1696kg. But it’s a lightweight compared with the rather hefty V at 1794kg and the decidedly portly VZ at 1803kg.

The big news with the Tank 300 is, of course, the new engine.

It is a 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine borrowed from the GWM Cannon and Cannon Alpha utes.

It pumps out 135kW of power and 480Nm of torque. That’s more torque than an MU-X but not as much as an Everest.

It is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and has part-time four-wheel drive. 

If you need to tow, the diesel has a 3000kg towing capacity, which is 500kg more than the hybrid and petrol. It can’t beat the 3.5-tonne towing capacity of the MU-X and the Everest.

Payload has also increased compared with the petrol and hybrid, up from 400kg to 600kg.

GWM says it conducted extensive testing internationally but also in Australia to improve towing performance. There are approximately 20 different parts compared with the other powertrain variants to get the best out of towing in the diesel.

A rear diff lock is standard on both grades while the Ultra gains a front diff lock.

Cupra claims a different combined cycle (urban/extra-urban) fuel consumption number for each of the three engines on offer, starting with the mild-hybrid version’s 5.7 litres per 100km. The mid-spec two-litre claims 7.2 litres per 100km and the high output 2.0-litre carries an 8.2 litres per 100km claim.

The standard 55 litre fuel tank in the S, then, should be good for a theoretical range of around 950km, while the V and VZ with their slightly bigger fuel tanks should be able to cover about 830km and 730km, respectively, between trips to the pump.

It pays to keep in mind, however, that Cupra recommends all three engines are run on the pricier 95-octane fuel, rather than standard 91-octane. That will add a few dollars to every fill, but the efficiency of the engines can’t be faulted.

Interestingly, in a mix of highway and city driving, our test VZ managed about 8.5L/100km which is seriously close to the official combined number. Rarely does any car get that close to its government figure.

The diesel Tank 300 consumes 7.8 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres on the official combined cycle, which is better than the 9.5L figure for the petrol and the 8.4L quoted for the hybrid.

That figure also sits somewhere between a 2.0-litre bi-turbo Everest (7.1L/100km) and a 3.0L MU-X (8.3L/100km).

It has a 75-litre fuel tank and GWM claims an NEDC range of about 950 kilometres. GWM says the Euro 5 engine does not require Adblue.

Given the restrictions of a media launch, we did not obtain real-world fuel use figures.

Let’s start with the S model and its mild hybrid driveline. Frankly, if you can pick this is a hybrid of any sort, you’re doing very well. Sure, any hybrid tech should aim to be as transparent as possible, but this time around, it’s pretty much totally invisible.

So, in the absence of too much electric thrust, the petrol engine is left to do the heavy lifting. And, frankly, with just 110kW to propel it, the 1.5-litre engine has its work cut out. It’s perfectly fine at cruising velocities, but start asking the tough question in hilly country or when powering out of slow corners, and it can all start to feel and sound a bit busy. And yet there’s not the thrust to back up the perception of mechanical activity.

The seven-speed dual-clutch does a good job, but it too is kept mighty occupied by the task of improving velocity. Flapping at the paddle shifters might keep you happy for a while, but the transmission has its own smarts sufficient to make the most of those 110kW.

Which means, of course, the VZ variant is the one for keener drivers. But even then, the excellence of the 2.0-litre turbo when fitted to the Golf GTi is dulled a little when hauling around the Terramar's 1.8 tonnes. It still feels pretty perky, however, and this is certainly not a comparison between a very fast Golf and an SUV, so it’s fair to say the Terramar VZ gets along pretty well.

Again, the dual-clutch auto is your friend, although we reckon its shifts and shift-patterns might have been backed off a little to suit the heavier Cupra.

Ride quality is slightly superior in the S version (18-inch tyres play 20-inch on the VZ) but either specification is tied down pretty well with minimal body roll for this type of vehicle. That plays slightly against outright comfort, but the cabin remains quiet with very little suspension or tyre noise making it inside.

What’s a bit confusing is the way the adaptive dampers have been set-up in the VZ. Rather than using the 'Comfort' drive mode to soften the dampers for small, pattery bumps, Cupra seems to have concentrated on more dramatic, larger wheel movements for the 'Sport' setting. So, the mode-to-mode ride is very, very similar in normal work, but firms up a reasonable amount over longer, swooping bumps that start to use more and more of the available travel.

By far our biggest complaint is that old cracked record about the driver-assistance systems being too insistent. The Terramar is by no means the worst we’ve sampled, but the lane-keeping assistance is over-zealous to the point where you’ll turn it off (defeating the purpose of its inclusion). And the driver distraction alert is just flat out annoying for its habit of confusing any facial expression other than Blue Steel as a clue that you’re nodding off.

I last drove a Tank 300 in late 2023 and it was the hybrid variant. While the hybrid has some positives, its driving characteristics were not high on that list.

It had an erratic throttle response, hesitation on take-off and it felt underdone.

In contrast, this new diesel variant just feels like the right fit for this SUV. 

There is slight lag accelerating from a standing start, but the powertrain is torquey and there’s plenty on tap when overtaking or just increasing speed when already on the go. GWM has not provided a 0-100km/h time.

It is clear you’re in a diesel as soon as you turn on the ignition - it has that typical diesel rattle, but it is not as unsophisticated as some oil-burners I have driven.

The cabin could do with some extra insulation with wind and tyre noise detected, but it’s hardly a deal breaker.

Given the vehicle’s size, heft (nearly 2.3-tonne kerb weight) and the fact it’s shaped like a brick, the 300 holds its nerve on winding stretches of road with only a little body roll. In saying that, best not to treat it like a Mini Cooper on your favourite twisty road. 

Ride quality is a bit mixed. We only drove the Ultra on 18-inch wheels and while it manages to soak up bumps, the ride is jittery, and that’s even more evident on uneven road surfaces.

Steering is heavily weighted and a little vague, but fine for a big off-roader, and the brakes need to be pushed hard.

One quirk is the indicator - it appears to be a one-touch setup for indicating to change lanes, but then the indicator stays on. I tried several times to test this, even flicking it to the opposite side to turn it off and it was very stubborn. 

The good news is it appears GWM has toned down the awful indicator sound of its earlier models and is now much more subtle. 

So on-road the Tank 300 is more than competent, and a much nicer vehicle to drive in an urban setting than a Jeep Wrangler, for example.

We also drove it briefly on an off-road trail, and in low range the Tank 300 proved that it can do what it says on the box. 

I’m no off-roading expert and there are much more challenging trails out there, but I had confidence that the Tank 300 would not let me down traversing the many chunky rocks, massive holes and fallen tree limbs.

ANCAP awarded the Tank 300 a five-star crash safety rating from testing done in 2022, scoring highly across all four of the major test categories.

GWM says it is waiting to hear from ANCAP but expects the diesel to be covered by the same rating.

As well as seven airbags including a front centre bag, the Tank 300 has a long list of safety gear covering both the Lux and Ultra. 

There’s a suite of collision mitigation systems that includes auto emergency braking (AEB), lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, emergency lane keep, lane centring, front and rear collision warning, front and rear cross-traffic alert and lane change assist.

It also has driver fatigue monitoring, a rear seat child monitor, door opening warning, adaptive cruise, traffic sign recognition and hill-descent control.

I noted this in my recent GWM Haval H6 GT PHEV review, but GWM has made consistent tweaks to improve its advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS) and as a result they are less intrusive than they were when the Tank 300 launched in 2023.

There is still the occasional tugging of the wheel but it’s much less of a tug-of-war than it once was.

For the first 45 minutes of our test drive there was an annoying beep every 10 seconds that my co-driver and I could not identify. There was no icon on the driver display to indicate that it was a lane departure warning or speed limit alert, but eventually it just stopped. We still have no idea what it was but it was, thankfully, not present in the vehicle we drove in the second half of the launch drive.

Cupra’s standard five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty applies to the entire Terramar range. While that’s a decent amount of cover, it trails some of the cheaper brands out there with seven, eight or even 10-year warranties.

The Terramar also comes with five years' of roadside assistance including extras like emergency accommodation, towing and even car rental should the unthinkable happen.

Cupra also offers capped-price servicing packages for the Terramar, with an option of three- and five-year plans. The first three years of servicing can be pre-paid at the time of purchase for $1490, while five years' of servicing costs $2590. That’s based on the Terramar’s 15,000km or 12 months service intervals.

GWM covers the Tank 300 with its seven-year/unlimited-kilometre new-vehicle warranty, which is an impressive offer.

You are covered for seven years of roadside assist and the Tank is offered with a seven-year capped-price servicing program.

GWM is yet to confirm the Tank 300 diesel’s servicing offer (including pricing), but expect a service schedule similar to the Cannon ute with the same powertrain.

That means the first service might be required at 5000km or six months and beyond that it will need a service every 12 months or 10,000km, whichever occurs first.