Parkers Senior Staff Writer, Graham King (below) is running a Cupra Terramar over an extended period to find out if a performance SUV can better a hot hatchback.

Update 1: Welcome

Introducing the Cupra Terramar 2.0 TSI 265ps VZ2 4-Drive

I shouldn’t like the Cupra Terramar. I don’t really see the point of high-performance family SUVs when a hatchback or estate with the same engine will always be quicker and better to drive. In theory, I would much rather have a Ford Focus ST or Skoda Octavia vRS if I was in the market for a fast family car. Yet I find myself warming to the Terramar.

So, what have we actually got here? It’s a top-spec Cupra Terramar 2.0 TSI 265ps VZ2 4-Drive. Bit of a mouthful, but what that means is we have the most potent pure-petrol engine (a more powerful plug-in hybrid is also available), the sportier trim and most generous equipment packages, and all-wheel drive. I was slightly shocked to see it costs over £50,000, which seems like an awful lot for a mid-size SUV, but it does come loaded with kit.

What you get with the Cupra Terramar VZ2

I wasn’t kidding when I said it comes loaded with kit. Highlights from a long list include:

• 12.9-inch infotainment system touchscreen display
• Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity
• Built-in satnav and DAB radio
• Wireless phone charger
• 20-inch Hadron alloy wheels
• High Canyon leather bucket seats
• Electrically adjustable, heated front seats with memory
• Heated steering wheel
• 10.25-inch digital instrument display
• Sliding/reclining rear seats
• Three-zone climate control
• Head-up display
• Adaptive cruise control
• Front/rear parking sensors
• 360-degree top-down view parking camera

First impressions are good. I like the shape and there are lots of little details to catch the eye, but I wish it was a bolder colour than this Timanfaya Grey to really make them pop. Sadly, no such colour is available. What looks like the boldest colour on the website – Deep Violet – is actually quite dark. Same story with the interior. VZ2 spec comes with Deep Burgundy leather upholstery which is rather darker in reality than on the website. Colour me a bit disappointed. I do like the interior’s copper accents, though. There are assorted textures and shapes that are pleasantly tactile, too.

Having read the full Parkers review of the Terramar, I don’t fundamentally disagree with anything that’s been said about it, though that may change in time. I’m certainly more positive about the infotainment than Deputy Editor Luke Wilkinson, though. I default to Android Auto, so my main interaction with Cupra’s base software is via the driver assist and climate control menus, both of which I find very easy to use.

On the road, the Terramar’s quick and comfy, if not remotely engaging. I’m still experimenting with different combinations of the various settings; I’ll report back when I’ve found my ideal. It dispatches my long motorway commute with ease and doesn’t aggravate my dodgy back. My partner has no complaints about the front passenger seat – a real rarity – and the boot is more than big enough.

Most importantly of all, it’s not yet done anything to annoy me. More than that, there’s just something about it I find quite likeable. Can’t put my finger on what it is yet, but I’ll work that out in due course. It’s even making me rethink my preference for the Focus and Octavia. Will that stick? We’ll find out in the following reports.

Cupra Terramar long term test: scorecard

Model test: 2.0 TSI 265ps VZ2 4-Drive