SEAT's performance and electrified car brand, which will keep its legacy alive as the Spanish automaker is reportedly leaving its vehicle-making past behind, Cupra, is doing very well for itself. In fact, it's doing so well that it is on the verge of launching more rides.
Based on the Volkswagen ID.4 and featuring youthful styling, the Tavascan is one of them, and so is the Terramar, which builds on the latest-generation Volkswagen Tiguan.
Previewed by a concept in 2022, the Cupra Terramar has been recently spied in northern Sweden. The prototype had vinyl stickers with a trippy pattern wrapped around its body and a pair of spotlights attached to the grille that will not make their way to the production version.
A few things changed compared to the study, like the pointy headlamps that have different graphics. It has a similar grille and a wider air intake below it, tinier side vents, and a muscular hood with a pair of creases on it. The profile looks about the same, and it has a new rear bumper and an upright tailgate that looks very clean.
Photo: SH Proshots
It's been reported that the Terramar could launch with the same engines as its German cousin. The new Tiguan comes with a pair of 1.5L units, two 2.0L turbocharged gasoline mills with the punchiest steaming out 265 ps (261 hp/195 kW), a 2.0-liter TDI diesel, and a pair of plug-in hybrids, rated at 204 and 272 ps (201-268/150-200 kW) combined.
If Cupra's upcoming high-rider gets the PHEVs, too, then it might offer a similar battery-electric range of 62 miles (100 km) with the 19.7 kWh battery fully charged. The Spanish automaker might give it an even punchier powertrain to separate it from its Volkswagen cousin. That would be the logical move, even if there is nothing yet to suggest it. All versions will feature a dual-clutch automatic transmission, and the all-wheel drive system will be reserved for the upper specs.
When will the Spanish car manufacturer expand its high-riding portfolio with the Terramar? Everything points to the model being unveiled in a few months and launching before the end of the year with most powertrain options. Full details about it will be announced in due course, but as we already told you, we know what to expect from it.
Do you know what other model will use this architecture and perhaps certain powertrains? The third-generation Audi Q3, which is in the testing and fine-tuning phase, featuring split headlamps and an overall familiar styling. The four-ring brand's all-new premium subcompact crossover is expected in a few months, likely launching in the United States as a 2025 model. Cupra was once interested in bringing its products to the New World, too, but the official decision is still pending.
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
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