The all-new Cupra Terramar mid-size SUV will add a ‘VZe’ 200kW plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant with over 100km of electric range before year’s end, finally giving the Volkswagen Group a PHEV in the mid-size SUV space in Australia.
Cupra Australia head of product Jeff Shafer confirmed local-spec Terramar VZe vehicles are now in production at the Hungarian factory (shared with Audi) from which it’s sourced for Australia, and are scheduled to arrive here in November.
Full pricing and specifications for the PHEV are still to be confirmed, but it will complete the four-strong lineup and likely be positioned in line with the $73,490 drive-away Terramar VZ petrol variant. For reference, the 200kW e-Hybrid is actually cheaper in the UK after on-road costs than the equivalent 195kW 2.0 TSI.
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The Terramar VZe will be powered by the beefier 1.5 e-Hybrid drivetrain already available overseas and in other VW Group models, quoting system outputs of 200kW and 400Nm.
Drive is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic, while the 25.8kWh (gross) lithium-ion battery allows 69-72 miles (111-115km) of WLTP-certified electric driving.
While it’s technically the most powerful Terramar variant available, the 200kW e-Hybrid’s front-drive layout means it’s not quite as quick as its all-wheel drive turbo-petrol contemporary.
Cupra claims a 7.3-second 0-100km/h sprint time, compared to the VZ’s 5.9 seconds.
The Terramar will be Cupra’s second model to offer the VW Group’s second-generation plug-in hybrid system for vehicles based on the MQB platform, following the Leon Sportstourer in October.
Cupra continues to lead the VW Group’s erm… charge towards electrifying its models in the mainstream segments, now offering mild-hybrid (MHEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and all-electric (EV) products across several segments.
The Spanish brand has pipped Volkswagen and Skoda locally in offering both MHEVs and PHEVs, despite a catalogue of options being available in overseas markets.
Using the Terramar alone as an example, it offers the 1.5 eTSI mild-hybrid and will soon have the 1.5 e-Hybrid PHEV in Australian showroom, whereas the VW Tiguan with which it shares its underpinnings currently offers no electrified options locally – though the same mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains are available in the VW overseas.
Stay tuned to CarExpert for our Australian first drive review of the Cupra Terramar on August 7.