Cupra has locked in Australian pricing and specifications for its new Terramar VZe, the plug-in hybrid flagship of the medium SUV line-up. Arriving in November, the VZe will be priced from $77,990 before on-roads, with drive-away pricing ranging from $82,490 in Queensland to $85,490 in Western Australia.
Sitting above the mild-hybrid Terramar S, turbo-petrol Terramar V and performance-focused Terramar VZ, the VZe is the first of the range to introduce Cupra’s Gen2 plug-in hybrid system.
Pairing a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor, the drivetrain produces 200kW and 400Nm.
Energy is drawn from a 20kWh battery, which supports both 11kW AC and 50kW DC charging, offering up to 110km of electric-only driving on the WLTP cycle, putting it up in the top longest-range PHEVs list. Cupra quotes a combined-cycle fuel consumption of 0.5L/100km, though real-world consumption will vary greatly from this if the battery is not fully charged.
For buyers who cover shorter commutes, the 110km electric-only claim is significant — longer than most rivals in this class — meaning many trips can be handled without starting the petrol engine. Cupra, however, notes that real-world figures will vary depending on conditions and usage.
Acceleration is claimed at 7.3 seconds from 0–100km/h, which puts it comfortably in the performance bracket for the segment while still catering to efficiency-minded buyers.
The VZe inherits the high specification of the Terramar VZ, adding hybrid-specific features. Standard fit includes 20-inch copper-accented alloys, adaptive suspension with Dynamic Chassis Control Pro, and a suite of drive modes including a dedicated e-mode for electric-only running.
Inside, there are Deep Burgundy leather-appointed heated sports seats, a Supersport steering wheel, and a 12.9-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Audio is handled by a 12-speaker Sennheiser system. A head-up display and 10.25-inch digital cockpit are standard, as is a three-zone climate system with rear-seat controls.
Safety coverage is broad, including adaptive cruise control with lane-centring, emergency assist, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and semi-autonomous Travel Assist. A 360-degree camera, self-parking function and blind spot monitoring are included, while seven airbags cover the cabin.
Optional extras include Century Bronze matte paint at $2,900, Dark Void premium paint at $620, and a panoramic sunroof for $2,000.
Cupra is steadily building its presence in Australia. Earlier this year, the brand launched its first battery-electric SUV coupe, the Tavascan, which offers up to 517km of WLTP range and positions Cupra in the premium EV space.
The electric Terramar is also joined by the Cupra Born hatch, the company’s first fully electric model. In our road test, the Born impressed with strong acceleration from its rear-mounted motor, agile handling, and a 511km WLTP claim. The Cupra Leon, which includes the sporty VZx variant, remains in the line-up, combining a 2.0-litre turbo engine with 221kW of power and a driver-focused chassis tune.
Compared with the petrol and mild-hybrid Terramar models, the VZe’s pricing reflects its premium positioning. At nearly $78,000 before on-road costs, it competes with higher-grade versions of mainstream SUVs, as well as entry-level luxury models. Buyers in this segment will weigh the appeal of long electric commuting range and premium equipment against the higher upfront cost.