SUV | On the road

A sleek, green SUV parked on a road with a grassy background and bare trees.

CUPRA Terramar TRIBE EDITION

By Bill McCarthy

Making a model stand out from the crowd is perhaps what automotive manufacturers constantly strive to achieve. In the world of the ubiquitous SUV, that’s a task and a half – but with the CUPRA Terramar’s paintwork options, the brand has given it a certain X factor. Well, it did for me anyway.

Standard versions cement the brand’s reputation as the sporty arm of the VW Group. Not cheap, though – premium matt choices can add more than £1,000 to the price tag. The Terramar has arrived to challenge the established order of the mid-size SUV segment. This particular model – the TRIBE EDITION – with its Manganese Green Matte paint and aggressive styling, delivers a stylish SUV alternative.

How does it look

The “TRIBE” designation isn’t just a trim level; it’s the brand’s marketing strategy to build a sense of belonging among its drivers. You know, a tribe. The matt green paint shifts subtly under different light. Not everyone likes matt paint – it’s a divisive choice – but this one adds a certain subtle quality. 20-inch alloy wheels in matt black with green-tinted accents complete the look. The trade-off is that matt finishes are trickier to clean and maintain, and repair work is best left to a specialist and can be expensive. It’s a brave choice.

Otherwise, the profile is striking – with flowing lines from the shark-nose front to the tapered rear, where the sporty CUPRA badge is prominent around the rear light clusters.

Front view of a green car parked on a gravel surface surrounded by trees in a natural setting on a cloudy day.

A sleek, green SUV parked on a road, showcasing modern design and stylish black and gold wheels, with trees and grass in the background.

Stylish interior

For this model, you have to love green, because the colour dominates inside, with unique sporty green bucket seats which are heated and electrically adjustable with driver memory. They feature green stitching and detailing. Rear space is adequate rather than generous, with the sloping profile lowering headroom slightly.

The brain of the car is an intuitive central touchscreen that controls major functions like infotainment, connectivity and various apps.

Also standard is a heated leather sports steering wheel, three-zone climate control, and the Sennheiser audio system with 10 speakers.

Safety is comprehensive with the brand’s Intelligent Drive pack featuring a head-up display, Top View 360-degree camera, and Intelligent Park Assist and a host of safety measures.

Performance, economy and practicality

Under the bonnet lies a 2.0-litre TSI engine producing 204 PS and 250 Nm of torque, sent to all four wheels via the 4Drive system and a 7-speed DSG automatic. It’s a powerful unit that propels the Terramar to 62 mph in 8.3 seconds and a top speed of 127 mph. However, it does feel refined, and if you like a growl, it features an artificial “soundscape” through the interior speakers in sportier modes.

The WLTP fuel economy of 35.3–37.2 mpg seems reasonable, though 172 g/km CO₂ emissions are a reminder of its sporting nature. In real-world driving, I only got around 32 mpg at best – so don’t expect to match official figures unless you’re very gentle with your right foot.

Sporty but still practical, it has a maximum 540-litre boot, and the sliding rear bench adds flexibility. It passed the weekly tip run with flying colours with the rear seats down – a proper test of any family SUV.

Ride and handling

The 4Drive system adds genuine traction and confidence in bad weather, and delivers extra stability. I was impressed with the handling around tight Shropshire country roads and hills, feeling limpet-like with nicely weighted steering that responded well. This was borne out on challenging B-roads, where the car felt well balanced with the drive always in control. The ride errs on the firm side, which keeps body roll in check through corners but can make rougher road surfaces feel more pronounced, although it will hardly rattle your fillings.

Bear in mind

There is a more powerful version, with a firecracker 265 hp version of the Volkswagen Golf R engine – good for 0–62 mph in just 5.9 seconds. That’s if you are less worried about economy, because these petrol models like a drink.

There’s also the UK’s “expensive car” tax supplement. Cars with a list price over £40,000 face a significant road tax surcharge in years two to five, and only the entry-level 1.5-litre mild-hybrid sneaks under at around £38,015. This version didn’t,, so you’ll be paying the higher rate.

The Verdict

This SUV delivers strong performance, distinctive looks, real practicality and a rewarding drive. It’s pricey and thirsty, but around Shropshire’s lanes, it felt every bit the driver’s SUV – with traffic-stopping looks. And in this case, you need to love green.

Factfile

Model: CUPRA Terramar TRIBE EDITION 2.0 TSI 204 PS 4Drive
Price: £48,350 (£49,455)
Mechanical: 204 PS, 2.0-litre turbo petrol, driving all four wheels via a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission
Max speed: 127 mph
0 to 62 mph: 8.3 sec
Combined mpg: 37.2 mpg (WLTP)
Insurance group: 30E
CO₂ emissions: 172 g/km
BIK rating: 37%
Warranty: 5 yrs/90,000 miles

Volkswagen T-Roc 1.5 eTSI

By Bill McCarthy

Volkswagen’s T-Roc has been a smart, compact SUV since it hit the roads– and the new 2026 version is no different. Well, actually, it is. The latest version comes with a revised design inside and out, a significant increase in size and interior space, new drivetrain options, and the latest Volkswagen technologies and assistance systems.

Exterior design

The T-Roc has been a massive success for Volkswagen, with over two million sold since 2017. This new model sits on the latest MQB evo platform, bringing clever chassis and tech upgrades from its bigger siblings – including ‘big car’ assistance systems like Travel Assist and Park Assist Pro (optional on Style and R-Line).

It’s 122 millimetres longer, with a stretched wheelbase, and you feel the difference the moment you climb in. The exterior is clean and modern, with a stylish, dynamic profile.

I spent a week in the Life trim, the entry point to the range. It’s not the flashiest but it ticks most boxes, especially on price. Standard 17-inch alloys and understated body styling give it a neat, tidy look that ages well.

LED headlights are standard, and I really like the illuminated Volkswagen badge and light arrays at both ends. At night, it glows and gives the whole car a premium feel – the kind of detail that makes you turn back for a second glance after parking up

Interior and practicality

Step inside, and the improvements are obvious. The previous T-Roc had a cabin that felt a bit low rent in places, with harsher plastics. Not anymore. Materials are noticeably better, and everything you touch feels solid – the steering wheel, gear selector, door pulls – all with that reassuring Volkswagen heft. No noticeable creaks or rattles. It feels built to last.

The tech is a big step forward too. There’s an eight-inch digital cockpit and a huge 12.9-inch touchscreen in the centre of the dash, controlling everything from an upgraded infotainment to smartphone connectivity and nav capability, giving a premium feel to the interior

The extra size also pays off in practicality. There’s more rear legroom, more shoulder space, and a boot that’s grown to 475 litres – 1,350 litres with the seats folded. I shifted a ton of stuff on a couple of tip runs – not bad for something that still looks compact. The rear backrest is a bit upright, but for most journeys, it’s fine.

Powertrain and performance

There are two eTSI mild-hybrid turbocharged petrol engines, with outputs of 116 PS and 150 PS. Driven here is the more powerful version, which features a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This gives a torque boost when pulling away and lets the car coast with the engine off at speed.

The official 0–62 time is 8.9 seconds, but it feels quicker. Off the mark, it’s genuinely sprightly, and the seven-speed DSG kicks down with real urgency when overtaking – especially in Sport mode. The car feels eager, willing, and more responsive than its power output suggests.

Cylinder deactivation helps economy too. Under light load, it shuts off two cylinders, and I saw 45–50 mpg across a variety of roads – impressive for a petrol SUV.

On the road

The standard suspension and 17-inch alloys soak up bumps and potholes comfortably except on the worst of roads.

On the road, the T-Roc handles exactly as you’d expect from Volkswagen. Steering is well-weighted and direct, plenty of grip, and body roll is kept in check despite the higher ride height. It’s not a Golf GTI – it doesn’t pretend to be – but it strikes a fine balance between comfort and agility. The cabin is quiet too, with most wind and tyre noise kept outside.

It’s predictable, safe, and easy to place on the road. You don’t have to think about it – and sometimes that’s the highest praise you can give. On testing country lanes in the Peak District, it performed admirably, gripping well on tight bends and offering good steering feedback.

Safety and assistance systems

Standard safety kit includes Front Assist with autonomous emergency braking, Lane Assist, and a rear-view camera. Optional Travel Assist – available on Style and R-Line – combines adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping for semi-autonomous motorway driving, while Park Assist Pro handles steering, acceleration, and braking for parallel and bay parking.

Value for money

The Life trim starts at around £31,635, which feels reasonable. But this model, with a few extras – the Technology Pack, Winter Pack, upgraded LED Plus headlights, and ambient lighting – came in at £37,795. That’s a big jump, and it puts the T-Roc in seriously competitive territory.

For that money, you’re looking at capable rivals from Hyundai, Kia, Toyota, and Mazda – many of which undercut the Volkswagen on price and offer longer warranties. You’re paying for that badge, build quality, and solid German feel. If you want the most kit for the least cash, the Koreans and now the Chinese are the ones to beat. If you want the nicest place to sit and the most polished driving experience, the T-Roc is a fine offering.

Verdict

The T-Roc won Best Small SUV at the 2026 What Car? Awards, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s bigger, better built, and more efficient than the car it replaces. It feels quicker than it should, looks the part, and upholds the build quality that’s made me a fan of the brand for years. It’s not cheap, and the competition is fierce – but if you can stretch to it, the T-Roc makes a strong case.

Factfile

Volkswagen T-Roc 1.5 eTSI Life
Price: £37,795 (as tested with options); from £33,700 OTR
Mechanical: 150 PS, 1,498cc, 4cyl turbocharged petrol engine with 48V mild-hybrid system, driving front wheels via 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox
Max speed: 132 mph
0-62mph: 8.9 seconds
Economy: 45-51 mpg (WLTP combined)
CO2 emissions: 128 g/km
Insurance group: 16-19
BIK rating: 31%
Warranty: 3 years / 60,000 miles

On the road

Category Archives: SUV

Eyecatching matt green style meets AWD muscle