CosmicBlue

Enjoying retirement
Nov 25, 2023
139
102
Warwick, UK
Have had my '23 plate VZ2 300PS Ateca since January 2024 and covered around 35,000 miles, has been a great car, reasonably good on fuel (avg mid 30s), fairly reliable too.

Have been pondering an EV but after extensive investigation I concluded as a retired private individual aged 68 who wasn't going to lease a vehicle, preferring instead an outright purchase that the current battery technology is going to continue to date (and depreciate) very rapidly as solid-state batteries become a reality, most likely late '26 onwards....so sticking with a good old ICE motor was the way to go. Hybrids/Plugin Hybrids get back into the excessive weight issue, 2.5 tonne vehicles are quite common...Nah, we aren't there yet - again.

Happened upon the Terramar, loved the front end looks, less so with the back, perhaps it will grow on me - mind you I didn't like that Ateca when I first got it either but grew to like and respect it. Had a conversation with a dealer over used vehicle when the offer was made for a new Terramar, at considerably better commercial terms (cash purchase). Used the tinternet for reviews that generally seemed positive and then signed the order form without even sitting in one...:eek:

Picked it up this afternoon and had quite a surprise of the good variety. The build and material quality of the vehicle is simply stunning, withing 100 yards of leaving the forecourt I was thinking 'Audi' (I've had loads over the years), everything feels like that brand, the way the controls work, weighted, solid, all the trim components ooze quality, its quiet, sophisticated and loaded with tech..I haven't had a head-up-display since a 2018 Audi B9 RS4. I had a gentle drive back, Cupra are quoting 400Nm of torque, same as the Ateca and it is the same effortless drive however the overall refinement is noticeably improved, the interior is a genuinely nice place to be. The upgraded Audio is good, up there with the Bose and B&O systems I've had in the past.

Size-wise, the Ateca's boot-liner (quilted leather item from Amazon) fits perfectly with the rear bench seat furthest back. The dealer even brimmed the fuel tank, the trip computer was suggesting a 620 mile range, seems a bit high, time will tell. Looking forward to exploring the Terramar in more detail.
 
OK, I'm puzzled! Had the Terramar for a couple days, its gorgeous to drive, I hope no one is offended but it feels so 'Audi Q5 like' to drive, solid, smooth, refined with everything your can touch, be it physical materials or controls absolutely oozing quality and thoughtful design.

I can't help wondering why so few are found on the road? Did VAG drop the ball in the marketing department or are they fearful of undermining the Audi brand as the latest Q3 which is very similar under the skin (built in the same factory) but much more expensive?
 
I’m glad you’re happy with it. It’s a cracking car. Enjoy!

Oh btw, does yours have acoustic (sort of double glazed) glass? I’m wondering if the upgraded audio comes with it in the UK but couldn’t find anything that says either way.
 
OK, I'm puzzled! Had the Terramar for a couple days, its gorgeous to drive, I hope no one is offended but it feels so 'Audi Q5 like' to drive, solid, smooth, refined with everything your can touch, be it physical materials or controls absolutely oozing quality and thoughtful design.

I can't help wondering why so few are found on the road? Did VAG drop the ball in the marketing department or are they fearful of undermining the Audi brand as the latest Q3 which is very similar under the skin (built in the same factory) but much more expensive?
I've just bought a V2. Retail is over 40k, all the cars i was looking at are over 40k and if they aren't 'premium' retail buyers aren't biting. The Quashqui has a new N Design model to get around that for Epower cars - tenkna plus interior amd exterior but less kit. I get the impression buyers get enough from the Formentor to not need the terramar. I think customers are heading to BMW and Audi at one end and Tiguan / Tuscon if they really want space and then the Chinese are eating everyone's lunch.

There's a few pre reg kicking around and strong deals on new cars but not anymore than everyone else. No one was making offers on Car Wow, so is it poor sales or strategy to not be chasing volume?