265PS VZ2 Terramar - Glacial White/Pan Roof/Sennheiser audio/Spare wheel
So the back end of October '25 saw me pick up a VZ2 265PS Terramar from Listers in Worcester, didn't bother with a road-test, extensive reviews on-line were enough. Initial impressions were that it drove like an Audi - extremely refined, feels rock solid with thoughtful touches in the design - it shares much with the 2025 Audi Q3 so not unexpected.
The Terramar is a decent vehicle, much like the VZ2 300PS Ateca it replaced - it's not trying to be something that it isn't, is just well built and practical for day to day use. Sitting on 20" rims one would expect a harsh ride and yet the dual-valve dampers do a great job of smoothing out all but the worst road surfaces, rear seat passengers comment that it is noticeably more comfortable in the rear than the Ateca.
The handling is excellent, corners flat and is genuinely good fun to drive. I have the suspension set to Comfort and the Indvidual mode set with the mildest options too. I'm not a fan of the fake engine noise option. The cabin is very quiet, no doubt enhanced by the acoustic glass, a couple of EV owner passengers have asked if it was an EV and are surprised to learn that there is a 2.0 petrol lump up front. Performance is good, should one indulge in a traffic light sprint then it is plenty quick enough, the rear axle Haldex wakes up for maximum traction, gone!
The vehicle software/user interface works well - it has been subject to numerous software patches, sometimes two in a day but more likely one a week - the only indication being that there is a message about updating user settings. The reality being that it is a clumsily worded system message about applying user settings when the update is actually going to overwrite/set to default the settings held in volatile memory. For the most part the s/w updates have been unobtrusive with the exception of the matrix headlights - would go from brilliant to 1970s era halogens back to excellent and then something in between.
The function button on the steering wheel that enables on to disable the Speed Limit warning and Lane Assist is welcome, the software updates seem to have addressed the over zealous autonomous braking issue that many have reported - now that big red warning message with a loud tone is activated if the vehicle detects something but it leaves the brakes alone.
The Matrix lights are excellent on country roads, there seems to be some meddling however if one is driving in town, an overkill in an attempt to not dazzle other drivers perhaps, there have been incidents where town-driving at night was worrying - hopefully sorted now.
Fuel economy is pretty reasonable given that the 265PS version isn't labelled as being particuarly eco friendly - day-to-day 32-35mpg, longer runs get nearer 40 - all real world, calculated from brim-to-brim tank refills. A 500+ mile range is possible on a full tank, the capacity is greater than the Ateca. The trip computer is a tad optimistic most of the time.
The upgraded Sennheiser audio is a genuinely impressive system, as I have written previously one can leave the settings in default and enjoy high quality sound, the sub (inside the spare wheel) really packs a punch.
In summary the Terramar is a great vehicle, a nice place to be - day or night and a worthy replacement for the Ateca.
So the back end of October '25 saw me pick up a VZ2 265PS Terramar from Listers in Worcester, didn't bother with a road-test, extensive reviews on-line were enough. Initial impressions were that it drove like an Audi - extremely refined, feels rock solid with thoughtful touches in the design - it shares much with the 2025 Audi Q3 so not unexpected.
The Terramar is a decent vehicle, much like the VZ2 300PS Ateca it replaced - it's not trying to be something that it isn't, is just well built and practical for day to day use. Sitting on 20" rims one would expect a harsh ride and yet the dual-valve dampers do a great job of smoothing out all but the worst road surfaces, rear seat passengers comment that it is noticeably more comfortable in the rear than the Ateca.
The handling is excellent, corners flat and is genuinely good fun to drive. I have the suspension set to Comfort and the Indvidual mode set with the mildest options too. I'm not a fan of the fake engine noise option. The cabin is very quiet, no doubt enhanced by the acoustic glass, a couple of EV owner passengers have asked if it was an EV and are surprised to learn that there is a 2.0 petrol lump up front. Performance is good, should one indulge in a traffic light sprint then it is plenty quick enough, the rear axle Haldex wakes up for maximum traction, gone!
The vehicle software/user interface works well - it has been subject to numerous software patches, sometimes two in a day but more likely one a week - the only indication being that there is a message about updating user settings. The reality being that it is a clumsily worded system message about applying user settings when the update is actually going to overwrite/set to default the settings held in volatile memory. For the most part the s/w updates have been unobtrusive with the exception of the matrix headlights - would go from brilliant to 1970s era halogens back to excellent and then something in between.
The function button on the steering wheel that enables on to disable the Speed Limit warning and Lane Assist is welcome, the software updates seem to have addressed the over zealous autonomous braking issue that many have reported - now that big red warning message with a loud tone is activated if the vehicle detects something but it leaves the brakes alone.
The Matrix lights are excellent on country roads, there seems to be some meddling however if one is driving in town, an overkill in an attempt to not dazzle other drivers perhaps, there have been incidents where town-driving at night was worrying - hopefully sorted now.
Fuel economy is pretty reasonable given that the 265PS version isn't labelled as being particuarly eco friendly - day-to-day 32-35mpg, longer runs get nearer 40 - all real world, calculated from brim-to-brim tank refills. A 500+ mile range is possible on a full tank, the capacity is greater than the Ateca. The trip computer is a tad optimistic most of the time.
The upgraded Sennheiser audio is a genuinely impressive system, as I have written previously one can leave the settings in default and enjoy high quality sound, the sub (inside the spare wheel) really packs a punch.
In summary the Terramar is a great vehicle, a nice place to be - day or night and a worthy replacement for the Ateca.
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