6 bits of tech to love in the CUPRA e-HYBRID range

50kW DC charging: top up in less than 30 minutes

So how easy is it to charge the lithium-ion batteries in a CUPRA e-HYBRID model? Aside from using a three-pin outlet to do it, you can use a home wallbox charger or public charging stations.

CUPRA cars have a CCS connection which, because it’s a common connector in UK and Europe, will mean you’ll have no problem finding a suitable public charger if you need one when out and about. And, if you’re charging away from home, chances are you’ll want to top up fairly swiftly.

These hybrid models can use up to 50kW when charging the batteries. What does that mean? Well, with this rate of charge in the CUPRA Terramar, you can go from 10% to 80% battery capacity in as little as 26 minutes** – so you don’t need to wait around if you need to get going on your journey.

But, to keep costs down, it’s best to try charging at home when you can. The advantage here is, not only can you keep your car plugged in and ready to charge at your convenience, but you can also get favourable EV tariffs from your energy provider.

Intelligent regenerative braking

But plugging in your car to charge isn’t the only way you can get energy for the batteries. 

When you brake, the energy that’s generated is converted into electricity. This is then diverted to the car’s batteries. This can help reduce operating costs, if only just a little.

But CUPRA hasn’t gone for a one-size-fits-all option for its regenerative braking system, because it’ll adjust the rate of regen depending on the road conditions. So if you have a route set on your sat-nav, it’ll detect opportunities where regen can be maximised – such as braking for a roundabout on a dual carriageway.

Convenience technology

Let’s say you’re getting ready for a trip away. You have a lot of things to put in the boot, including a couple of heavy items. How do you open the tailgate? On select models, you can simply wave your foot under the rear bumper, and the tailgate will open for you – then, when you’re done packing, press a button and the tailgate will close without getting dirt on your hands.

And on those days where you’re running late, you need to take everything with you in one go: bag, water bottle, phone… keys? Don’t worry, as keyless technology will let you into your car without having to drop everything and rummage around your bag or pockets.

When you get going, and you notice your phone is running low on battery and you’ve not got the charging cable to hand, that’s not a problem, either. So long as you’ve got a compatible phone, you just place it on the wireless charging pad in the centre console and it’ll top up in no time.

My CUPRA app: check your car from your phone

If you’re looking to further elevate the perks of plug-in hybrid car ownership, then you’ll be delighted with the My CUPRA app. What’s particularly brilliant is the ability to have your car at the perfect temperature before you even leave the house. On an icy winter morning, your car could be warmed up and fully defrosted before you even get in – and, you can also pre-warm your seat by activating the seat warmers. Then, on those summer days where it’s warm and the car’s been sitting in the sun for a while, you can make the cabin cool and comfortable by turning on the air-con at your preferred temperature with a few taps on your phone.

Before getting in ahead of your next journey, you can evaluate how much charge is in the batteries and – if it’s plugged-in – you can top it up remotely without having to pop out to the car itself. Which, if you’re in the middle of something else, could be hugely convenient.

And, for data fans, you can track your e-HYBRIDs performance using a range of metrics. You can see how far you’ve driven over a certain period, how long it’s taken, and how much battery energy you’ve used. It’s good detail if you just want to know what’s going on, or something you can use to adjust your driving habits to improve efficiency even further.

Tech that makes driving easier and safer

Drivers get more support when they get inside, too, to make the experience behind the wheel that little bit easier. 

On VZ trims, Dynamic Chassis Control, or DCC, will allow you to change the set-up of the car depending on your mood. There are a number of standard modes from which to pick but, if you prefer to use your own settings, you can save it in Individual mode.

You also get assistance out on the open road. Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) will adjust your speed depending on what’s happening ahead – such as slowing down if traffic is building up. Travel assist helps to keep your car centred in its lane to make longer journeys more relaxing, while Lane Assist Plus will warn you when you’re getting close to leaving your lane, but you haven’t signalled your intention. But if you do want to change lanes, then Side Assist will alert you to anyone who’s either sitting just out of sight or is rapidly approaching. 

And when you park up, there’s assistance tech to use then as well. Parking sensors will give you an aural alert to how close you are to your surroundings, but you also get a clearer idea exactly where the edges of your car are by using the rear view camera. Some models also have a 360º camera that gives you a top-down view of your surroundings to make parking truly effortless.