CUPRA Terramar vs smart #1
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The CUPRA Terramar starts from $53,990 before on-road costs, while the smart #1 opens at $54,900. That makes the CUPRA Terramar the more affordable entry point by $910.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $59,389 and $60,390 respectively.
The smart #1 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The CUPRA Terramar, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the CUPRA Terramar and smart #1 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the CUPRA Terramar and 96% for the smart #1.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 9 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the CUPRA Terramar and 7 in the smart #1.
Feature Showdown
The CUPRA Terramar features a 12.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the smart #1 gets a 12.8-inch display and 9.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The smart #1 counters with wireless charging and Beats audio that the CUPRA Terramar does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the CUPRA Terramar gets synthetic leather upholstery while the smart #1 offers leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the CUPRA Terramar and 2-zone in the smart #1.
Drivetrain
The CUPRA Terramar uses a 4-cyl Turbo Petrol MHEV producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.3 seconds.
The smart #1 responds with a Electric making 200kW and 343Nm, paired to a single-speed automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds.
The smart #1 has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the smart #1 is 2.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The CUPRA Terramar measures 4,519mm long on a 2,681mm wheelbase, 249mm longer than the smart #1 at 4,270mm (2,750mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the smart #1 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 508L in the CUPRA Terramar and 203L in the smart #1, giving the CUPRA Terramar a 305L advantage.
For towing, the CUPRA Terramar leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.1m to 11.4m
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (CUPRA Terramar) vs 5 years / 150,000km (smart #1). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the CUPRA Terramar if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer CUPRA's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the smart #1 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer smart's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The CUPRA Terramar and smart #1 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. If boot space matters, the CUPRA Terramar has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, CUPRA Terramar and smart #1?
The CUPRA Terramar is the cheapest at $53,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the smart #1 by $910.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The CUPRA Terramar uses the least fuel at 5.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — CUPRA Terramar and smart #1 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The CUPRA Terramar has the largest boot at 508L.
Which can tow the most?
The CUPRA Terramar has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The smart #1 makes the most power at 200kW. The smart #1 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.7s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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