We road test Cupra’s second all-electric model – the slick and sporty Tavascan family coupe-SUV
The Cupra Tavascan is one of many models (as varied as the Audi Q4 e-tron, Skoda Enyaq and Ford Capri) sharing the same platform as the Volkswagen ID.4.
If you’ve read my reviews of the Volkswagen ID range (excluding the superb ID Buzz van), you’ll know that I’m not a fan of the “blancmange” styling.
The Cupra Tavascan couldn’t be more different, with its distinctive sculpted exterior design – a blend of SUV and coupe body style – and bold, yet upmarket, interior.
So, just as the Cupra Born eclipsed the ID.3, the Tavascan is a cut above the ID.4/ID.5.
That said, with a starting price of £47,350, the Tavascan should be good.
The first Volkswagen Group electric vehicle manufactured in China, you can choose between rear-wheel and all-wheel drive models with different power outputs (both sharing the same 77kWh battery pack.
The entry-level Tavascan puts out 281bhp (0-62mph in 6.8 seconds) and has a claimed range of up to 353 miles.
The range-topper gets two e-motors, which send 335bhp through all four wheels, resulting in a sprint time of 5.3 seconds and a range of up to 323 miles.
My test car was the flagship Tavascan VZ2, priced from £60,845.
In addition to the 15-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, matrix LED headlights, 12-speaker Sennheiser sound system, and suite of driver assistance and safety kit fitted to all Tavascans, it gets 21-inch alloys, special bucket seats and leather upholstery.
In fact, a big thumbs up for the interior in general, which has a unique design featuring a curvaceous dashboard swooping into a central division between the driver and passenger that’s reminiscent of the wishbone-shaped halo head safety device used in motor racing.
The only black mark up front is that Cupra uses VW’s frustrating infotainment system, complete with haptic touch-sliders, and touch-sensitive steering wheel controls.
Elsewhere, there are plenty of soft surfaces inside the cabin, plus ample head and legroom for rear seat passengers, while the easily-accessed boot is a generous 540 litres, expanding to 1,550 litres with the back seats flipped. Sadly, there’s no ‘frunk’ under the bonnet to store charging cables.
Just as importantly, the Tavascan is well built and has a premium feel, which helps to justify that price tag. And if you’re looking for some peace of mind, then Cupra’s five-year warranty for up to 90,000 miles, along with eight-year/100,000-mile warranty for the battery, helps.
One of the faster family-sized electric SUVs on the market, it’s refined and more than quick enough for our roads.
The steering is nicely weighted and there’s abundant grip, while the suspension setup might be on the firm side for some, but I think it’s well balanced – delivering a blend of composure in more challenging corners, and comfort in everyday driving.
The only let-down is the spongy brakes – an unfortunate characteristic of other ID-based cars.
This is especially disappointing in the Tavascan, because it’s one of the few electric SUVs with a low driving position, should you want it, allowing you to feel more involved with the car. Sadly, the vagueness and extra foot pressure needed to bring it to a halt rather blunts the otherwise dynamic driving experience.
There are six driving modes (Range, Comfort, Performance, CUPRA, Individual and Traction), all selectable via buttons on the steering wheel and the infotainment system. They are worth a play, but as ever, default Comfort offers the best balance overall.
I drove the Tavascan in late summer over a variety of UK roads, and on a mix of journeys. I averaged around 3.6 miles/kWh, which is pretty much par for the course with SUVs of this size.
I’d estimate the real-world ranges are closer to 270 miles (against the claimed 323 miles) for the AWD model I tested, while the entry-level RWD car should nudge 300 miles (353 miles). Obviously, those range figures are subject to other factors too. So, for instance, expect better range figures in lower speed urban areas.
And just in case you’re wondering, the Tavascan’s peak 135kW rapid-charging speed allows a 10-80% top-up to be completed in around half an hour.
Verdict: If you want a sporty, spacious, family SUV with a premium feel that stands out from the crowd, then the Cupra Tarascan should be on your shortlist.
