New CUPRA Tavascan EV is a Rebel With a Cause.
New Cupra Tavascan is a Rebel With a Cause.
The new Tavascan is Cupra’s second all-electric model, with the first being the Born EV, which was launched in Ireland in 2021. Due to its more practical SUV-coupé bodystyle, the Tavascan is sure to garner a more widespread appeal. True to the Spanish brand’s practice of naming its cars after cities in Spain, the Tavascan is no exception, as it is named after a Catalonian town in the Spanish Pyrenees. The new Tavascan is built on the same modular MEB platform as the Audi Q4 e-tron, Skoda Enyaq and VW ID.5, but the tuning and personality are entirely its own.
Endurance and VZ Model Options.
Buyers can choose between three Endurance and three performance-oriented VZ trim grades, all of which make use of a 77kWh battery capacity, with a range of up to 569km depending on the exact model chosen. Rear-wheel-drive Endurance trim options consist of Endurance (4), (5) and (6), while buyers of the all-wheel-drive VZ model can specify VZ (8), (9) or (10) designations. The higher the number chosen, the more comprehensive the standard specification. The Lithium-ion battery in the new Tavascan can be charged at a maximum rate of 135kW, providing a fast charge from 10-80% in just 28 minutes. Alternatively, a full 0-100% charge can be achieved via a wallbox charger in approximately 8 hours. The Tavascan Endurance model produces 286hp, and this is increased to 340hp for the VZ model, with both versions producing a mighty 545Nm of instant torque.
Unmistakable Presence.
The Tavascan combines an emotional and functional vision in its exterior design, maintaining a clear focus on aerodynamics and sustainability. The striking exterior reflects a mix of athletic proportions and an unmistakable presence that emphasises sportiness. Its aerodynamic drag coefficient score of just 0.26 underlines its energy efficiency and enhances its dynamic profile. The Tavascan incorporates Cupra’s new design language at the front, which comes to life with its light signature of three overlapping triangles integrated into the headlights with Matrix LED technology (trim specific). The design is enhanced by the illuminated Cupra logo, which proudly presides over the bonnet with its deep sculptural surfaces. The side profile of the Tavascan is enhanced by the design of the alloy wheels, which are available in sizes from 19” to 21”, and which transfer the character of the vehicle to the road. At the rear, the central element of the design is the Cupra lighting concept, which forms a graphic representation of the three triangular elements used in the front lights, with the illuminated Cupra logo being the main central character. The “Tavascan” model name is discretely positioned in the tail-light cluster and can’t be seen until it is lit.
Outstanding Cabin Experience.
The interior is a work of architectural brilliance thanks to the characteristic ‘central spine’ that stretches from the centre console to the lower part of the expansive dashboard, and other elements such as the almost invisible centre air vents, and the customisable ambient lighting that extends and illuminates through the trim of the four doors, as well as along the dashboard. The liberal use of copper-coloured trim accents around the cabin provides terrific visual drama that all occupants can enjoy, and these distinctive design elements certainly do enhance the sporty and modern aesthetic within. The materials used throughout the cabin, as well as the colour schemes employed, are nothing like we have ever seen from the VW Group before. Cupra even paid attention to the floor mats, which are made from regenerated nylon. There is plenty of space for five adults, with lots of storage areas located throughout the cabin, including deep door bins, pockets on the rear of the front seats, and a lidded centre-console cubby, along with a glovebox, twin cupholders between the front seats, and a wireless smartphone charging pad located behind the ‘central spine’. Primary and secondary controls are all located within easy reach of the driver, and it is super-easy to find the perfect driving position thanks to the electrically-operated, multi-adjustable driver’s seat, along with the reach and rake-adjustable steering wheel. The seats are upholstered in a recycled microfibre that feels Alcantara-like to the touch, and they provide terrific support, along with impressive comfort. Boot capacity ranges between 540-litres with the rear seats in the upright position and 1,550-litres with them folded down, with access provided via a wide opening with a low loading lip.
Five-Star Euro NCAP Rating.
In terms of safety tech, the Tavascan has covered all bases, as a comprehensive suite of driver assist systems offer reassurance on long drives or daily commutes. Standard features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automated parking, blind-spot detection, and a clever augmented-reality head-up display, along with many more systems designed to make sure occupants and vulnerable road users are kept safe from harm. When tested by Euro NCAP in 2024, the Tavascan achieved the highest star-rating, meeting the safety organisation’s more demanding safety requirements. In fact, the Tavascan is among the safest cars on the European market, scoring highly in all four categories: adult occupant, child occupant, vulnerable road users, and safety assist.
Test Car Details.
My test car was a Cupra Tavascan Endurance (6), which was finished in Tavascan Blue special metallic paintwork, with standard-fit 21” KATLA Machined Alloy Wheels with copper highlights. Additional key features include dark tinted rear windows, Dinamica Bucket Seats in Dark Night upholstery, heated front seats, powered front seats with memory feature, heat-reflecting windscreen, 3-zone Climatronic, glass roof, DAB radio, wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, AR head-up display, Matrix headlights, Cupra Connect Plus, Adaptive Chassis Control with continuous operation, and Cupra Drive Profile modes, along with a host of additional comfort, convenience, safety and infotainment features. The Tavascan’s regenerative braking function is accessed via steering wheel-mounted paddles, with varying levels of braking force available to suit individual driver requirements. The rear-wheel-drive Tavascan Endurance can sprint from 0-100km/h in just 6.8-seconds, on its way to an electronically-limited top speed of 180km/h (where permitted). It accelerates with terrific urgency, and it has the ability to overtake slower-moving traffic with unwavering confidence. It feels reassuringly solid on the road at all times, and it can safely negotiate sharp corners without negatively affecting the sense of calm within the cabin. The nicely-weighted steering provides good feedback to the driver, and the cossetting suspension setup handles road imperfections effectively. The Tavascan isn’t just quick, but it is entertaining as well, with one steering wheel-mounted button providing access to the different drive modes on offer, and another dedicated one for the ‘Cupra’ mode that enables easy access to a spirited driving experience.
Verdict & Pricing.
The new Cupra Tavascan is a highly commendable fully-electric SUV-coupé that merges desirability and instantaneous performance. Its striking design boasts sporty proportions and next-generation lighting technology, which breaks conventional rules for a new generation of drivers. Potential buyers who test drive a new Cupra Tavascan will quickly realise that beneath the strikingly-designed exterior is a thoroughly accomplished vehicle. The Cupra Tavascan Endurance model line-up is priced from €44,365 for the Type 4 version (inclusive of VRT Relief and SEAI EV Grant), with the performance-oriented VZ model priced from €70,210 (Type 8).
Visit www.cupraofficial.ie for further information.
