By Ian Strachan.
I used to think that CUPRA’s Formentor was one of the most stylish and attractive cars on the market. Now I’ve changed my mind.
Excellent as the Formentor is, I’ve decided that the CUPRA Tavascan takes the crown by a whisker in the style stakes. This latest offering from the CUPRA stable is a thing of beauty on the outside and the inside.
Dramatic styling cues, from the smart, copper-coloured CUPRA badging, repeated on the backs of the seats, to the smart, low front end make this car stand out from the crowd. And the ultra-modern design of the central console looks like something from War of the Worlds.
Although an SUV, with all the practicality that sector suggests, it’s lower and sportier than most of its competitors. Its look suggests performance, and it doesn’t disappoint.
And in case you’re wondering where the name Tavascan came from, its named after a Spanish village noted for using its lakes to produce green energy.
I test drove the Tavascan in V2 trim level, which costs £55,180 on the road. It’s rear wheel drive and develops a very respectable 286 bhp. A more powerful all-wheel drive version with two motors is also available.
This Tavascan still has impressive performance, taking you from 0-60 mph in around six and a half seconds. It has a top speed, where legal, of 112mph.
Performance aside, the Tavascan certainly has a quality feel to it inside and out. It feels substantial, with reassuringly heavy doors. The Tavascan is undoubtedly a good looker. My test car came with very smart 21 inch machined copper-trimmed alloys. It is well-proportioned and rugged without looking too functional. Its looks are helped by shark-like front headlights.
Inside the car has a lot of class about it. It’s roomy, with attractive upholstery of a very high quality. A large panoramic sunroof makes the interior feel light and airy. At night it comes alive with cool ambient lighting and starcloth inner door trim. The front bucket sports seats are superbly comfortable and supportive with 12-way electric adjustment and a memory function. The dash is simple and uncluttered with easily accessible controls, although some are a bit small and fiddly.
Interior space is very good, with plenty of load carrying capacity. Split folding rear seats and a double-floored boot increase its 540 litre load lugging capabilities even more if required.
As you’d expect you get bags of specification as standard. Electric, folding and heated door mirrors, heated steering wheel, linked smartphone integration with wireless phone charging, 12-speaker premium sound system, satellite navigation and audio controls via a 15 inch colour touchscreen and voice control, electric tailgate, rain-sensing wipers, predictive active cruise control, three-zone air conditioning, lane change assist, drowsiness monitoring, remote and intelligent park assist, hill hold and rear view camera with all-round parking sensors all come as standard.
It’s difficult to fault this CUPRA. It’s a roomy vehicle with great styling, innovation, impressive performance and practicality.
