By Ian Strachan.
The CUPRA Tavascan was the first electric SUV under the CUPRA brand and the second all-electric CUPRA after the excellent CUPRA Born.
The Tavascan carries on CUPRA’s dramatic styling cues, from the smart, copper-coloured CUPRA badging to the smart, low front end which make this car stand out from the crowd. And the ultra-modern design of the central console is certainly distinctive.
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. So there is a good net-zero fit there.
I test drove the Tavascan in VZ2 trim level, which costs £62,875 on the road, which includes £695 for Basalt Grey metallic paint. It’s all-wheel drive and develops a more then respectable 340 bhp. A less powerful rear-wheel drive version is also available.
This Tavascan has impressive performance, taking you from 0-60 mph in less than 5.5 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 ultra-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 – heated and ventilated – are superbly comfortable and supportive with 12-way electric adjustment and a memory function. The dash is simple and uncluttered with easily accessible controls.
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, linked smartphone integration with wireless phone charging, 12-speaker premium sound system, satellite navigation and audio controls via a huge 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 and surround view camera with all-round parking sensors all come as standard.
My only criticism of this excellent car is the lack of a rear wiper. Although the rear screen is sharply raked there were visibility issues in heavy rain.
Other than that, it’s difficult to fault this CUPRA. It’s a sporty but roomy vehicle with great styling, innovation, impressive performance and practicality.
