CUPRA TAVASCAN 250kW VZ1 77kWh AWD 5dr Auto [Winter Pack]

The stylish Tavascan is a slightly larger kind of CUPRA EV crossover. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

CUPRA's third unique design, the Tavascan, takes this growing Spanish brand into an EV market segment for slightly larger models. And does so with a real splash of Iberian flare that effectively masks the shared VW Group underpinnings.

Background

We're fairly used to the CUPRA formula by now. Take an existing VW Group platform and its associated powertrains and sharpen up the looks and handling, before creating a more interestingly-trimmed cabin (usually with some copper-coloured bits). This approach worked like a charm in creating the compact CUPRA Born EV from a Volkswagen ID.3. Can it be as effective in the next EV class up, where this CUPRA Tavascan borrows just about everything you can't see from a mid-sized Volkswagen ID.4 (as well as from a Skoda Enyaq and an Audi Q4 e-tron). The Tavascan, launched in mid-2024, was a long time coming - the concept car of the same name dates all the way back to 2019. Following which CUPRA had to work out where to build it (exclusively in China as it turned out). This car is billed as 'a new era' for the brand, though we were also told that about the company's previous two models, that Born EV and the combustion-powered Formentor. But this is the largest and most ambitious CUPRA yet. Good enough to tempt you where an equivalent Volkswagen, Skoda or Audi EV might not? Let's find out.

Engines and Tech Spec

Though this Tavascan was launched a long time after its VW Group rivals, that doesn't mean it benefits from the Wolfsburg conglomerate's very latest EV engineering. Instead of the sophisticated 79kWh battery that would have delivered, what's served up here is the usual 77kWh battery you might be familiar with from an ID.4, an Enyaq or a Q4 e-tron. It energises two very different Tavascan variants; a rear-driven single motor entry-level model with 286PS good for 352 miles of range. Or a dual motor all wheel drive VZ derivative with 340PS and 324 miles of range. So far, so familiar. But CUPRA's engineers went to great trouble to differentiate the drive experience end result. Primarily in creating a much more feelsome steering rack and extensively tuning the MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, which gets recalibrated spring and damper rates and can be embellished with optional DCC adaptive dampers. There's more drive setting differentiation too, the options ranging from 'Comfort' to 'Range', 'Performance' and all-out 'CUPRA' mode (which gets its own button on the steering wheel). There's an argument for preferring the handling purity of the rear driven base model (it does after all carry around 100kgs less weight) but if budget permits, it might be difficult to ignore the sheer grunt of the top twin motor VZ. It sprints to 62mph in just 5.5s through the turns and up to 30% of power can be transferred to the front wheels for enhanced traction. The top speed of both models is limited to 112mph. Regenerative braking is controlled via paddles behind the steering wheel.

Design and Build

Well it certainly looks distinctive. The MEB platform-dictated proportions here might be familiar but the packaging really sets this CUPRA apart, full of folds, creases and undisguised attitude. There's no need for an additional SUV-Coupe body shape as is required to supplement the appeal of this model's three close VW Group EV cousins; the Tavascan is already quite coupe-like, with a swept-back look across its wind-cheating 4,640mm length (the drag factor is just 0.26Cd). It's the biggest car CUPRA has yet made, a definite size up, not only from the Born but also from the Formentor. And arguably the most striking, finishing touches including a full-width rear light bar and the kind of big wheels (of between 19 to 21 inches) that you'd think a range-optimised modern EV of this sort wouldn't want. It's arguably even more concept car-like inside, thanks primarily to an unusual centre spine that flows out of the dashboard into the console between the seats. The big 15-inch central screen that sits just above it is big; the complementing instrument display you view through the sporty steering wheel isn't. Because the cabin is based around VW Group architecture, there are familiar irritations - like haptic sliders for volume and temperature (with climate otherwise controllable only by screen menus); and fiddly touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel. But CUPRA's been permitted to add a few of its own touches; like eye-catching ambient lighting structures in the air vents, copper-coloured finishing and an eclectic selection of quite interesting materials, from suede to a wetsuit-like trimming called neoprene. Smart lighting is built into the door cards and, as with this model's VW Group cousins, there's an information light bar that stretches beneath the windscreen and flashes different colours in your eyeline for things you need to know. Overall, the only major cabin downside is quality of fixtures and fittings, which don't feel as premium as you might hope they would. Despite the sloping roofline, there's plenty of head space in the rear - and decent leg room thanks to the generous 2,766mm-long wheelbase. Because there's a completely flat floor, three adults can be accommodated reasonably comfortably. The bench base doesn't slide, but the large glass roof fitted to upper-spec models gives the rear an airy feel. As for luggage space, well you'll have to store everything out back because there's no under bonnet 'frunk' for the charging leads; CUPRA expects you to store these in the space provided beneath the floor of the reasonably-sized 540-litre boot. It has flat cargo base with a wide opening and the backrest folds almost completely level to extend it.

Market and Model

You'll need to think in terms of a £47,300 budget for a base rear-driven Tavascan - or around £60,000 for the top dual motor VZ version. But that's typical for the segment and much the same as you'll be paying for the other VW Group-engineered mid-sized EV crossover models in this class - Volkswagen's ID.5 and ID.5, Skoda's Enyaq and Enyaq Coupe, Audi's Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron and the Ford Explorer. The base rear-driven model comes with either 'V1' or 'V2' trim levels. The Dual Motor version comes in 'VZ1' or 'VZ2' guises. Across the range, equipment levels are reasonable and include this car's big 15-inch central touchscreen with its standard-fit 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto' smartphone-mirroring functionality. You'll be encouraged to add different optional packs - 'Immersive', 'Adrenaline' and 'Extreme' - which give you progressively more sporty equipment, right up to 21-inch alloy wheels and CUPRA's signature bucket seats. Disappointingly, as with other VW Group EV models in this segment, CUPRA wants quite a lot extra for a heat pump, which preserves driving range in cold conditions. And you have to pay extra for that feature if you're to get heated seats. Safety standards are strong, with all the usual camera safety features and a 5 star Euro NCAP rating.

Cost of Ownership

We gave you the mileage figures for the 77kWh battery (82kWh gross) in our 'Driving' section - up to 353 miles for the rear driven model and up to 324 miles for the dual motor VZ. The DC public peak charging speed isn't particularly fast - rated at 135kW - but that's still enough to top top up the battery from 10 to 80% in about half an hour, which is reasonably competitive. Home AC charging from a typical 7.4kW wallbox from empty to full will take around 10 and a half hours for both derivatives. Customers will be offered a CUPRA-branded domestic wall box for home charging, which can be controlled using the company's 'Easy Charging' smart phone app. The Spanish maker says that its aim is to make sure that the battery pack lasts as long as the car and, sure enough, that battery pack is warrantied to have at least 70% of its usable capacity after eight years or 100,000 miles. As with all EVs, expect insurance premiums to be on the high side: but, again as with all EVs, you'll claim a bit of money back with lower maintenance costs and, until April 2025, you'll be able to avoid VED road tax and emissions-based city charges - and get a low 2% benefit in kind taxation rate.

Summary

If you liked the CUPRA Born but need a slightly larger EV, you'll really like this Tavascan. But we think a bigger market for this car will come from people who like the engineering and quality of other VW Group mid-sized electric SUVs, but find them a bit dull and characterless. That's not a criticism you could level at a Tavascan - which is why we think it'll meet its sales targets and then some. Only in terms of the quality of its cabin fittings could you criticise this CUPRA in comparison to an equivalent Volkswagen, Skoda or Audi EV. You might feel that the more interesting interior design makes up for that - or you might not. But either way, it's difficult to deny that the Tavascan delivers something interesting and different. Which this over-crowded segment badly needs.

Body Glass

Rear wiper

Heated rear window

Front and rear electric windows

Dark tinted windows

Rain and light sensors

Brakes

Anti-lock brake system

ESC (Electronic Stability Control)

Carpets/Rugs

Front + rear carpet mats

Chassis/Suspension

Dynamic chassis control Sport

Sports rear shock absorption

Shock absorption in front

Communication

Bluetooth

Wireless full link smartphone integration

Driver Aids

Power assisted steering

Trained park assist

Intelligent voice control

Level 2 autonomous driving

Remote park assist

Predictive adaptive cruise control with speed limiter

Level 2 autonomous parking

Drive Profile Selection (Range, Comfort, Performance, CUPRA, Individual)

Side assist

Exit warning and assist

Dynamic road sign display

Rear traffic alert

Top view camera

Traffic sign recognition

Forward collision warning

Rear view camera

Dynamic steering

Intelligent park assist

Lane assist

Driver Convenience

Electric tailgate with virtual pedal

Car 2X function

Wireless charger

Driver Information

Traffic jam assist

5.3" Digital Cockpit with 15" central display infotainment system

Emergency steering support with turn assist

Navigation system with media and CUPRA Connect with online services

Travel assist

Augmented reality head up display

Emergency call service

Emergency assist

Driving Mirrors

Electric adjustable/heated/folding door mirrors

Auto dimming interior rear view mirror

Entertainment

Sennheiser premium audio (12 speakers)

Two front and two rear USB sockets

AM/FM and DAB radio

Exterior Body Features

Illuminated door handles

Panoramic sunroof

Rear side wing doors

Transport protection film

Exterior Lights

LED daytime running lights

Welcome light with logo projector in door mirrors

Matrix LED headlights with Matrix Beam and signature

Rear 3D lights with ceremony

Front and rear illuminated CUPRA logos

Front light assist

LED third brake light

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

3 zone Climatronic air conditioning

Interior Features

Microfiber upholstery

Double floor in boot

Heated leather wrapped multi function steering wheel with satellite buttons

Aluminium pedals

Centre console with armrest

Rear armrest

Interior Lights

Illuminated door mouldings

Ambient lighting "Immersive"

Packs

Winter pack - Tavascan

Safety

3 point seatbelts in front with pretensioner/lap belt pretensioner and height adjustment

Rollover assist

Extended safety system (proactive passenger protection system, basic, front and rear)

Attention and drowsiness assist

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Driver and front passenger airbags with front passenger airbag deactivation, side airbag in front with curtain airbag and front interaction airbag

Visual and acoustic seat belt reminder

Child locks on rear doors

Pre crash system

Active bonnet

Seats

Front and rear head restraints

ISOFIX points in outer rear seats with top tether anchorage points

Front bucket seats

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Single front passenger seat

12 way electrical adjustment and memory function for driver and front passenger

Security

Keyless entry and go

Anti theft alarm system with interior monitoring, backup horn and towing protection

Towing

Tow hook preparation

Transmission

Gear ratio 11,347 and 7,915

Vanity Mirrors

Sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Vehicle Charging

6m Type 2 Mode 3 Charging Cable - 32 Amp/22kW

135kW DC charging capacity

11 kW AC onboard charger

Wheels

Self sealing tyres

Anti-theft wheel bolts protection

Wheels - Alloy

21" Katla machined alloy wheels with copper inserts and 255/40 R21 performance tyres

Wheels - Spare

Tool kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 2340

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 2.3

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 480

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 11

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 28

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 135

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 10-80

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: N

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 82

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 515

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEL: 516

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEH: 512

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 16.7

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEL: 16.5

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEH: 16.8

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 3.7

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEH: 3.7

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEL: 3.8

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 320

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEH: 318

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEL: 321

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Charging Port Location: Right Side Rear

Usable Battery Capacity: 77

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 135

Emissions - ICE

CO2 (g/km): 0

Standard Euro Emissions: N

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

CC: 1

Cylinders: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Number of Valves: N

Camshaft: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Catalytic Convertor: N

Engine Layout: N

Compression Ratio: N

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

General

Coin Series: VZ1 [Winter Pack]

Coin Description: 250 kW 77kWh

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 38E

Service Interval Mileage: 18600

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 89

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 86

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 80

NCAP Safety Assist %: 79

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 340

Badge Engine CC: 0.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

AdBlue: 0

Generation Mark: 1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 5.5

Top Speed: 112

Engine Power - BHP: 340

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 250

Engine Power - RPM: 3748

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 402

Engine Torque - NM: 545

Engine Torque - MKG: 55.6

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 255/40 R21

Tyre Size Rear: 255/40 R21

Tyre Size Spare: SELF-SEALING TYRES

Wheel Type: 21" ALLOY

Wheel Style: KATLA

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4644

Width: 1861

Wheelbase: 2766

Height: 1597

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 2192

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2750

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1400

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 558

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 540

No. of Seats: 5

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.5

Exterior Body Features

Solid paint

Additional special metallic paint

Additional metallic paint

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - White silver

Metallic - Atacama desert

Metallic - Tavascan blue

Paint - Solid

Solid - Basalt grey

Trim - Cloth

Microfiber - Contrast dark night