Cupra Tavascan Endurance review finds EV looks and feels more expensive than its price tag
'Whoa, what is this? It looks a million bucks,' one said on the footy training pick-up run.
Another immediately drew Lamborghini Urus comparisons.
Causing the commotion was Cupra's Tavascan. It's the latest electric vehicle from the Barcelona challenger brand and is arguably the most distinctive Cupra to arrive Down Under.
We've seen hatches and SUVs from the fledgling marque, yet purely on aesthetics, the Tavascan embodies the brand position of stepping away from mainstream without pushing into luxury echelons.
Yet the Tavascan does elevate toward the prestige realm with a price tag nearing $65k for base models.
For that you get sporty rear-wheel drive and a range of more than 530km from one charge. Coming from the Volkswagen group, it also means some handy architecture, with the underpinnings shared with the likes of the Skoda Enyaq, Volkswagen ID. 4 and Audi's Q4 e-tron.
While prices edge toward $80,000 for the all-wheel drive Tavascan VZ models, our family tested the cheaper Endurance model, which faces competition from the Kia EV5 Air Long Range ($63,990 drive-away), Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD ($68,900) and the BYD Sealion 7 Performance ($63,990).
What do you get?
Chiselled exterior lines lead to a cabin bursting with wow factor.
Reminiscent of a superhero suit, the combination of curved surfaces, tactile materials, bucket seats and a dominant 15-inch central touchscreen deliver an interior full of character.
Other inclusions are a power tailgate with a 'kick' sensor for hands-free opening, wireless smartphone mirroring, phone charging pad, 'sit-to-start' functionality so you don't even have to press a button to start or stop, along with three-zone aircon.
From the outside it comes alive at night, with the super cool Cupra logo emblem puddle lights, illuminated front and rear badges as well as slick running lights.
Our car had the $4500 interior pack, which added 20-inch alloys (up from 19s), 360-degree camera for easier parking, microfibre seat trim, front seats with power adjustment, heating and memory, a 12-speaker Sennheiser stereo, plus extra interior light options and illuminated scuff plates.
Buyers won't deliberate colours for long, there are only four. Silver and bronze are the flat paint options, with grey and blue costing an extra $800.
Servicing costs strike middle ground in terms of expense but it costs more than any other Cupra. A three-year pack is $1490, while five is $2590. Using a fast public facility, it can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in about 28 minutes. For those who install the 7kW AC charger, it takes about 11 hours to reach 100 per cent from near empty.
How was the drive?
Fast looks don't necessarily translate on the road.
The Tavascan feels brisk off the mark, but doesn't pin your ears back. The 0-100km/h time of 6.8 seconds is not pushing performance boundaries yet the SUV handles with confidence and has a sporting edge.
Rapid changes in direction can be handled with dexterity despite pushing more than 2.2 tonnes. Cornering with vigour is accompanied with body roll, although maintain sensibilities and the Tavascan handles varying terrain in its stride.
Rolling on the larger wheels courtesy of the optional extra pack, the ride can feel firm on occasions.
While other Cupras are made in Europe, the Tavascan comes from Volkswagen's Anhui factory in China. That's not a bad thing, given the majority of EVs are now coming out of China for a variety of brands.
Average energy consumption on our test was 17.6kWh per 100km.
Would you buy one?
Kel: Looking far better than a Tesla, there was a lot to like about the Tavascan. Although I did battle with the automatic on and off function (I'm more comfortable with a button) and the electric contact door handles. I'd definitely have it on my shortlist of medium size electric SUVs.
Grant: With the plethora of electric vehicles entering the market, it can be challenging to find your best fit. We're approaching a level of sameness in the genre, splitting hairs with features. Cupra sets the Tavascan apart with stunning looks inside and out. I'd have one for the point of difference.
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