Cupra charges ahead with a new all-electric SUV
Cupra's first all-electric SUV is here, and it has a lot to be proud of. There is a very good range on a full charge, it looks incredible, it has flashes of sheer Spanish sexiness, it is fun, it is young and if you don't aim too high with your trim level it gives a lot of bang for your buck.
Named after a small Spanish village best-known for using its lakes to produce green energy, the Tavascan is the company's second EV after the Born and is one of many new exciting models that are about to land here in Ireland over the coming years.
Cupra's biggest problem right now is that they are still relatively unknown (or at the very least misunderstood) and with this car are entering a very claustrophobic market with some big hitters holding court.
Inside Cupra's Tavascan
There area a few big names from the US, Korea and Europe including the Irish car of the Year for 2022 and 2025.
But the Tavascan is not starting from absolute zero like some of the other new brands to arrive in Ireland in recent years.
And anyone who has feasted their eyes on any one of the models in the Cupra range will know that the company doesn't do boring and mundane.
Formerly the premium branch of SEAT, the designers were allowed to introduce flicks of design panache but now that they don't have to answer the mother ship, the Spanish car company has grown up fast and is now producing cars nearly as fast as they drive.
But the speed of them is not their unique selling point. You just have to take a quick glance at them to know that designs are their forte. Even their stylish badge is impressive and now gets lit up beautifully from behind.
The absolute cheapest version of this car comes in at €44,365 after SEAI grants but the car I got to call mine for seven fun days was the Endurance trim that you can have for €48,105.
Cupra's Tavascan has good head-room front and rear but still feels smaller than it actually is
It comes with a 77kWh battery and 286hp at your disposal, but best of all the numbers was the mind-blowing 546km you get from a full charge of battery.
On the subject of numbers… you can charge this car from 0-100 per cent at an 11kW charge point in hours and if you get hooked up to one of the faster charge points around the country you won't even have time for a decent siesta as you'll go from 10-80 percent in just 28 minutes.
It is fast on the road too, and can reach a maximum speed of 180km/h and can do 0-100km/h in 6.8 seconds. Which is pretty punchy for an SUV of this size and weight.
And you should know that there is another option you can buy that comes with 335bhp, two motors and in all-wheel drive mode.
Okay, enough numbers. Simply put, this is a great looking car; inside and out.
The interior is dominated by a carbon fibre Y-Shaped centre console that looks like it should be a in a McLaren F1 car as opposed to a family- focused SUV, but that's classic Cupra right there. My only gripe about that is that I think they wasted the button function on that as it is the car's hazard lights. Surely, a drive mode or on/off button would look better sitting there?
There is a good head room in the front and the rear of this car but yet it feels smaller than it actually is. I guess when you want stylish lines and angles you have to sacrifice something, luckily though here it isn't a sacrifice that would become a deal breaker.
The high window line here is cool looking but ultimately hinders the view ever so slightly for the kids in the back.
The boot still comes with 540ltr, which is not a segment topper but is plenty of boot to get you through your weekly duties.
Cupra's Tavascan
No matter which version of the Tavascan you buy, you get a 15' infotainment touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration. Like a lot of cars these days, most of the functions are operated using the touchscreen, which is responsive but it takes a bit of getting used to.
No matter which model or trim line you get you do get a lot of as-standard features and equipment and if you do opt for this you will have one of the best-looking electric family SUVs on the market.
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