Cupra, the performance arm of Spanish carmaker SEAT and part of the Volkswagen Group, unveiled its newest model, the all-electric Tavascan SUV Coupe in April.

The Tavascan is Cupra’s second fully electric model – after the Cupra Born hatchback – and is based on VW’s MEB platform, which is the foundation for a number of the VW Group’s electric vehicles. The production Tavascan derives from a concept shown back in 2019 and the company says it marks a ‘a major step for the electrification of the brand.’

A range-topping VZ variant is set to feature an all-wheel drive, dual-motor layout with a 210kW rear motor and an 80kW motor up front. Output is 250kW with 545Nm from the rear motor and 134Nm from the front motor. The VZ can reach 100km/h in 5.6 seconds.

A single-motor, rear-wheel drive variant of the Tavascan will also be available, with a 210kW/545Nm motor at the rear.

Both variants get a 77kWh battery pack with Cupra claiming a range, depending on the model, of either 517km (dual motor) or 549km (single motor).

DC fast charging at up to 135kW enables recharging from 10 to 80 per cent in 30 minutes. Regenerative braking is a feature and energy recuperation can be managed via regenerative paddle shifts on the steering wheel.

Cupra says the Tavascan’s Electronic Stability Control and Dynamic Chassis Control Sport system means the vehicle can adapt to a driver’s style. The SUV coupe has a range of 19-inch, 20-inch and 21-inch wheel options.

The latest technology, infotainment and safety systems feature in the Tavascan. There’s a 15-inch centre console screen which provides access to all required functions. The infotainment system can be customised. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are featured and there’s a 12-speaker Sennheiser audio system.

The centre console screen is supplemented with a 5.3-inch digital cockpit behind the steering wheel, and there’s an augmented reality head-up display showing information such as speed, navigation system indications and driver assistance indicators.

Those driver assistance features, of which there are many, include Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Speed Adaptation, Side Assist, Lane Assist, Exit Warning, Fatigue Detection, and Rear View eSmart Camera.

Designed and developed in Barcelona, the Cupra Tavascan will be produced at the Volkswagen Group’s Anhui factory in China and will be launched in 2024. Arrival in Australia is expected in 2025.

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (May 2023)

29 May 2023