It’s been yet another great year for Cupra, sales being strong in most of its main markets helped of course by a steady stream of fresh models. And now we have the brand’s first one to be exported from China, the only country where the new Tavascan is manufactured.
What makes this electric SUV-coupé especially interesting is its absence from the Chinese market itself. Well, sort of. The Volkswagen Group instead sells a model which is closely aligned to the Tavascan: the China-specific VW ID. Unyx.
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Built by VW Anhui
The debut for this new Cupra took place at the Munich IAA in September 2023, though that one was a prototype. Production of the ID.Unyx and Tavascan near-twins commenced at the same JV plant in Hefei a few months back.
The joint venture which makes these EVs was originally called Jianghuai Volkswagen Automobile but the name has since been changed to VW Anhui. The German OEM has a 75 per cent stake with the remainder held by JAC.
While the Unyx and Tavascan have their own front and rear ends, they are in fact the same car. That extends to a standard 77 kilowatts (82.4 gross) CATL battery pack and the choice of rear- or four-wheel drive systems.
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By GlobalDataTwo variants: standard or two-motors VZ
Power is either 210 kW (286 PS) or, for the variant with an 80 kW (109 PS) motor on the front axle too as well as 4WD, a combined 250 kW (340 PS). Torque, at 545 Nm, is the same for both, as is a 112 mph top speed. Zero to 62 mph is either 6.8 or 5.5 seconds.
The Tavascan’s steering isn’t quite to the very high standard set by the smaller Born but most owners probably won’t notice this. Weight is something of an issue, with the VZ being 2.3 tonnes and the single motor alternative not that much lighter.
Few physical controls
There are two things you immediately notice when entering the car: a 15-inch screen and a so-called ‘central spine’. This links the lower part of the dashboard with the centre console, lending the interior a distinctive look. Cupra has positioned the hazard lights switch here but no other controls. These are mostly on that XL-sized screen. For the most part they are logically placed but some real switches and dials would be nice.
Space abounds in the Tavascan. The floor in the back is flat, room for legs is generous and even with overall width well inside 1.9 metres, each of up to five occupants will feel spoiled.
Don’t think boot capacity has been compromised in the quest for lounging room. Far from it, capacity being 540 litres and the loading lip admirably low. There are short overhangs, with the 2,766 mm long wheelbase key to how this 4,644 mm long vehicle can be so spacious.
Roomy everywhere
Those who like to fill their car up with stuff will also love the deep central cubby. Against all these positives, the carpet looks a touch cheap and shiny and almost all the plastics are of the hard variety. Having said that, there is texturising on most surfaces which offsets the durable-first feel somewhat.
This is yet another Cupra which does without a model identifier on its rear but if you know where to look – the side of each tail light – the word ‘TAVASCAN’ can be seen. And as with most other details, the whole exterior design looks fresh and genuinely different to the brand’s other models. Big wheels, which are either 19- or 21-inch, certainly help.
Some might think the windows could be deeper and the back one too – it also lacks a wash-wipe system – but really there isn’t much else to wish for. My drive was fairly brief so there was no change to check the claimed range, that being an official maximum of 352 miles for the single motor car.
Summary
Cupra hasn’t mentioned sales expectations for its latest addition but the Tavascan should do well in its segment, given how strong the brand’s image now is and the success of existing models.
Pricing for the new Cupra Tavascan starts at GBP47,340.
