Sporty Cupra Tavascan electric SUV will be the brand’s answer to the likes of the VW ID 4.
The new Cupra Tavascan has been spotted testing, offering the best view yet of how the all-electric SUV will look. Although Cupra will have its own brand identity for the Tavascan, the rear appears very similar to the Volkswagen ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq iV.
The Cupra Tavascan is scheduled to launch in Australia in 2025, while Volkswagen Australia is hoping to launch the ID.4 here next year.
Front styling is still heavily camouflaged on the test vehicle as most of the differences in styling are expected at the front, with the Tavascan continuing the sharper style lines that define the brand.
At the rear the Tavascan will adopt the light bar across the boot connecting the rear lights, but has its own cluster design within the same shape as the Volkswagen ID.4. Along the sides of the vehicle there is little difference on the test Cupra to the production version of the VW ID.4.
Technology will be shared across the platforms although it is still not known whether there will be any power or range differences, with Cupra likely wanting to stand out as the sportier brand. This could mean changes to suspension or opting for a more powerful setup for the electric motors — although we expect many mechanical similarities to the Volkswagen ID.4 GTX.
The Tavascan was previously revealed as a concept car in 2019 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, but a new version was shown at a Cupra event – alongside two other models, the small UrbanRebel and the larger Terramar (below).
The ID.4 GTX uses a 220kW motor and a 77kWh battery, which seems likely to appear in the sporty Tavascan as well. This means it could get from 0-100km/h in just over six seconds, and have a range of around 480km on a single charge. Also expect rapid charging technology. Any advances in battery tech by 2024 should mean it’s an appealing sporty family SUV.
We can get an idea of what the interior will be like by looking at the previous concept, too. It featured a 13-inch infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument display instead of traditional dials, with very little else on the dashboard and an unusually low centre console. Expect a more toned-down version in the production car.
The Tavascan’s aero-efficient design attempts to combine the silhouette of a four-door crossover with SUV presence and coupe sleekness. Its styling clearly marks it out as a relation to the existing Cupra Formentor SUV.
The car’s carbon-fibre bodywork features a liquid metal paint scheme, as well as carbon fibre and copper details to enhance its appearance. The nose features a swooping bonnet design, giving it an aggressive stature. Underneath this sits Cupra badging and a pair of air intakes. The lower section spans the full width of the front bumper, widening the Tavascan’s stance. Elsewhere, a slim pair of LED headlights and an illuminated badge also help it stand out from the masses.
Beneath this, a pair of large ‘S Duct’ air vents lead from the nose and out of the bonnet; not just for aesthetics but to deliver increased efficiency, allowing air to flow smoothly over the body or internally to cool the battery pack.
At the rear back, the sharply angled rear hatch houses a striking full width LED light bar, above a sculpted rear bumper. Large 22-inch turbine-style alloy wheels and a rear diffuser also improve the car’s aerodynamics.
The interior looks less production-ready but gives hints about future Cupra design. A 13-inch infotainment screen with a new layout and graphics could make it into future models, although not in the rotating form seen in this concept. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is also fitted.
Miles Goodson