Cupra Tavascan VZ «Extreme»: Too extreme or just right?
Visually, the SUV coupé with its eye-catching design looks like an athlete ready to take off or jump. And thanks to its electric drive, 4×4 and 340 hp, the Spaniard is also sporty to drive.
The Cupra Tavascan impressively demonstrates just how much potential for diversity an electric platform from the VW Group can have. Technically, the Spaniard uses the same basis as a VW ID.5 or a Skoda Enyaq, for example, but what is in front of us for the Autosprint test is clearly cooler, sportier and looks even more athletic thanks to the sloping coupé rear. The rather aggressive front of the Tavascan with the two fine, horizontal copper struts and the striking Matrix LED headlights makes it clear: restraint can be, but doesn't have to be.
Comfort meets lateral support
The good impression continues inside. The curved dashboard and the other copper details as well as the plastic elements covered with a triangular structure, which match the overall high-quality appearance of the Cupra interior, are attractive. Instead of sports bucket seats, we sit in so-called CUP bucket seats - a terrible name, but an ingenious seat. The special, extra-light seat architecture shines with plenty of comfort, without compromising on lateral support. We particularly appreciated this during the test when we dynamically drove the Tavascan around corners with its precise progressive steering and our grins behind the wheel grew wider and wider.
Agile and sporty
The Stromer with all-wheel drive is extremely agile and sporty to drive despite weighing almost 2.3 tons and having chic but fat 21-inch wheels. The SUV coupé impresses with its excellent road holding. The DCC sports suspension with adaptive damper control remains firm, but never becomes uncomfortable even on poor roads. And thanks to 250 kW/340 hp and 545 Nm, the dual electric drive always has power reserves and plenty of bite, especially in Cupra mode. It goes from 0 to 50 km/h in 2.4 seconds and to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds. Of course, the standard range of 512 km of the 77 kWh battery pack is a waste of time with a sporty driving style, but it is easily enough for everyday use.
Speaking of everyday life: the visually expressive Spaniard can also score points here. Just kick under the rear and the electric tailgate opens or closes. And with a full 540 liters of trunk space, there is also plenty of storage space. Despite the sleek coupé shape, there is also plenty of head and legroom in the rear, more than you would expect from the outside. So the game of extremes works, even if you have to be willing to dig deep into your pockets for a Cupra: 7,600 francs (test car: 74,724) is a statement.
Expert opinion: Cupra Tavascan VZ «Extreme»
The athletic all-wheel drive Stromer is not only fun to drive, but also impresses with its expressive design and good space.
conditions. However, sportiness, comfort and good equipment also come at a price in the Cupra.
Advantages
+ excellent driving behavior
+ Super-comfortable, special sports bucket seats
+ Good overview and intuitive operation
Disadvantages
- Somewhat sluggish brake for its sportiness
-Good overall package, but not quite cheap
