–– EV DIARY ––
Suttie’s seven days with a… Cupra Tavascan
In a crowded crossover market, can the Cupra Tavascan’s standout looks and keen driving capabilities win it plaudits? Our man Al Suttie puts it through its paces for a week
Cupra Tavascan VZ1 77kWh 340PS
List Price
BiK
mile-range
mile-range test efficiency
MONDAY
Following on from an enjoyable week with the Cupra Terramar, it’s now the turn of the Spanish firm’s Tavascan. My wife did ask why I have the same car again, due to the similarities in styling, but the Tavascan marks itself out as a sportier choice for EV buyers who might be considering a Ford Capri, Kia EV6, Škoda Enyaq Coupé, or Tesla Model Y. To my eyes, the Cupra leads the way.
TUESDAY
A couple of short hops this morning on my favourite back roads are tempered by the drop in temperature that means there’s ice on the roads. The Tavascan still proves it has more than enough cornering grip to be fun and the steering is direct, if not that alive with feel. The all-wheel drive of this 340hp model helps a lot in these conditions and the car is on a par with the best hot hatches for pace thanks to 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds.
WEDNESDAY
A more subdued but no less chilly trip this morning on dual carriageway and town roads. The weather undoubtedly takes a bite from the Cupra’s EV range, but at least what’s displayed on the dash translates accurately to the miles covered. On these types of road, the Tavascan’s firm suspension set-up lets itself be known, but I’m fine with this – it’s more the wind noise at 70mph that irks.
“The Tavascan’s cabin is a welcome burst of flair compared to most of its rivals that take minimalism to a bare-bones extreme”
THURSDAY
Another journey spent most in town this morning. Yesterday, I wondered if I was just bedding into the car, but today makes me think the Tavascan’s accelerator pedal is a tad too sensitive. In the default normal setting or sport mode, it makes it awkward to progress smoothly, so the eco option is the one for this type of use as it softens the response to allow for non-jerky acceleration.
FRIDAY
The Tavascan’s cabin is a welcome burst of flair compared to most of its rivals that take minimalism to a bare-bones extreme. Yes, most functions are operated through the infotainment screen in the Cupra, but it’s set in a dash that shows some design thought has gone into it, rather than plonking a tablet screen in the middle of a blank interior. Too many buttons on the steering wheel, however.
SATURDAY
The usual Saturday morning ‘test car trial by teenager’ as my son, his mates and I head off to football. It’s a win all-round for the team and the Tavascan as the 540-litre boot space easily holds all the bags and kit, while a couple of tall teens languish in the back without their knees bothering those sat in the front. Only downside is I couldn’t get the boot’s virtual pedal to open the hatch – frosty weather, perhaps?
SUNDAY
Charging the Cupra Tavascan has been as easy as any EV I’ve driven and it tops up at a hasty rate, so no hanging about charge stations for too long. The cold weather has put a dent in its range, as well as me enjoying its nimble driving manners on occasion, but there is still enough for driving flexibility. Aside from the inconsistent throttle and brake feel, the Tavascan is among the best in its corner of the market.
