Sporty Cupra Tavascan electric SUV will be the brand’s answer to the VW ID.4
Cupra has announced a new model called the Tavascan, reaching showrooms in 2024. It’s a family SUV powered by electricity only, which means it will be a similar size and shape to the Volkswagen ID.4 and the Skoda Enyaq iV.
The new model will share technology with those models as well, since all the brands are part of the VW Group. 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 this week – alongside two other models, the small UrbanRebel and the larger Terramar (see below).
Few details on the technical aspects of the Tavascan are currently available, but it will be closely related to models that already exist, and we expect many mechanical similarities with models such as the Volkswagen ID.4 GTX.
The ID.4 GTX uses a 295bhp motor and a 77kWh battery, which seems likely to appear in the sporty Tavascan as well. This means it could get from 0-62mph in just over six seconds, and have a range of around 300 miles on a single charge. Also expect rapid charging technology, and any advances in battery tech by 2024 should mean it’s an appealing sporty family SUV.
The model revealed this week has a more production-ready look than the previous concept and features cladding around the wheelarches to make it more SUV-like, slightly less dramatic bodywork and more realistic trim pieces such as the larger door mirrors.
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.
2024 Cupra Tavascan: design, interior and technology
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 which 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, 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.
Cupra Terramar
Cupra has also announced a plug-in hybrid SUV called the Terramar at the same event this week. It’s a larger model and, at 4.5 metres long, it’s about the same size as a Volkswagen Tiguan and even Cupra’s own Ateca.
The model will be built with the Audi Q3 in Hungary, so it’s likely to use the same technology as that car – possibly a 1.4-litre petrol engine and an electric motor with a range of up to 62 miles.
There will also be regular petrol versions of the Terramar; Cupra says it will be the last car from the brand that’s available without electric motors.
This new model will also arrive in 2024 alongside the all-electric Tavascan.
Read more about Cupra’s plans for the future, starting with next year’s Formentor SUV.
Keyword: All-electric Cupra Tavascan coming in 2024