Cupra Tavascan VZ Review

21 April 2025

The term “electric crossover” is becoming about as common in the automotive world as kopi in Singapore’s hawker centres.

Every manufacturer seems to be cooking up their own version, each promising a blend of stylish design and practicality. Well, Cupra has now joined the fight with the Tavascan.

What exactly is it?

The Tavascan is closely related to its VW Group cousins like the VW ID.5, Audi Q4 Sportback, and Skoda Enyaq Coupé, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s just a badge-swapped sibling.

With sharp lines, muscular bulges, and intricate details scattered across its bodywork, the Tavascan is arguably the most visually exciting car of the bunch.

What’s under the bonnet, then?

There’s no combustion engine lurking beneath this sharply styled skin. It’s all battery-powered, riding atop the familiar MEB electric architecture from the VW Group. Buyers get a straightforward choice: a single motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) variant or the dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) VZ model tested here.

With a combined 335bhp and 545Nm of torque, the VZ variant leaps from standstill to 100km/h in just 5.6 seconds. Realistically, you’re also likely looking at around 450 to 480km of range, which isn’t too shabby either.

How does it drive?

Here’s where the Tavascan truly impresses. Electric crossovers, while trendy, often struggle to blend sportiness and comfort convincingly, either punishing your spine or wallowing through corners. The Tavascan, though, manages a near-perfect balancing act, thanks to its adaptive suspension and well-tuned chassis.

It offers a surprisingly supple ride on Singapore’s urban roads, handling bumps with a composed grace reminiscent of premium European sedans.

Engage Cupra’s ‘sportier’ settings, and the Tavascan delivers an engaging driving experience. While it’s no Porsche Taycan, the Cupra still corners with poise, thanks to its rear-biased power delivery. Sure, there’s noticeable weight to manage (we’re talking about more than two tonnes here) but the chassis cleverly disguises this heft. The steering, while lacking a bit of tactile feedback, is precise and nicely weighted.

Visibility is decent, but those sweeping lines do result in slightly limited rearward views. The ride remains comfortable even on larger wheels, and cabin noise is well suppressed, though rougher tarmac may increase tyre roar slightly.

The only weak link in this formula is the brake pedal, which can feel vague and spongy, but that’s a complaint common to the rest of the MEB range.

What about practicality—does style trump space?

Thankfully, no. Despite its sleek, sloping roofline, rear headroom and legroom are surprisingly generous. The boot, at 540 litres, easily accommodates weekly groceries or suitcases for weekend getaways.

The rear seats are sculpted comfortably for two adults, though anyone consigned to the middle seat will feel slightly short-changed. Parents and teens alike will appreciate the available USB ports and climate controls in the rear, making the Tavascan an easy companion on family journeys.

And on the inside?

The Tavascan presents itself as confidently as it does outside. The cabin design is genuinely distinctive, with ambient lighting piercing through the door panels and dashboard, lending it a sophisticated yet futuristic feel.

Dominating the centre console is a crisp, responsive 15-inch infotainment screen. Cupra’s latest interface is much improved, intuitive enough that it won’t have you fumbling or losing your temper at traffic lights. Thankfully, shortcut buttons allow easy access to key functions, although traditionalists will always pine for good old-fashioned physical knobs, especially for air-conditioning controls.

Quality-wise, the cabin is mostly a success. Soft-touch materials, copper highlights, and plush seating provide a premium feel. However, the decorative plastic spine stretching from the dashboard to the console feels disappointingly low-rent, like discovering plastic cutlery at a fine-dining establishment.

Safety-wise, what’s new?

The Tavascan’s technology package is commendable. A comprehensive suite of driver aids (adaptive cruise control, automated parking, and a clever augmented-reality head-up display) offers reassurance on long drives or daily commutes.

While lane-assistance can occasionally feel intrusive, toggling it off is thankfully just one tap away on the touchscreen.

Best of the rest

The Cupra Tavascan is a genuinely appealing alternative in the crowded electric crossover landscape. Yes, the styling will polarise, but beneath its sharp exterior is a thoroughly accomplished vehicle.

Performance is strong, the interior quality impresses, and its blend of comfort and driving enjoyment surpasses most rivals. And at an expected price point around S$245,000 with COE, the Tavascan makes a convincing case against rivals like the XPeng G6.

Cupra may still be relatively new to many in Singapore, but with offerings like the Tavascan, expect fewer puzzled looks when you mention the brand in conversation.

Technical Specifications