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

Cupra Tavascan VZ

Powertrain: Dual Electric Motors, All-Wheel Drive
Power: 250 kW (335 bhp)
Torque: 545 Nm
Gearbox: Single Speed (A)
Acceleration: 5.6 Seconds (0-100km/h)
Battery Capacity: 77 kWh
Drive Range: 521 km
Energy Consumption: 5.6 km/kWh (claimed)
Price: S$246,900 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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The CUPRA Born is an electric hot hatch designed to deliver adrenaline-pumping performance. Underneath its chiselled hood sits Volkswagen Group’s MEB modular electric platform, but with CUPRA’s own aggressive tuning.

The Born e-Boost variant churns out up to 231PS, while its 59kWh battery provides an WLTP-rated range of up to 428km.

Seven minutes of DC charging will net you 100km of range, while a 10-80% charge takes under half an hour.

Progressive steering, bigger brakes, and grippy 20-inch wheels make for an electrifying drive. The design, with its dynamic front fascia and striking bonnet creases exudes confidence.

“This is a momentous occasion for CUPRA Singapore. I am truly excited to share the passion, innovation, and bold spirit that this brand embodies. CUPRA was born out of a desire to create something different, and our all-electric Born and Tavascan models are certainly unlike anything else.”

Daryle-Alexis Tan, Brand Director of CUPRA Singapore

Inside, the Born’s cabin features bucket seats wrapped in Dinamica, a recycled material. The driver-focused cockpit comes with a 12.9-inch floating infotainment screen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

For those craving even more power, the Born VZ steps things up a notch with 326PS and 545Nm of torque, all channelled to the rear wheels.

The VZ variant also boasts Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) Sport, exclusive 20-inch forged alloy wheels, Enceladus Grey Sabelt Cup bucket seats, and a 10-speaker Sennheiser sound system for the ultimate immersive drive.

If the Born is CUPRA’s answer to an electric hot hatch, then the Tavascan is its high-voltage SUV coupe counterpart.

First unveiled as a concept at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show, it’s now a reality, carrying CUPRA’s avant-garde design language.

The Tavascan Endurance, the first available variant in Singapore, features a rear-mounted electric motor producing 286PS and 545Nm of torque. Thanks to its 77kWh lithium-ion battery, it boasts a WLTP range of up to 568km. 

For those seeking something even more dynamic, the Tavascan VZ is an all-wheel-drive model packing dual electric motors, delivering 340PS and 521km of range. Selectable chassis modes via DCC Sport, progressive steering, and 21-inch alloy wheels bring razor-sharp handling into the mix.

Inside, a massive 15-inch infotainment display takes centre stage, paired with a high-fidelity 12-speaker Sennheiser audio system.

Enthusiasts can experience the Born and Tavascan firsthand at CUPRA Centre Singapore or catch them at the brand’s first-ever roadshow at VivoCity from 17 March. 

Pricing for the Born starts from SGD$195,900 for the e-Boost and SGD$225,900 for the VZ. Meanwhile, the Tavascan Endurance is priced from SGD$209,900, with the range-topping VZ going for SGD$229,900. 

Every purchase comes with an 8-year battery warranty, 8-year roadside assistance, 8-year free servicing, and a 5-year car warranty. Owners will also enjoy complimentary solar film, an in-car camera, and a free first-year road tax. 

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