The Cupra Tavascan is a sporty interpretation of the VW ID.5. Its most powerful variant, often just called VZ, brings a massive dose of electric potency. There is even a trim level with the name Adrénaline, a clear indication of its intentions.
At the end of 2024, the cold didn't scare the Cupra Tavascan VZ Adrénaline away from us. First of all, it's a 4-wheel drive thanks to its pair of electric motors. Then there's its 77kWh battery (82kWh gross), with a design that minimizes wind resistance to ensure long-lasting autonomy. The result is a car with 340hp (250kW) split between the 286hp rear motor - the primary driver - and the 109hp front motor. In normal driving conditions, the Tavascan VZ is a rear-wheel drive. The front motor is only activated during heavy acceleration or sporty driving, when the rear wheels seem to start losing traction.
Light bath
No straight lines are found on the Tavascan, with waves instead. The central support creates a Y shape between the seats. There's a lot of light on the passenger side of the dashboard and on the door panels. A 15-inch screen floating in the center of the console powers a modern infotainment system. In contrast, the driver's digital instrument cluster is very simple. You might as well rely on the head-up display. This prototype design doesn't stop the 4.64m Cupra from being practical. Especially since there's plenty of room for passengers, despite its coupe-like shape. Even the trunk is roomy under the lid (540l). Up front, the microfiber bucket seats set the tone for the Spanish car's character.
Crazy
With 340hp and 535Nm, the Tavascan accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in just 5.5 seconds when in Cupra mode. Notably, the vehicle's 2.3-ton weight seems lightweight when paired with such immense power. The built-in suspension system serves to stabilize and enhance control, allowing for smooth handling in corners and precise steering. This makes it difficult to find any flaws in the vehicle's capabilities. A serene, dynamic feel is maintained also with the 286hp (210kW) two-wheel-drive version, as the chassis appears robust and confident. In any case, with its two engines and four-wheel drive, the Tavascan VZ is an impressively efficient and comfortable machine - even with its 21-inch wheels.
Toasting the cells
When you accelerate rapidly at the start, you might assume frequent charging is necessary. Not so. The official WLTP range for the VZ Adrenaline is 515km. If you permit a few hard accelerations from corners and spirited starts at green lights, while observing speed limits, you can complete trips of more than 350km without recharging, including a guaranteed 300km on the highway without resorting to the first lane. The heat pump included in the Contrast & Hero winter package, which also features seat and back heat for all seats as well as electric windshield defrosting. A €1,515 bonus (in Belgium).
Play with your feet
It's possible to utilize regeneration by easing off the accelerator during deceleration, thereby accumulating a few Watts, but not enough to fully avoid braking. Unfortunately, the brake pedal can sometimes provide a slight lack of resistance. If you don't employ this technique, your speed will decrease at a slow pace. There's an automatic regenerative power mode, which can be somewhat unpredictable in its strength. Let me rephrase it: it's safer to focus on using the accelerator. A firmer brake pedal with less reliance on regeneration would better suit sporty driving, particularly when pushing the car on a track or a German autobahn to test its top speed of 180km/h.
Well-born, not free
The Cupra Tavascan VZ offers an exciting and unorthodox driving experience with its distinctive design and bold personality. "Fun, surprising, out of the ordinary," it's a great car that you might find "addicting." With its aggressive exterior and unique spirit, it's not afraid to break the mold. One thing it does differently is abandon the practice of artificially augmenting engine noises, fully embracing its electric capabilities. Nevertheless, this comes at a cost: the base model exceeds €70,000 in Belgium, €65,000 in France, €60,000 in the Netherlands and Germany, £55,000 in the UK, and CHF62,000 in Switzerland. If you opt not to upgrade to the standard heat pump, you might find yourself uncomfortable in cold temperatures. Furthermore, the absence of 800-volt architecture limits DC fast charging to 135kW. But in terms of battery management, "it's great – the battery often manages to keep the car running for 2 hours after a 30-minute break, and it's ready to go again."
(Photo: (MH with Olivier Duquesne – Source : Cupra – Picture : Olivier Duquesne))
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