What is it?

Far from being a Seat sub-brand, Cupra has grown to become a very respectable firm in its own right and one which, in many ways, is progressing more steadily than its former parent company. These days, Cupra is in the midst of a massive product offensive and this car - the Tavascan - is one of its latest models to hit the road.

Arriving as a fully electric SUV crossover, the Tavascan is here to build on the success of the smaller Born while adding some extra practicality and spaciousness. We’ve been finding out what it’s like.

What’s new?

The Tavascan is yet another model to use Volkswagen Group’s now tried-and-tested MEB platform. You’ll find the same one underpinning a variety of the firm’s cars, ranging from the Volkswagen ID.3 through to the Skoda Enyaq. It’s been a successful layout, that’s for sure, and means that the Tavascan doesn’t need to experiment much when it comes to battery and motor setups.

But in typical Cupra fashion, we’ve got more styling flair to check out than you might find on some of the other more straight-laced Volkswagen Group EVs. You’ll find this both on the outside and in the interior - but more on both of those later.

What’s under the bonnet?

Regardless of which Tavascan model you opt for, you’re getting a 77kWh battery pack as standard - there’s no smaller-battery option for the time being. In its most efficient layout - VZ1 trim - this equates to a range of up to 352 miles. In more powerful versions, like our range-topping 335bhp VZ2 model, that drops to a still-respectable 298 miles. However, we’d be opting for the less powerful versions in order to get that tip-top range.

Charging speeds are good across the board, too, at 135kW when connected to a suitably rapid charger. It means you could get a 10 to 80 per cent charge sorted in 28 minutes, while it’ll be an overnight stop-over to fully charge the Tavascan’s batteries with a 7kW home unit.

What’s it like to drive?

Cupra models always have a sportier edge to their driving experience and that’s evident here in the Tavascan. The ride does have a firmer edge to it than you might expect, but coupled with sharp handling this makes the whole car feel dynamic and focused. In fact, against other Volkswagen Group vehicles, it feels quite a bit racier than you’d think.

The performance of this VZ2 model is more than enough for daily driving. Zero to 60mph is sorted in 5.3 seconds and it’ll top out at 112mph, so it’ll give many a hot hatch a scare away from the lights. However, for the most part, we’d just rather have the additional range that a lower-powered Tavascan gives you.

How does it look?

Cupra is doing a good job at establishing a ‘family face’ across its entire range and the Tavascan is a good example of this. In fact, put this brand-new Cupra alongside other cars in the line-up and it’s quite hard to tell one from the other, even with this car’s raised ride height.

But that being said, it’s not a bad-looking car by a long stretch. There are plenty of illuminated elements at both the front and rear of the vehicle, with the lit-up Cupra logo on the nose being an element which makes a big visual impression at night.

What’s it like inside?

That design flair carries through to the interior of the Tavascan. The forward part of the cabin is intersected by a huge, futuristic-looking central column which makes it look more like you’re driving a sci-fi fighter rather than a car. Will it look as impressive 20 years down the line? We’re not sure. But as for now, it makes a big impression.

Space is on par with rivals, though the rear seats may be a little tight for taller passengers. Boot space, however, is good - there is 540 litres of room back there, making it one of the most capacious EVs in this segment.

What’s the spec like?

Prices for the new Tavascan start from £47,340 and all versions come very well equipped from the start. IN V1 specification, you’re getting 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and a full infotainment system with high-definition driver’s display. There are even high-end features such as wireless smartphone charging included from the off, too.

At the other end of the scale is VZ2, which adds in larger 21-inch alloy wheels, upgraded Matrix LED headlights and a panoramic sunroof. However, if you’re looking to keep costs down, then we’d argue that the standard Tavascan comes more than well enough equipped for most drivers.

Verdict

The Cupra Tavascan enters into a busy segment and is underpinned by a platform which has been put to good use already by a number of solid options. But with its head-turning looks and a striking cabin, we reckon that this Cupra has done enough to stand out.

While it may be tempting to go for the faster VZ2 car, we still reckon that the longest-range Tavascan will be the one to go for - and you’re still getting plenty of equipment on this model, too.