Cupra launches model offensive with Tavascan and Born VZ

Cupra will be launching a series of new or revised models over the next few months. The first of these is the Tavascan. It uses the same platform as the VW ID 4, Skoda Enyaq and Audi Q4. However, the chassis set-up of the Cupra is much sportier than that of its sister models. Not to mention the more extreme design.

A matt paint finish suits the Cupra particularly well. The copper-coloured trim elements and Cupra emblems, not unlike a stylized bull's head, then stand out particularly well. In the interior of the Tavascan, a strut leads from the dashboard to the center armrest, reminiscent of the back of a dinosaur. Cupra customers love design gags like this.

The drive programs are selected via two round buttons on the steering wheel. The "Cupra" program is the sportiest. The 250 kW (340 hp) of the Tavascan VZ (for "Veloz", "fast" in Spanish) are even more noticeable in Cupra mode. The 545 Newton meters of torque, which are available at practically any time, grip the asphalt with all four wheels. Driving quickly through bends and then accelerating out of them is a very special pleasure in this fun machine. The electric drive simply cannot be beaten here.

The standard sports seats provide the necessary lateral support. The Tavascan VZ goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds. If you miss the sound of an internal combustion engine, the Sennheiser audio system with its twelve loudspeakers might make up for it.

Cupra offers two power levels in the Tavascan: The entry-level variant is the 210 kW (286 hp) Endurance. The battery has a capacity of 77 kWh. This gives the Endurance a range of 568 kilometers according to WLTP and 522 kilometers for the VZ. In each case, 100 kilometers less should be realistic in everyday use. The Tavascan can be charged at the fast charging station with 135 kilowatts, which means the battery is 80 percent full again in 30 minutes.

The Tavascan will be available to order from June. The entry-level version costs 56,210 euros. The Cupra Born, the brand's all-electric entry-level model, will also be launched in the fall in the VZ sports version - at a lower price, one might expect. Even if the price has not yet been set. With 240 kW (326 hp), the Born VZ also demonstrates sporty capabilities. In 5.6 hours, the compact five-door car sprints to 100 km/h and is up to 200 km/h fast. An electronically adjustable tuning system (DCC) also adjusts the chassis depending on the drive program. Standard sports seats and a Sennheiser audio system are also fitted as standard. (aum)