Overview

According to the RAC, the average EV in 2025 cost around £46,000 – and the entry level CUPRA Tavascan lands squarely in that territory. The V1 starts just above that, but for the VZ1 tested here, you’re looking at over £58,000. That’s a serious chunk of money, that could be spent on a few nice holidays, home upgrades, or, if you’re British, a heating bill.

This is CUPRA’s second fully electric car, and on paper it ticks all the right boxes. It has dual motors, all-wheel drive, plenty of tech, and a bold design. The question is whether it actually delivers something special, or just blends into the ever-growing sea of electric SUV-coupés.

Driving

The VZ1 packs dual motors producing 335bhp and 402lb-ft of torque, which is enough to get it from 0–62mph in 5.5 seconds. That’s pretty quick, though not “I’ve scared myself sh*tless” quick.

On the road, it feels composed and planted. Being nearly 2.3 tonnes, the weight is always there in the background, but clever chassis tuning and a near 50:50 weight distribution help it stay balanced through corners. Push on, and it grips well, but ultimately physics wins if you get too enthusiastic.

Adaptive suspension (standard on the VZ1 trim) helps keep things tidy, especially around corners, but there’s no escaping the firm edge to the ride. Even in softer settings, it never quite settles into proper comfort.

The steering is nice and light in town, but weightier when you dial things up. Motorway driving and overtakes are effortless, and there are five driving modes: Range, Comfort, Performance, CUPRA, Individual and for the all-wheel drive version only Traction.

Regenerative braking, though, is a bit of a mixed bag. You can adjust it via paddles, but there’s a slight delay when lifting off the throttle, and the transition between regen and physical brakes can feel inconsistent. Some stops are silky smooth; others feel like your first driving lesson.

Range and running costs

All versions of the CUPRA Tavascan use a 77kWh battery and official range is up to 324 miles. My real-world estimate would be around 230–260 miles in typical conditions, closer to 300 on a good day.

Charging is… fine. For DC rapid charging 10–80% you can expect 28 minutes at up to 135kW. Whereas AC charging 0–100% is around 7.5–8 hours on an 11kW wallbox. It’s neither class-leading nor disappointing, just very middle-of-the-road. Which, fittingly, sums up much of the Tavascan experience.

One thing worth noting is that a heat pump isn’t standard and costs extra. On a car nudging £60,000, that does feel a stingy, especially when plenty of rivals include it as standard.

Design

This is where the Tavascan makes its strongest case. The coupe-SUV silhouette may be familiar, but CUPRA injects enough personality to make it stand out. Copper accents, sharp creases, and intricate lighting signatures, including triangular motifs and illuminated logos, all give it a distinctive edge. Details like illuminated door handles and the welcome light sequence add a touch of theatre that you’ll appreciate every evening. It’s not revolutionary, but it’s definitely eye-catching.

Inside, the drama continues. The highlight is the sculptural “spine” running across the dashboard, making the 15-inch infotainment screen appear to float in mid-air. It’s genuinely cool. There’s also plenty of copper trim and ambient lighting, and the bucket seats look the properly sporty.

However, at this price point, some materials feel a bit underwhelming. I did find myself stroking some surfaces and thinking, “Hmm. You could’ve tried harder, CUPRA”.

Comfort and practicality

Space is generous, with good room front and rear, and the boot is perfectly usable for family life or a weekend away. Seat comfort is solid, especially in the supportive front buckets, though the firm suspension means longer journeys aren’t quite as relaxing as they could be.

The infotainment system is improved over earlier CUPRA efforts. It’s more logical, quicker to respond, and the home screen layout is genuinely helpful, with customisable widgets and easy access to key functions.

But – and it’s a big but – almost everything is controlled via touch. That includes climate and volume via the infamous slider. It works, but it’s not satisfying, and occasionally frustrating.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, along with app connectivity for remote functions. Though, like many EVs, occasional software glitches are part of the ownership experience.

Verdict

The CUPRA Tavascan VZ1 is a car that’s very easy to like… and slightly harder to love. It looks great, drives well, and comes loaded with desirable tech. If you value style and a sporty edge, it absolutely delivers, and you would miss some of its features the moment you step back into a more basic car.

It’s also a car however, that never quite excels. The ride is firm, the range and charging are average, and the user experience can occasionally irritate. Not to mention Cupra charging extra for a heat pump being spectacularly tight.

If design and driving feel are top priorities, this will suit you perfectly. If you’re after maximum comfort, efficiency or polish, alternatives may make more sense. Ultimately, it’s a cool car, just one that’s occasionally a bit full of itself.

Check out our video review here.

Key Specs

CUPRA Tavascan VZ1

Price (RRP OTR): From £58,275
Top speed: 112 mph
0–62mph: 5.5 seconds
Power: 335 bhp
Torque: 402 lb-ft
Driving range (combined): up to 324 miles
Charging time: 7.5–8 hrs (11kW, 0–100%), 28 min (135kW, 10–80%)
Insurance group: 38E
Vehicle warranty: 3 years / 60,000 miles
Battery warranty: 8 years / 100,000 miles