Cupra Tavascan review

Thankfully Cupra has managed to keep its usual bloated model offering relatively simple with the Tavascan – your first choice is RWD or AWD. If it’s the former then you’ve got V1 or V2 trims to choose from, starting from £47,350 and £53,845 respectively.

If it’s the latter then you can choose from VZ1 or VZ2 trims costing £55,945 or £60,845.

What are the trims like? 

The V1 base model comes relatively well equipped, with 19in alloys, LED headlights, auto lights and wipers, keyless go, heated steering wheel, rear-view camera, tri-zone aircon, the 15in touchscreen, wireless phone charging and wireless smartphone integration.

The V2 upgrades you to 21in alloys, electrically adjustable heated front bucket seats, matrix LED headlights, Sennheiser audio system, panoramic glass roof, ambient lighting and Cupra’s fancy augmented reality head-up display. 

VZ1 trim is much the same as the V2 spec, but chucks in the extra motor at the front, while the range-topping VZ2 model comes with a different style of 21in alloy, upgraded leather bucket seats (that are ventilated too) and a fancier leather interior.

Any options or accessories?

The usual mix, but the next biggest decision after you’ve settled on the powertrain and trim is whether or not to spec the winter pack, which is £1.3k. It comes with a heat pump, heated windscreen and heated rear seats.

For what Cupra's charging you shouldn’t have to pay extra for any of these things, but the heat pump will be a wise addition for improved winter efficiency. Grumble about it, then tick the box.

The other thing to remember is that since April 2025, the Tavascan's fallen into the government’s hoiked up VED charge for cars over £40k. That means you’ll pay an extra £425 a year for five years on top of the standard £195 car tax. No discount for EVs any more, sorry.

Which one should I go for? 

Lopping 1.3 seconds off the 0–62mph doesn’t seem to warrant the extra cost of the higher spec Tavascans, unless you really want the added assurance of all-wheel drive. Our pick would be the V2, which benefits from the improved sound system and the extra light that the panoramic roof lets into the gloomy rear seats.