Cupra Tavascan long-term test: report 6
The Tavascan is Cupra's first electric SUV, with slightly sportier pretensions than many of its rivals. But will it be satisfying to live with? We're running one to find out...
The car Cupra Tavascan 77kWh V2 Run by Allan Muir, managing editor
Why we’re running it To find out whether Cupra's electric SUV can combine sportiness and practicality in a more convincing way than the Ford and Volkswagen models that share its underpinnings
Needs to Be better to drive than the average electric SUV, as well as being practical and having a long enough real-world range to dismiss any concerns about charging
Mileage 2190 List price £53,845 Best price £47,845 Price as tested £56,175 Test range 265 miles Official range 339 miles
12 August 2025 – Tavascan versus Capri, round two
“The Colonel’s Lady and Judy O’Grady,” noted Rudyard Kipling, “are sisters under the skin.” Although they look vastly different up top, my regular drive, a Ford Capri, and this Cupra Tavascan are likewise siblings, sharing the same Volkswagen underpinnings and DNA.
So it was decided that for one week, I’d give my thoughts on the Tavascan while colleague Allan Muir, the Tavascan’s regular keeper, would try the Capri. Allan has already published his findings, so now it’s my turn.
Well, firstly, while such things are an entirely subjective thing, I do prefer the Cupra's looks. I like the way the Tavascan’s angular design suggests potential, even at a standstill. Next to it, the Capri is a trifle bland.
Until now, I have always forgiven the Capri its lacklustre shape because its interior is vast, and this, combined with the enormity of its boot, makes it supremely practical. However, to my surprise, I found the Tavascan equally practical and equally roomy. A trip to the tip held no fears, and my family all fitted in the Tavascan quite comfortably.
But alas, that is the only time I will use the word ‘comfort’ and ‘Tavascan’ in the same sentence. The Tavascan’s ride is dreadful – so stiff that it feels like its tyres are filled with concrete. The Capri doesn’t ride well, admittedly, its firm suspension giving it what might best be described as an unsettled ride, but it’s a peach by comparison.
Both cars have a spongy, long-travel brake pedal, too, making it difficult to judge how much pressure to apply to slow down smoothly and at the desired rate. I thought the Tavascan’s brakes were a bit better than the Capri’s, but that’s not saying much.
And finally, there was the interior of the Tavascan. At night, I liked it, lit up like a thousand stars. During the day, I became aware of the air vent 'gills' across the dashboard and the rather frightening design of the central spine bisecting the two front seats. It put me in mind of a giant filleted fish, or the carcass of some poor wildebeest after a lion had savaged it.
No thanks, Allan, I’m not swapping. I quite liked the Tavascan, but I’ll stick with the Capri.
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