After a somewhat hesitant start, Cupra is now showing momentum since becoming a stand-alone brand within the Volkswagen group in 2018, writes Brian Byrne. In Ireland, sales have increased more than 60 per cent in 2025 since last year. Most of that can be attributed to the arrival this year of two all-new Cupra models, the Terramar petrol hybrid and the Tavascan all-electric. Another interesting figure, Tavascan and the older ID.3-related Born hatchback sales mean that one in three Cupras sold this year are all-electric. For several reasons, the former SEAT spin-off is a brand on the rise.
One of those reasons is the touch of Alberto Torrecillas, a career product designer with the Spanish SEAT-Cupra company, who has been responsible for the special details and body styles of all Cupra models since the Formentor in 2019. Initially an interiors stylist, he took over full responsibility for exterior designs over a decade ago. The Tavascan is his latest production creation on the road, and his Raval small electric car is due for 2026 sales.
The Tavascan has a much stronger visual personality in the Cupra universe than other models. I suspect that this is because it was destined for the Chinese market from the beginning, and is, in fact, built there. The strongly sculpted and detail-filled front would especially be attractive to Asian tastes, though Torrecillas did ease back on the rest of the car so that it wouldn't frighten the European punters. It's overall a good-looking vehicle. The rear is an especially smooth execution. It has enough modelling to be interesting, but without extremes. In size, the car sits a little above the VW ID.5 and just below the Skoda Enyaq.
Inside, things have gone a bit over the top, with swooping dashboard sections and complicated details. A spar coming from where you would typically expect a centre console has only space for an emergency flasher button. In line with the VW Group style bible, there's a massive centre screen and a small one in front of the driver for the main driving instruments. The steering wheel is a good feel, with the strong copper-cloured motif and stitching that's the Cupra thing. The other Cupra thing is the satellite buttons for start-stop and selecting driving profiles.
When you get used to the visuals, you find that the Tavascan is roomy and comfortable. The finish, as one now expects from the brand, is excellent. The boot capacity at 540L is more than adequate for all reasonable travel needs.
The powertrain is shared across Volkswagen Group electric cars, with some modification for the Cupra sports heritage. There are single and dual-motor AWD variants; my review car was the single with 286hp on tap. That allows for a 6.8-second sprint to 100km/h, and I don't see any need for seeking more. Goes without saying that progress is absolutely smooth. The rated range is 546 km, with my usual caveat on that being closer to 450 in real use. Still plenty, really.
With Cupra, you're paying a bit of a premium for a sporty ethos and performance. That adds a feel-good element to ownership, and when someone shells out significant money for their personal transport, that's always worth factoring into the consideration of choice. I like Cupra's individual detailing, and in the case of Tavascan I probably would get used to the curious dashboard style rather quickly. It's really all down to taste, isn't it?
PRICE: From €44,365; review car €50,250. WHAT I LIKED: That Cupra badge is always a cut above other brands.
