CUPRA Australia has announced specifications for the CUPRA Tavascan, the Barcelona-based brand’s new all-electric SUV, ahead of its debut in Australian CUPRA Garages by the end of the year. Early indications of pricing suggest it will qualify for the FBT Exemption to make it another options novated lease new car buyers.
According to the press release, the CUPRA Tavascan elevates the electric SUV to an art-form with impressive performance figures, a dynamic driving experience, an all-new immersive sound system from Sennheiser, and head-turning styling inside and out.
CUPRA Australia director, Ben Wilks, said the design- and performance-focused SUV will gain a highly-compelling price point reflecting its position between mass market and prestige segments.
“Our first battery-electric SUV not only offers an exhilarating driving experience, it promises to be one of the most eye-catching vehicles on the road when it launches in December,” said Mr. Wilks. “Pricing is due to be finalised soon. Expect the 210kW RWD ‘Endurance’ grade to be priced slightly above the top-spec Formentor VZx ($65,790 plus on road costs). Similarly, we expect all variants to fall below the LCT threshold and to therefore qualify for FBT exemptions.”
The Tavascan will debut in late Q4 in both ‘Endurance’ and ‘VZ’ grades, with an optional Interior Package available for the Endurance at launch. The VZ’s exclusive option pack, the Extreme Package, will arrive in early 2025. Four exterior colours will be available – Atacama Desert, White Silver, Basalt Grey** and the hero Tavascan Blue**.
All Tavascan models will also be fitted with a 15” touchscreen infotainment system with new generation interface, an evolved ‘twist-shift’ drive selector, and paddle-shift control of the regenerative braking system.
The ‘Endurance’ grade will be especially attractive to those wishing to maximise the available range, with the 77kWh battery returning official figures of 534km on the WLTP testing cycle.
Standard equipment will include 19” black and silver ‘Vulcano’ alloy wheels, signature new LED headlight design with triangular DRL’s, illuminated front and rear CUPRA emblems, power tailgate with ‘kick’ sensor, smart entry with ‘sit-to-start’ functionality, three-zone climate system with rear control, and a full suite of safety features. Like all CUPRA models, the Endurance will be fitted with bucket sports seats, finished in ‘soul black’ fabric.
The aforementioned Interior Package will add 20” ‘Heckla’ alloy wheels, 360 degree top view camera, power front seats with heating and memory and the premium Sennheiser audio system. This package will also showcase the mesmerising ‘Dark Night’ deep blue interior seen in much of the hero imagery, with suede-like microfibre seat trim and captivating ambient lighting permeating multiple areas including the front door trims.
The ‘VZ’ will receive all the inclusions from the Endurance Interior Package including the Dark Night interior, plus 21” black and copper ‘Katla’ wheels, DCC adaptive suspension, cascading Matrix LED headlight technology, and a fixed sunroof with power sunblind. With a 40kW increase in power and an additional electric motor, range drops slightly to 499km***, alongside a drop in the 0-100kmh figures by an additional 1.3 seconds to 5.5 seconds.*****
The optional Extreme Package for the VZ will arrive in early 2025, marking the first Australian CUPRA to receive the more extreme ‘Cup Racing’ bucket front seats. These racy seats will cocoon the driver in Enceladus Grey leather appointments during enthusiastic cornering, and also add seat ventilation in case things get a little too heated. Sticky performance tyres result in range for the Extreme Package clocking in at 463km***.
Further detail on specification will be available closer to launch****.
Mr Wilks said the Tavascan is the first step in a massive twelve months for the CUPRA brand in Australia, and its electrified range of vehicles.
“In addition to the Tavascan, the electrifying Born VZ hatchback and newly-revealed Terramar PHEV/ICE SUV are also on the way. So too are the extensively revised Formentor and Leon, plus the Leon Sportstourer, each with the option of a PHEV version boasting around 100km of electric-only range. It truly is an exciting time to be a CUPRA fan,” said Mr. Wilks.
