Coupe | On the road

CUPRA Tavascan V2 77kWh

By Bill McCarthy

CUPRA originated as the performance division of SEAT. Both are part of the Volkswagen Group, with CUPRA now operating as a standalone premium brand focused on sportier design and enhanced dynamics. The Tavascan, the brand’s second dedicated electric vehicle, represents a key model in its transition to an electric lineup.

This coupé-SUV delivers a strong initial impact through its design and technology.

There is strong competition, notably from stablemates the VW ID.5 and the Skoda Enyaq, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, not to mention a host of new Chinese brands making their mark, including the BYD Seal and Omoda E5.

Design and Styling

CUPRA says the Tavascan is rare among production cars because it keeps most of its concept vehicle’s bold character. It introduces a new, confident design language. Marketing speak, but it does stand out with its three-triangle LED signature, an illuminated badge, and a coupé-style flowing roofline. This makes it more efficient and helps with the range thanks to a drag coefficient of 0.26.

Interior and Technology

The cabin presents a vivid contrast of copper and black. It features sporty bucket seats, built around a central spine and a floating dashboard, and a mix of hi-tech and more traditional controls. Soft-touch finish is prominent and the cabin has a sporty feel.

The centrepiece is a 15-inch touchscreen which controls major features like connectivity, infotainment, app selection and navigation. Physical controls include a backlit touch slider for climate functions and three physical ‘diamond-cut’ toggle switches on the centre console.

Real-time information is delivered to the driver with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Another classy touch is the selectable ambient lighting and a star-constellation-like pattern of small, individual light points scattered across the door panel. It feels well engineered and robust.

Equipment levels are comprehensive, as you’d expect for a £54k-plus car, and include a 360-degree camera and remote parking, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats and steering wheel, a wireless smartphone charging pad and multiple USB-C ports

On the road

It looks like it would be quick and it is. This rear-wheel-drive V2 model uses a 286 PS electric motor powered by a 77 kWh (net) battery. Acceleration is brisk as it hits 60mph in about 6.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 112 mph. There are multiple driving modes such as Range, Comfort, and Sport, depending on what kind of driving experience you want.

It has a claimed WLTP range of up to 353 miles, which might be obtained in perfect conditions, but with mixed weather, around 280-plus seemed nearer the mark. Charging capability includes 11 kW AC (0-100% in approximately 8 hours) and rapid 135 kW DC charging (10-80% in 28 minutes).

A heat pump, which preserves range in cold weather standard on this vehicle.

Handling is excellent with a low centre of gravity, allowing the driver to push hard through bends on twisting roads with confidence. The steering is well weighted, offering good feedback about the car’s agility.

However, one letdown is with the brakes. They feel vague and soft and don’t respond sharply until much more pressure is applied, which is disappointing for a car that promises a sporty drive.

Practicality

Despite its coupé-like profile, practicality is respectable. The cabin accommodates four adults comfortably, with reasonable head and legroom. Boot space is good, among the best in fact, with 540 litres. This increases to a cavernous 1,565 litres when the 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats are folded.

Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, which allows you to power external devices (for example, a laptop or coffee maker) from the car’s battery.

Safety features

The vehicle is equipped with a comprehensive suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Standard features include Connected Travel Assist with adaptive cruise control and lane guidance.

Verdict

The letdown is the brakes, which feel a bit soft and vague. For a car that looks this sporty, you’d expect a sharper response when you hit the pedal.

Factfile

Model: CUPRA Tavascan V2 77kWh 286 PS
Price: £53,845
Mechanical: Single electric motor, rear-wheel drive, 286 PS, 545 Nm, 77 kWh (net) battery
0-62 mph: 6.8 seconds
Top Speed: 112 mph
Range (WLTP): Up to 353 miles
Insurance group: 36
CO2 Emissions: 0 g/km
BiK Rating: 3%
Warranty: 3 years / 60,000 miles

Audi TT RS

By Bill McCarthy

The TT has always had an aura around it, a sportscar that has an enduring quality. A bit like the Mazda MX5, it’s become an icon.

Whether in coupe or roadster form, it has always looked the part, a head turner and offering plenty of performance.

Then there’s the TT RS, the bonkers sibling which offers something else entirely. Looking more menacing and likely to kick sand in your face, it just kicks the rear end of others with performance.

Like all RS Audis, performance is a given, but in the low slung TT it can be exhilarating.

The five-cylinder soundtrack delivered by the 2.5-litre TFSI is via the RS Sports exhaust system, amplified to spit and gurgle as the car blasts from 0 to 60mph in just under 3.6 seconds.

That is supercar territory and you can be in no doubt as you are thrust back in your seat as the car takes off.

The five cylinder unit delivers a stonking 400PS, that around 395bhp in old money which is a ton of grunt for a relatively small car. Mated with the seven speed S ironic auto box with the option of gear change via paddles. It rockets away from a standing start.

Aided by the RS specific suspension with magnetic ride adaptive damping, which keeps the rubber firmly on the road, the power is handled with ease. Throw in the legendary Quattro all-wheel drive and you have a vehicle that feels like it is running on rails and clinging like a limpet when cornering, while driver and passenger are held firm by the sports seats.

People were queuing up for a drive and the couple who did were not disappointed.

Once the bonkers part is over the car is a comfortable car about town and a rapid but sedate performer on the motorway when up to speed.

While £65k for this model seems like a lot of money, there is the full Audi quality you would expect both with outside styling and interior quality together with cutting edge technology. The original TT is still a much sought after car and the shape has evolved. Originally a more rounded vehicle, it now features sharper creases and harder edges, with stylish light clusters.

This model features the RS branding, subtle but still unmissable with honeycomb grille , coloured RS brake callipers, seven-spoke 19-inch alloys and rear spoiler. Door sill trims with aluminium inlays and “TTRS” logo

The interior in typical Audi with high end soft touch finish high-quality plastics.

The dash features aluminium with carbon inserts and features Audi’s Virtual Cockpit display which controls the major functions like connectivity, navigation and entertainment including DAB digital radio and controlled via the central MMI system.

The leather-quilted sports seats feature the RS logo and are firm and supportive, much needed when tested the car’s cornering ability.

A two+two, although the front seats offer plenty of head legroom, it is tight to the rear for any adults, forcing the front passenger to push the seat as far forward as possible. They really are more suited for children, or stowing extra baggage.

Although stowage space is not bad at all, with 305 litres available, it can be extended to 712 litres by utilising the rear seats space.

A car of this nature needs to be safe and the TT is packed with safety equipment not least the huge RS callipers and ventilated discs which provide immense stopping power. It also includes full complement of airbags including curtain and knee protection and stability control.

The TT just gets better, it looks the part and is a thrilling drive.

Factfile

Audi TT RS Sport Edition S tronic

Price: £63,260

Mechanical: 400PS, 2480cc, five-cylinder, petrol engine driving all wheels via seven-speed auto box

Max Speed: 155mph (limited)

0-62mph: 3.6 seconds

Combined MPG: 31.7

Insurance Group: 43

C02 emissions: 202g/km

Bik rating: 37%

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000miles

On the road

Category Archives: Coupe

Tavascan offers striking design and impressive range