It might look like a Volkswagen ID.4, but this Volkswagen Group tester is actually an early look at the Cupra Tavascan.
The Tavascan isn’t expected to launch until 2024, but our spy photographers say this particular ID.4 is wearing a Cupra front end.
Although it’ll share its MEB bones with the ID.4, the Tavascan will be a more aggressive take on the formula in keeping with Cupra’s sportier billing.
With 225kW of power from its dual-motor powertrain and a 77kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the Tavascan Concept had up to 450km of range.
The Tavascan is a step in Cupra’s path to becoming fully electric by 2030.
It’s already revealed the Born, a city hatchback that’s locked in for Australia, and has offered a peek at the aggressive UrbanRebel that’s also due for production.
Cupra is likely to be the first Volkswagen Group brand to bring an affordable electric car to Australia.
“The Cupra Born will be a challenge, to get that car ready, but it’s something I am committed to doing,” Cupra global boss Wayne Griffiths told Australian media.
“We can’t just come [to Australia] with the Cupra Formentor, we need to have the Cupra Electric cars – the Cupra Born, the Cupra Tavascan, and the Cupra Urban Rebel – ready for Australia,” he said.
Volkswagen and Skoda have struggled to get their new electric cars to Australia due to our relaxed emissions standards, along with heavy demand in Europe.
Tavascan Concept
Cupra says it won’t have the same issues with the Born, because it’s much smaller than its Volkswagen Group stablemates.
“For us, Australia is more important than many other markets,” Mr Griffiths said.
“Australia will be our first time going global… we put our resources on fixing an electric car for Australia as an objective and a priority.
“I think Volkswagen Group and Skoda, because they’re already global and a lot of other markets, they probably don’t give Australia the priority. For us, it will have a high priority.”
