Should you buy one?

The Cupra Tavascan is a perfectly serviceable electric family SUV, but it’s wading into a market that’s already bursting with excellent rivals. What’s worse is that there are cheaper (and arguably better) alternatives, based on the same underpinnings, from within the Volkswagen Group.

Despite its dashing looks and youthful branding, we’d still pick the Skoda Enyaq over the Tavascan every time. It’s a much better family car with a far more comfortable suspension setup at a more affordable price. The Tavascan can be fun for a quick blast down a twisty road, but we reckon you’d grow tired of its firmness when using it every day.

And while Cupra’s done a good job of making something sporty out of the humdrum hardware it’s been handed by its Volkswagen overlords. It’s slightly more exciting than the ID.5, for example, but there are better options out there if you’re looking for a fast, engaging electric SUV. Such as the BMW iX1. Or the Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce. Or our Car of the Year, the Renault Scenic E-Tech.

Is the Tavascan good? Yes, but it’s some nicer plastics and a little more calibration away from being truly recommendable choice. It just doesn’t make practical sense. Shame. Maybe when the leasing deals start coming down in price, it’ll start to look more attractive.

What we like

The Tavascan’s handling is a little sharper than the rest of the MEB cars, which makes it a little more fun on a twisty road. We also like the car’s funky interior design, reasonably spacious rear seats and big boot.

What we don’t like

The ride’s too firm for the UK, the infotainment system isn’t as logical or easy to use as the equivalent Volkswagen and the brake pedal is frustrating to use. The fact the regen system is tied into it makes it too unpredictable.