Photo: Baldauf
In a rather weird yet not unique move (ahem, Jetta), Volkswagen seems to be interested in launching a new sub-brand in China. The latest intel suggests it will use the Cupra name for it, and it appears that the first model to be part of it will be a rebadged Tavascan.
At first glance, this tester caught by our spies in Europe appears to be the usual Cupra Tavascan. And it is, albeit with a few modifications. For one, the face looks somewhat different, sporting a new bumper and headlights.
Save for the different wheels, which feature sensors on them for data collecting purposes, as this prototype was used to test the brakes, the sticker out back reveals, the profile looks the same. At the rear, it has different taillights and not much else.
As usual, the devil is in the details. If you look at the space between the taillights, where the illuminated Cupra logo sits on the normal Tavascan, you will see that it has a round shape. This coincides with the VW emblem. It also does not feature the SEAT-owned brand's emblem on the nose.
The interior is not visible at all in these scoops, but in all likelihood, it will be almost identical to that of the regular Cupra Tavascan. We think the dashboard panel, digital dials, infotainment system, door cards, seats, and so on will carry over, with the only differences being the new logo on the (different?) steering wheel, no copper accents, as cupra means copper in Latin, and perhaps new upholstery and trim.
It will be interesting to see if the model retains the same powertrains as its western sibling, which uses a rear-mounted motor in the base configuration, rated at 282 hp (286 ps/210 kW) and 402 lb-ft (545 Nm) of torque. The upper spec comes with two motors that kick out a combined 335 hp (340 ps/250 kW) and 501 lb-ft (679 Nm). Both versions pack the same battery, which has a 77-kWh capacity.
Based on the VW Group's MEB platform, the Cupra Tavascan is basically the Mediterranean cousin of the Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5. It has a driving range of around 323 miles (520 km) on the WLTP cycle, and it is expected to sell more than 50,000 copies each year. The model will go on sale in the Old Continent next year, where it will be imported from the Volkswagen Anhui facility in China, which is where the VW-branded version will likely come to life.
As expected, the Tavascan won't cross the Atlantic Ocean to end up on our shores, just like the Chinese variant won't make its way to Europe. Chances are the latter will be introduced in the coming months, launching in the People's Republic early next year.
Save for the different wheels, which feature sensors on them for data collecting purposes, as this prototype was used to test the brakes, the sticker out back reveals, the profile looks the same. At the rear, it has different taillights and not much else.
As usual, the devil is in the details. If you look at the space between the taillights, where the illuminated Cupra logo sits on the normal Tavascan, you will see that it has a round shape. This coincides with the VW emblem. It also does not feature the SEAT-owned brand's emblem on the nose.
The interior is not visible at all in these scoops, but in all likelihood, it will be almost identical to that of the regular Cupra Tavascan. We think the dashboard panel, digital dials, infotainment system, door cards, seats, and so on will carry over, with the only differences being the new logo on the (different?) steering wheel, no copper accents, as cupra means copper in Latin, and perhaps new upholstery and trim.
It will be interesting to see if the model retains the same powertrains as its western sibling, which uses a rear-mounted motor in the base configuration, rated at 282 hp (286 ps/210 kW) and 402 lb-ft (545 Nm) of torque. The upper spec comes with two motors that kick out a combined 335 hp (340 ps/250 kW) and 501 lb-ft (679 Nm). Both versions pack the same battery, which has a 77-kWh capacity.
Based on the VW Group's MEB platform, the Cupra Tavascan is basically the Mediterranean cousin of the Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5. It has a driving range of around 323 miles (520 km) on the WLTP cycle, and it is expected to sell more than 50,000 copies each year. The model will go on sale in the Old Continent next year, where it will be imported from the Volkswagen Anhui facility in China, which is where the VW-branded version will likely come to life.
As expected, the Tavascan won't cross the Atlantic Ocean to end up on our shores, just like the Chinese variant won't make its way to Europe. Chances are the latter will be introduced in the coming months, launching in the People's Republic early next year.
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