What's the difference?
Timing is everything.
For instance, with all the bad publicity the man behind the brand is generating, right now might be the perfect time if you’re in the market for a Tesla Model Y alternative.
And that’s especially so if said alternative happens to be around the same price… such as the all-new Cupra Tavascan.
No, not an antacid for relief from indigestion, but the Volkswagen Group’s Spanish brand’s first medium-sized electric SUV.
Is it good enough to catapult Cupra into the big time in Australia?
Time to find out!
Car companies don’t normally overhaul a vehicle so rapidly and comprehensively. But the updated Subaru Solterra EV is an exception. It had to be done and this isn’t just an update, it’s an act of survival for Subaru… and Toyota.
You knew the Solterra’s identical twin is the Toyota bZ4X, right? Together Subaru and Toyota developed an electric SUV. Subaru’s is the Solterra, Toyota’s is the bZ4X - same car, different styling, mostly.
The problem was the vehicle couldn’t compete with rivals like the Zeekr 7X and Tesla Model Y on price, driving range, power or charging speed.
Subaru and Toyota knew this had to be fixed ASAP. And so we now have the new Solterra. But is this revised version good enough? Read on to find out.
Like most Cupras, the Tavascan is affordable, stylish, practical, fun to drive and just that little bit different.
And it is clear the Volkswagen Group is trying hard to make the brand a success. That it can bring that formula to the medium EV SUV market with as much aplomb might just be enough to lure more than a few would-be Model Y buyers Barcelona’s way.
Definitely one to strongly consider.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.
The updated Subaru Solterra is now good enough to compete with rivals such as the Tesla Model Y and Zeekr 7X. The price is right as are the driving range and motor outputs.
There's room for improvement in terms of cabin packaging. The car doesn’t cater for taller, larger people up front, with the steering wheel placement and wide centre console. Cabin storage could also be much better.
Still, the Solterra is superb to drive. One of the best EVs I’ve piloted at this price.