What's the difference?
Deepal is a recent arrival in Australia but its parent company Changan Automotive is one of China’s largest state-owned automotive manufacturers which was established in the 1950s.
Deepal Automobile Technology (to use its full name) is one of several brands under the Changan corporate umbrella targeting different market segments across passenger and commercial vehicle lines.
Deepal’s focus is on full-electric vehicles with an expanding Australian line-up comprising a compact SUV (S05), mid-sized SUV (S07) and a groundbreaking large SUV (E07) it calls the Multitruck.
We recently spent a week in the E07 to find out if it’s not only practical for family duties but also if its unique design offers genuine workhorse ability to validate its ‘truck’ credentials.
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!
The Deepal E07 is not a truck, so tradies need not apply. However, for couples and families it's a generously equipped and luxurious EV with a unique electronic approach to a reconfigurable interior, albeit with practicality partly compromised by its fastback styling. So, only car buyers will determine if this is a short-lived automotive curiosity, or a bold new direction for SUV design.
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.