07:50 21-02-2026

CUPRA Tavascan production shifts to Europe for future models

SEAT and CUPRA are adjusting their strategy. According to Handelsblatt, the next generation of the CUPRA Tavascan will be produced in Europe, while the current model will continue to be assembled in Anhui, China, until the end of its life cycle. This production shift makes sense following the model's weak performance: in 2025, only about 36,000 units were sold—just over half of the targeted 70,000 per year.

Until recently, the Tavascan faced a European anti-dumping surcharge of 20.7% on top of the standard 10% customs tariff. CUPRA avoided these duties through a minimum price agreement, but that didn't change the strategic outlook. Moving production closer to the European market reduces risks and simplifies logistics. For now, retail prices won't change in the coming months, as the brand's policy is not to pass tariffs on to customers.

Rumors about a successor suggest the Tindaya, a new mid-size SUV measuring 4.72 meters in length, could replace the Tavascan. It's only 8 cm longer and will be built on the SSP platform, promising greater technological sophistication. Until the start of the next decade, the Tavascan will remain CUPRA's flagship, but it may receive the new CEA electronic architecture developed in partnership with XPeng.

The departure of the ID.5 within the VW Group could strengthen the Tavascan's position, as it offers a more emotional alternative for buyers compared to the technically similar Skoda Enyaq Coupé or Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron.

The current Tavascan lineup includes the Endurance and VZ versions. Both use a 77 kWh battery with NCM cells and a 400 V architecture. Maximum charging power is 135 kW, allowing the car to charge from 10% to 80% in 28 minutes. The Endurance features a 286 hp (210 kW) motor, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds, and offers a WLTP range of up to 553 km. The all-wheel-drive VZ delivers 340 hp (250 kW), accelerates to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds, and provides a range of 513 km. Both versions have a top speed limited to 180 km/h.

This production move signals CUPRA's aim to strengthen its position in Europe and ensure a more sustainable market trajectory for the model.