We test the new Cupra Tavascan on a weekend road trip to the Cotswolds

We all know electric vehicles (EVs) are the future: a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective means of getting from A to B. But rapid advancement in its technology means you can do far more than just drop the kids off at school. The Cupra Tavascan is a fine example of how this 100% electric SUV coupé can handle just about any adventure, no matter the distance. A superfast, single charge can have you revved for up to 353 miles. As someone keen to transition from petrol to electric, I wanted to test out the new model on a long weekend away in the Cotswolds. Here’s how we got on.

Whilst this road trip was sponsored, all thoughts and opinions are our own

Cupra Tavascan Review

Friday afternoon: setting off from London

On Friday afternoon, our Atacama Desert coloured Cupra Tavascan is dropped off outside my East London flat. We hope to reach the De Vere Cotswold Water Park Hotel & Apartments before dinner time, taking around three hours with no stops en route. The car is 90% charged, and despite knowing the distance it can go without a top-up, I’m still a bit nervous. I’ve only ever travelled long distances in a conventional petrol-powered vehicle. Then again, I was like this when I switched from iPhone to Samsung, which I have no regrets about now.

Getting in, you notice immediately how much more luxe and advanced things are in this EV. The seats are plush with plenty of leg room (I’m 5ft 11), and the car’s functions are operated by a futuristic touchscreen control system, which includes its own sat-nav. Usually, I’m in charge of Google Maps and the playlist whilst my partner drives, but here, I can be hands off, minus the odd song skip.

Friday night: arriving at De Vere Cotswold Water Park Hotel

We arrive at around 8 pm, and while it’s dark, I can see that this property is situated in an idyllic part of town. It’s in the heart of the 180 lakes that spread across the unique Cotswold Lakes, and you can’t help but feel a natural calm when surrounded by all this water. Guests get free parking, and Monta chargers are available. But wait… our car was still around 50% charged despite the longest part of the journey being complete. This meant that we could save on charging for the next day.

After a comforting meal with house wine at Old Boat House Restaurant, we retire to our suite to rest for the evening. I couldn’t see anything outside as it was pitch black, but the silence out in nature was golden. I had a bath in Penhaligon’s products before falling straight into the King-size bed to sleep.

Saturday morning: exploring the Cotswolds, rain and shine

I slept so well, it must be the hotel pillows, and in the morning, I’m astonished to see the vistas of the lake. With prices beginning at just £147, this is an incredible value stay in The Cotswolds, and I quickly texted pals photos, raving about our find.

After a buffet breakfast, also by the lake, I suggest a quick morning jog before another day in the car. There’s plenty of room in the rear for our luggage, including our Merrell runners, which I definitely need on this wet October day. Heavy rain had been forecast, but thankfully it cleared by the morning, with the odd drizzle in the afternoon.

Our first stop on our road trip was Bibury, which was gorgeous but packed full of tourists. We park further away here to avoid the crowd, snagging a free spot on a country lane. Parking in the Cupra Tavascan is easy, thanks to the car’s ultrasonic parking sensors, with audio and visual guidance to help. We’re able to get into just about any tight spot without me having to get out and direct.

After this, we journeyed the classic route, stopping at Bourton on the Water, Broadway and Cheltenham, and despite a full day of activity, we still had a decent level of charge left, at about 20%.

Saturday evening: arriving at De Vere Tortworth Court in South Cotswolds

At 6 pm, we arrive at the sister property of De Vere Cotswold Water Park Hotel, De Vere Tortworth Court. We park for free at a Monta charge station, and actually charge this time. I had to download the app, which told me the exact progress of the charge and allowed for control remotely. Charging was cheap here (compared with Central London). It was 55p per kWh, and I spent a grand total of just £30 to charge back up to around 70%. 

Of the two De Vere hotels, this one was my favourite. The estate was the ancestral seat of the Ducie family for 350 years, as recorded in the Domesday Book. A multi-million-pound restoration meant that modern amenities have now been carefully integrated within the historic manor house.

The gardens are like those of a period drama, and every member of staff possesses country charm. As for dinner at 1853 Restaurant & Bar, it was absolutely superb. Sure, I had lamb two days in a row, but sheep is what the Cotswolds are famed for. The rolling hills would be lost without them. 

Sunday morning: one last look at the Cotswolds

Feeling fresh (again, thanks to the amazing pillows), we walk around the hotel’s verdant 30-acre space before the next leg of the trip. De Vere Tortworth Court is home to more than 300 plant and tree specimens, and it’s no wonder there was a wedding happening here during our stay. These are the backdrops of wedding album dreams.

Shutting Cupra Tavascan’s automatic boot, playlist back on, we were off…next stop, Castle Combe. This was actually the highlight of the trip, even prettier than Bibury, and we parked the car about a 30-minute walk away to hike through the forest. I did skip the morning’s run, after all.

The village has a couple of pubs, a tiny market, and every turn feels trapped in time. It seriously looks like a movie set, and I don’t know how we’d reach places like this without a car. We didn’t see any public transportation options while at Castle Combe.

Sunday lunch: Starling in Esher and home

I wanted to dine at Starling ever since I read about it in the Michelin guide, and passing through Esher en route to London brought the perfect opportunity. The debut restaurant from chef Nick Beardshaw has been collecting awards galore for its ‘best of British’ plates. I had the venison, and it came with the crispiest roast potatoes I’ve ever had. Addictive, even. I finished with their famous ‘Balloon Girl’ dessert, inspired by a Banksy. If you haven’t seen it yet, what’s up with your algorithm? It’s worth the trip alone.

Esher was a lovely stop before getting back to East London, and it was here that we charged the car again. We didn’t actually need to, but I wanted to test out another charging provider. This time it’s Mer. The app isn’t very good, but it’s even cheaper to charge at 47p per kWh. Our charge for 1.5 hours was £7, plus £3.60 to park behind Starling, which is located on the high street. Not bad at all.

We made it home, having spent just £37 all weekend on EV charging, with still way over 100 miles left in the car. 

Overall verdict

I was thrilled that my first proper road trip in an electric vehicle could be so seamless. The car was powerful yet smooth to drive, and I couldn’t believe how long the charge lasted. My fear of being stranded in the middle of the Cotswolds in an EV is no longer! I was also surprised at how accessible charging points were, as we noticed them everywhere we went, much like petrol stations. 

I encourage anyone curious about EVs to give them a go, whether day-to-day or for your travels. The Cupra Tavascan is seriously impressive, and I’m keen to try out other vehicles before we one day move out of the city and settle on an EV.

Oh, and because I am no longer satisfied with my own pillows after those lush De Vere overnights, I’ve even bought The Fine Bedding Company boutique silk ‘hotel style’ pillows for home. I have, after all, more than paid for them in petrol and parking savings this weekend. It’s my little EV treat.

Find out more about the Cupra Tavascan

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