Cupra Tindaya, a very volcanic electric prototype

Cupra has done it again. The new Tindaya—named after a volcano on the Canary Island of Fuerteventura—is the culmination of the brand's solo journey to separate itself from Seat and build its own identity, and aims to follow in the footsteps of the success of the Formentor, Born, Terramar, and Tavascan. But let's get down to brass tacks: the Tindaya is the prototype of a future Cupra electric model, previewing the Baix Llobregat brand's future technical solutions, design, and visual identity.

Broadly speaking, the Tindaya is a 4.72-meter-long SUV with a coupe body characterized by its angular and radical design, with a predominance of triangular geometric shapes, straight lines, and new headlights that promise to be a hallmark of the brand. The Tindaya is a large model, with 23-inch wheels, a sharp, elongated hood, and powerful dimensions that impress buyers. But one of the most revolutionary elements of this prototype is the design of its rear end, with very pronounced headlights, a high waistline, and C-pillars or rear pillars that slowly fall into the trunk, creating a stylized, powerful, and sporty appearance.

The other distinguishing feature of the Cupra prototype is its organic design, as it uses new materials such as flax fiber to replace carbon fiber, plant-based upholstery for the spectacular interior seats, new waxed bronze microfibers, and aluminum parts made by 3D printers.

According to the brand, the Tindaya is a living, organic, breathing vehicle that seeks to create a bond between driver and machine. To achieve this, its interior combines innovative elements, such as the absence of a B-pillar or center pillar to create a more open space for its occupants, and a structure designed to ergonomically integrate the driver and other passengers into the vehicle, consolidating a kind of living organism that becomes the sum of humans and technology. The brand also claims that the Tindaya can change the sound and interior lighting system depending on the mood of the driver and passengers. It also features a fully digital dashboard that adapts to the preferences and settings desired by its occupants.

A stylistic exercise of the first order

The Tindaya is a statement of intent and a demonstration of the Martorell brand's technical and technological capabilities. It has been designed and developed by the technical center specifically to broadly demonstrate the potential of Cupra's roadmap as an independent brand. The fact that it is a prototype show car This means that it is not accompanied by any mechanical proposal, beyond stating that its propulsion system will be fully electric.

We don't know for sure if the Tindaya will end up becoming a real production model or if it's just a preview of the new style that will characterize the Cupra brand in the future, but the reception it received at the IAA in Munich (the big European event of the last third of the year) invites optimism regarding the future of the model and the.