Porsche could add more variants of its Taycan EV to the line-up, with a two-door coupe, a lower, sportier version of the newly launched Cross Turismo and even a convertible possible. Speaking following the launch of the brand’s second Taycan model, Dr Stefan Weckback, Vice President Model Line Taycan, outlined that the German sports car maker could contemplate adding other body styles to the Taycan range, with the car’s J1 underpinnings making this technically feasible. SEE MORE Best electric cars to buy 2021 However, for any resultant extra body style to materialise, Porsche would have to gauge the appetite for such a car or cars. Asked if there was space for a third body style, such as a two-door coupe, or a potential sportier, lower-riding Taycan Sport Turismo estate without the Cross Turismo’s more off-road focused additions, Weckback said: “The platform is perfect for future additional product ideas and we are thinking in different directions,” before adding that it was still quite early in the Taycan’s lifecycle. “We are discussing definitely different ideas and this [a Taycan Sport Turismo] could be one of those ideas,” Weckback said. A lower-slung estate-bodied version of the Taycan has previously been spied testing, so it could be that with fewer adjustments needed to realise this model, this would be the likely candidate for a third Taycan variant. However, the next EV to come from Porsche is likely to be an SUV. It’s no secret that the brand is planning an all-electric version of its Macan, which will arrive next year. Weckback added that, following the Macan EV’s arrival, “then we are prepared to react quite fast in terms of market requirements and changes.” The Taycan Cross Turismo could inform new models in the Taycan saloon line-up too, according to Weckback. The Cross Turismo is launching with a ‘4’ powertrain, whereas the regular saloon is only available in standard or 4S guise. Weckback said that we could see a Taycan 4. “As we are sharing the platform and sharing the components, it could make sense to have a Taycan 4 as well. We know there is interest from different parts of the world for base 4 cars and we are thinking about it.” Porsche’s Taycan product boss also outlined that the model is continuously being optimised, highlighted by the fact that the Taycan 4S Cross Turismo accelerates three tenths of a second faster than the Taycan 4S from 0-124mph. “We are always optimising the whole system and these optimisation will come back to the saloon as well.” Find out more on what we thought of the prototype version of the Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo here...

Pictures of the new Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo

This is the new Jeep Wrangler 1941. It’s a special-edition version of the iconic off-roader, designed to commemorate the company’s 80th anniversary. UK production is limited to just 41 examples, with prices starting from £58,050. Jeep says this special edition Wrangler is even better off-road than its standard stablemate, thanks to a host of mechanical upgrades. Chassis tweaks include a two-inch suspension lift kit with Fox dampers, more underbody protection, plus the same 17-inch alloy wheels and knobbly off-road tyres as the Wrangler Rubicon. SEE MORE Best 4x4s to buy 2021 Buyers also get a pair of locking differentials, a heavy duty 240-volt alternator, rock rails and an electronically disconnectable front anti-roll bar, which Jeep says provides better wheel articulation for serious off-roading. Jeep Wrangler 1941 - above Jeep Wrangler 1941 - dash Jeep Wrangler 1941 - front static Jeep Wrangler 1941 - side detail Jeep Wrangler 1941 - rear static Jeep Wrangler 1941 - front Jeep Wrangler 1941 - rearJeep Wrangler 1941 - Jeep Wrangler 1941 - Jeep Wrangler 1941 - fuel cap Jeep Wrangler 1941 - sill Jeep Wrangler 1941 - Jeep badge Jeep Wrangler 1941 - front seats Jeep Wrangler 1941 - bonnet There are a few cosmetic tweaks over the standard Wrangler, too, including black door sill guards, front and rear mudflaps, a black fuel filler door and a unique ‘1941’ decal on the bonnet. Inside, the off-roader also gets a set of all-weather floor mats. The Wrangler 1941 is available with a choice of four paint finishes: Brilliant Black, Granite Crystal, Firecracker Red, Billet Silver. As the 1941 is based on the Wrangler Rubicon, standard equipment includes heated leather seats, climate control, ambient interior lighting, an 8.4-inch infotainment system and a seven-inch display screen for the instrument cluster. There’s also an eight-speaker Alpine stereo with a subwoofer. The special edition Wrangler is only available with Jeep’s 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, which produces 197bhp and 450Nm of torque. This allows a maximum towing limit of 2,495kg. The engine sends drive to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox and a two-speed transfer case, which has a 77.2:1 crawl ratio for low-speed off-roading. Now click here to read about Jeep’s plans to introduce a new baby off-roader next year…

Pictures of the Jeep Wrangler 1941

Verdict The Formentor is a great calling card for the Cupra brand – it’s stylish, drives well, comes well-equipped and with plenty of space. You’ve really got to be committed to buying a plug-in hybrid, or be ready to reap the benefits of the company car tax savings, to choose this model over other Formentors, though. There’s still lots to like, assuming UK cars don’t suffer the same quality issues as our test car. We wouldn’t blame you if you were a little confused by Cupra. Spun off from SEAT as a more premium, sporty brand, the majority of its model range is still shared with its parent – with the exception of this, the rather shapely Formentor coupé crossover. There are obviously big plans ahead for Cupra, though. It’ll get its version of the Volkswagen Group MEB electric car – the Cupra Born – before SEAT does and, judging by this car, the rumours of Cupra eventually replacing SEAT in the VW family wouldn’t be a bad thing. SEE MORE New Cupra Formentor 2020 review Firstly, the Formentor is one seriously good-looking car. At 4,450mm it’s a little longer than the Cupra (or SEAT) Leon, while it’s a little bit taller and wider, too. Its curvy lines will easily turn heads, while this new plug-in hybrid model is certain to pique interest, especially among company car users keen to take advantage of the tax benefits the claimed efficiency numbers bestow upon the Formentor. Cupra says it’ll emit just 33g/km of CO2, while economy of up to 188.3mpg is possible, as long as you plug it in regularly. Do so and you’ll travel up to 34 miles on a single charge of the 12.8kWh (usable capacity) battery for a fraction of the cost of the same distance on petrol. Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - Steve Fowler Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - side Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - boot Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - start/stop Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - Apple CarPlay Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - front light Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - rear action Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - infotainment Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - front action Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - dash Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - wheel Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - front Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - side static Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - boot seats down Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - front static Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - cabin Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - rear static Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - rear Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - rear light Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - rear badge Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - steering wheel controls Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - charging Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - grille Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - rear seats Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - dials Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - transmission So how has Cupra injected a bit of pizzazz into the same plug-in hybrid system that’s seen on more prosaic models in the VW empire? Well, you can choose from one version with 201bhp starting at £35,770, or this spicier 242bhp model from £38,625, or £40,260 in top VZ2 trim. As well as the battery driving an electric motor, there’s a 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine under the bonnet. Floor the attractive Cupra sport throttle pedal and this Formentor will get from zero to 62mph in 7.0 seconds – not especially quick by Cupra standards. It also doesn’t sound great when the petrol engine is extended – unless you’ve selected Cupra mode via the steering wheel button. Then the clever sound system will make it sound like you’ve got a five-cylinder engine under the bonnet, although it won’t feel any faster. Cupra mode will also firm up the steering, which may add weight but doesn’t improve feel, and tweak the suspension, too, so the car will corner with less roll and decent grip. If the performance is enough for you, you can really enjoy the handling. You can also play around with the various chassis and hybrid settings although, like most owners probably will, its best to leave the car to its own devices. It will always default to EV mode to start with – and that’s when the car is pleasantly quiet and comfortable. Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - Apple CarPlay Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - front light Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - Steve Fowler Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - side Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - boot Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - start/stop Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - rear action Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - infotainment Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - front action Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - dash Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - wheel Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - front Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - side static Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - boot seats down Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - front static Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - cabin Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - rear static Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - rear Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - rear light Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - rear badge Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - steering wheel controls Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - charging Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - grille Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - rear seats Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - dials Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid - transmission Yes, comfortable. Anyone who’s driven a SEAT Cupra model of old will have been used to being bounced around by firm suspension. Not in this car, though. Even on 19-inch wheels and low-profile tyres, the Formentor rides nicely. The standard set-up, with MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link rear axle, has been tweaked to deal with the battery’s extra weight leaving a ride that’s firm-ish, but it feels more communicative than being too bumpy. If this is the new Cupra way, then we like it. And there is lots more to like about the Formentor. The interior is spacious with good room in the back, although boot capacity slides from 450 litres in the standard car to 345 litres in this plug-in hybrid – the battery is to blame. It’s just as stylish inside as it is outside, too, with copper stitching across the dash, nice plush materials where you’d want them, grippy leather sports seats with more copper stitching, digital dials and a large 12-inch infotainment screen that may be quick to respond, but is still saddled with the VW Group’s infuriating user experience – why use one press to turn on the heated seats when three will do? At least you can overcome the peculiarities of the infotainment system by using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, while the rest of the tech story is strong, too. There’s adaptive cruise control and the full suite of safety assistance gadgets you’d expect with a price tag of £40,000. But while the quality inside is good, our left-hand drive car had some very iffy quality outside. The paint finish was fine, but some of the panel gaps could almost be measured in centimetres rather than millimetres – a surprise given that SEAT’s Martorell factory in Spain has been building Audis, too. Model: Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid VZ2 245PS DSG Price:  £40,260 Engine:  1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol plus 12.8kWh battery Power/torque:  242bhp/400Nm Transmission:  Six-speed automatic, front-wheel drive 0-62mph:  7.0 seconds Top speed:  130mph Economy/CO2:  188.3mpg/33g/km EV range: 34 miles On sale: Now