Skip advert
Advertisement

TVR Tuscan 2

On the whole, TVR's aims are simple - to offer supercar speed and drama at a fraction of the cost.

There are few more thrilling ways to travel than in a TVR. The firm's new Tuscan can invoke fear and excitement in equal measure, but now it is one of the strongest models in the range. The lack of traction control and ABS, plus a lively chassis, mean it's not for the faint-hearted, though.

Advertisement - Article continues below

On the whole, TVR's aims are simple - to offer supercar speed and drama at a fraction of the cost.

The no-frills, high-design formula has kept the British sports car marque on enthusiasts' wishlists. But can it continue to deliver on its promise - and will the widely reported arrival of a 20-something Russian billionaire change things for the better?

The linchpin of TVR's current range remains the Tuscan. With the styling nearly five years old, the Blackpool firm is putting the finishing touches to a revised version - and Auto Express took the wheel to see if the heavyweight has been refined without losing its punch.

Once you have fought through the crowd of people attracted by the exotic bodywork, design changes are easy to spot. At the front, a more aerodynamic nose is fitted, with fared-in headlamps and a lower spoiler. There has been a similar makeover at the rear, where new lights fit flush with the bodywork.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Arona

2026 SEAT

Arona

56,559 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £11,150
View Arona
HR-V Hybrid

2020 Honda

HR-V Hybrid

31,556 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £16,500
View HR-V Hybrid
Convertible

2020 MINI

Convertible

66,446 milesManualPetrol2.0L

Cash £11,650
View Convertible
Countryman

2020 MINI

Countryman

38,731 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £14,500
View Countryman

Pressing the trademark electric door release located under the wing mirror reveals a resculpted cabin. The revised dashboard is a visual treat and offers a new digital display and updated switchgear. Pull a couple of levers in the boot and the roof panel can be removed to shed even more light inside.

Advertisement - Article continues below

While the interior is great to look at, not everyone will be comfortable. The seats are fine, but the huge transmission tunnel forces the driver close to the door, which limits elbow room.

However, once on the move the ergonomic compromises are soon forgotten as the TVR bombards the driver's senses with sound and acceleration.

The entry-level Tuscan is powered by a 3.6-litre straight-six-cylinder powerplant, which delivers 350bhp via a five-speed gearbox to the rear wheels. The gutsy engine provides plenty of thrust, with TVR claiming a 0-60mph sprint time of only 4.4 seconds and a potential top speed of 180mph.

The revamped Tuscan has thoroughly re-engineered suspension and chassis settings, intended to make its immense power more accessible and less intimidating. Despite this, extracting the most from it still requires a firm hand and a level head.

With no traction control, the wheels are prone to spinning in all but the highest gears, calling upon quick responses to prevent sudden changes of direction as the rear tyres struggle for grip.

The lack of ABS will also put off some buyers, but the firm middle pedal provides plenty of feel and the Tuscan is stable under braking.

Treated with respect, the TVR is a fine-handling sports car - more mature and driveable than other models in the firm's line-up. The softer front suspension also makes it less daunting when cornering, while the revised steer-ing gives a greater sense of control.

In isolation, the Tuscan is well balanced and capable, but drive it alongside Porsche's cheaper Boxster S and the Tuscan's brutal execution makes it feel unwieldy and unforgiving.

However, at £39,850, the TVR is hard to match for thrills per pound. There are more refined and capable sports cars around, but if it's individuality and heart-in-the-mouth excitement you are after, look no further.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,792 off RRP*Used from £11,995
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,200Avg. savings £4,685 off RRP*Used from £14,998
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £15,800
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £7,361 off RRP*Used from £12,300
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025
Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV
Geely EX5 - front

Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV

Geely has looked to Lotus to ensure it's new electric SUV lives up to our driving expectations
News
2 Jul 2025