- Prices start at £23,785, with five trim levels and four powertrain options
- Up to 280 miles of claimed range, with the range-topping VZ delivering 225PS.
- A 441-litre boot and spacious rear seats
- Strong driving dynamics, improved technology and competitive equipment levels
A convincing debut for Cupra in the small electric car market, combining impressive driving dynamics, practicality and competitive pricing.
Overview
The Cupra Raval could prove an important addition to the small electric car market, with the potential to attract customers looking for an affordable EV without compromising on performance, refinement or practicality.
Based on Volkswagen Group’s new MEB+ platform, that will also underpin the forthcoming Skoda Epiq and Volkswagen ID Polo, the Raval is the first of a new generation of small electric cars.
Its arrival is particularly significant for Cupra, which has previously concentrated on larger models, including the Born, Formentor and Tavascan. The Raval gives the brand access to a new customer group and a segment where pricing and running costs are likely to be major purchase considerations.
The production car follows the UrbanRebel concept first shown in 2021, retaining much of its distinctive styling. It also introduces new battery and motor technology, with front-wheel drive replacing the rear-wheel-drive layout used by the Born.
The UK range comprises five trim levels and four powertrain options. Prices start at £23,785 for the entry-level Origin, or from £28,495 for versions equipped with a larger battery.
The Raval competes against a growing selection of small electric cars, including the Renault 5 E-Tech, BYD Dolphin Surf and Peugeot E-208. Other alternatives include the Kia EV2, Mini Aceman, Alpine A290 and Vauxhall Corsa.
With a combination of accessible pricing and distinctive styling, the Raval should give Cupra retailers an opportunity to appeal to customers beyond the brand’s existing owner base.
Pricing and spec
The Raval range is offered in five trim levels: Origin, V1, V2, VZ and VZ Extreme.
The entry-level Origin costs £23,785 and is exclusively available with a 37kWh battery and a 115PS electric motor.
Origin comes with LED headlights, automatic wipers, rear parking sensors and adaptive cruise control.
V1 and V2 represent the core of the range, offering a more powerful 135PS motor with the 37kWh battery; or a 210PS motor and 52kWh battery. V1 starts from £25,495 and gains a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, electric folding door mirrors and keyless entry.
The V2 is equipped with electrically adjustable seats, multicolour ambient lighting and a Sennheiser audio system. Prices start at £28,080.
VZ comes exclusively with a 225PS motor and the larger 52kWh battery, costing £33,495. Key features include bucket seats, adaptive dampers and Matrix LED headlights.
Range topping VZ Extreme costs £34,810 and comes with surround view cameras, bespoke upholstery and alloy wheel design, Travel Assist and a towbar provision.
Technology
The Raval introduces a new Android-based operating system, making it the first Cupra to use the technology.
It promises improved stability and a greater selection of built-in applications, including music and video streaming services. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also supported.
The main interface uses a familiar 12.9-inch central touchscreen, with a tile-based layout and clear graphics. However, the system retains the haptic sliders for temperature and volume adjustment that have attracted criticism in other Volkswagen Group models.
There is at least enough physical switchgear to make everyday operation reasonably straightforward. Door mirror controls, lighting functions and steering-wheel buttons are all accessible without relying entirely on the touchscreen.
The infotainment screen integrates the climate controls into the lower section of the display, where they remain relatively easy to reach.
Safety
The Raval offers a useful selection of driver assistance and safety equipment, even in entry-level specification.
Standard equipment includes autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control. There are also rear parking sensors and LED headlights, while higher grades add features such as a reversing camera.
The range-topping VZ Extreme includes Travel Assist, which can control the vehicle’s speed, braking and steering to provide semi-autonomous driving assistance.
Euro NCAP awarded the Raval a five-star safety rating, when equipped with the ‘safety pack’ which is fitted as standard to all UK models. The score was solidified by an impressive 91% occupant protection score.
Driving experience
The Raval’s new platform brings a different approach to Volkswagen Group’s small electric cars, with front-wheel drive replacing the rear-wheel-drive arrangement used by the Born.
The entry-level 115PS motor provides sufficient performance for everyday use, while the 135PS version offers a useful improvement in acceleration. Both are paired with a 37kWh battery, providing around 200 miles of range (WLTP).
Customers wanting more performance can choose the larger 58kWh battery with either 210PS or 225PS. The latter is reserved for the VZ, which also receives a series of chassis upgrades.
The flagship VZ provided an impressive introduction to the Raval’s capabilities. Its 225PS motor delivers responsive acceleration without overwhelming the front tyres or making the car difficult to manage.
The VZ also benefits from a wider track, lowered suspension, adaptive dampers and an electronic limited-slip differential to improve traction.
The result is a car that feels agile and entertaining without compromising everyday usability. Ride quality is particularly good, while wind and road noise are well isolated.
Strip away the sportier features and the 210PS version still feels impressive. It strikes a great balance between comfort and sportiness, while providing 270 miles (WLTP) of driving range. During testing, we achieved 4.0 miles/kWh in warm conditions, equating to approximately 230 miles of real-world driving. That is a respectable result and better than we achieved in a Renault 5.
Despite its compact dimensions, the Raval feels comfortable at motorway speeds, giving it the refinement and stability expected of a larger car.
DC rapid charging is supported at up to 130kW on the larger battery, allowing a 10-80% charge in approximately 20 minutes. The smaller battery peaks at 90kW, so charging takes slightly longer.
Practicality
The Raval strikes a good balance between compact exterior dimensions and interior space.
At around 10cm longer than the Renault 5, it makes better use of its footprint to provide a noticeably more spacious cabin. Rear passengers have enough room for a couple of adults to undertake longer journeys in reasonable comfort.
The boot is particularly impressive for a car of this size, offering 441 litres of capacity. The rear seats also fold flat to provide additional carrying space.
Up front, standard sports seats provide good support and plenty of adjustment, making it straightforward to find a comfortable driving position.
The cabin has a distinctive wraparound design, with the dashboard flowing into the door panels. Integrated ambient lighting and Cupra’s trademark copper detailing help create a more upmarket impression than the car’s positioning might suggest.
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Material quality is also impressive for a relatively affordable electric car. The centre console is sensibly designed, incorporating a wireless phone charging pad and two cupholders rather than prioritising styling over everyday usability.
Overall, the Raval’s combination of passenger space, boot capacity and compact exterior dimensions should make it a practical proposition for urban motorists and smaller families.