Image: CupraAlongside the VW ID. Cross and Skoda Epiq, the Raval is the first of four planned models in Cupra’s new compact electic car family – a fact that became apparent during its appearance at the IAA last year. At the time, it was presented as the final production model, albeit concealed under a special vinyl wrap. Now, Cupra has unveiled the definitive production version without any camouflage.There are no surprises in the design. The UrbanRebel concept, unveiled four years ago, set the direction, and even the IAA appearance – despite its camouflage – provided a clear indication of the design language. Measuring 4.05 metres in length with a 2.60-metre wheelbase, while being approximately 1.78 metres in width and 1.52 metres in height, the Raval positions itself as a compact battery-electric vehicle with a sporty orientation. At the front, its design is defined by the Sharknose styling, sharp lines, and Matrix LED headlights. The side profile is slightly softer, complemented by flush-mounted, illuminated door handles.The rear design emphasises Cupra’s DNA with a striking diffuser and 3D lighting effects. A continuous rear light strip and a borderless illuminated logo visually enhance the car’s width. To allow for maximum personalisation, customers can choose from seven exterior colours, two roof colours, and eight alloy wheel designs.Familiar Cupra design language defines the interiorThe Raval’s interior also follows Cupra’s latest design language, as seen in the recent facelift of the Born. The system integrated into the dashboard provides clear visual feedback in conjunction with driver assistance features such as blind-spot detection, while also responding to functions like e-Launch with custom animations. Like the Born, the Raval features physical buttons on the steering wheel, along with a 10.25-inch cockpit display and a 12.9-inch touchscreen running an Android-based operating system. Additionally, Cupra has equipped the Raval with a unique interior sound, inspired by Formula E, which is activated in the ‘Performance’ and ‘Cupra’ driving modes. Image: Cupra Image: Cupra Image: Cupra Image: Cupra Image: Cupra Image: Cupra Image: Cupra Image: Cupra Image: Cupra Image: Cupra Image: Cupra Image: Cupra Image: CupraTechnically, the Raval, like the other compact models from the Group, is based on the MEB+ platform with front-wheel drive. Its sports suspension is lowered by 15 millimetres, and the track width is 10 millimetres wider than the platform’s baseline. The dynamic chassis control uses adaptive dampers with up to 15 adjustment levels.Four power levels and two battery sizesThe powertrain options also hold no major surprises: Volkswagen already confirmed the power levels for the ID. Polo in December. Cupra has now also confirmed there will be four variants with outputs of 85, 99, 155, and 166 kW. The top version is badged as VZ by Cupra, while Volkswagen uses GTI and Skoda opts for RS.The Raval is available with two battery configurations. The two lower-powered variants are paired with a 37 kWh (net) LFP battery, while the more powerful versions feature a 52 kWh NMC battery. Cupra states a range of up to 300 kilometres for the smaller battery and up to 444 kilometres for the larger one. The VZ version falls in between, with a range of 379 to 381 kilometres. For comparison, Skoda claims around 430 kilometres for the Epiq with the larger battery and 315 kilometres for the smaller one.However, the fast-charging specifications are somewhat contradictory. According to Cupra, the 52 kWh battery in the Endurance and VZ versions can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in 24 minutes, with a maximum charging power of 105 kW. Skoda, on the other hand, claims 23 minutes and up to 133 kW for the Epiq. Differences also appear with the smaller 37 kWh battery: Cupra cites up to 88 kW and 23 minutes, while Skoda states up to 90 kW and 28 minutes. What is clear, however, is that all variants come with a standard three-phase AC charger rated at 11 kW.In addition to charging, Cupra is introducing the ‘Cupra Charger Pro’, a wallbox that features MID-certified energy metering. Beyond charging, the Raval can also supply power back to external devices using Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology.For a compact car, the Raval is exceptionally well-equipped. It includes features such as Remote Park Assist, which allows the vehicle to be parked via smartphone, and a Rear Traffic Alert that detects approaching vehicles when reversing to prevent potential collisions. The system is complemented by a Top View Camera, providing a 360-degree view around the vehicle. The new Pre-Crash function not only responds to potential front and rear impacts but also to side collisions. These are just some of the highlights.However, this extensive equipment comes at a price. At launch, Cupra is offering the Raval in three exclusive launch editions. The ‘Dynamic’ version combines the 155 kW powertrain with the larger battery and starts at €37,250. The ‘Dynamic Plus’ variant uses the same powertrain configuration and is priced from €41,605. The top-of-the-range ‘VZ Extreme’ pairs the 166 kW powertrain with the larger battery and starts at €46,525.The actual entry-level version of the electric compact car, featuring the smaller battery and the two lower-powered motors, will follow later. Patience is required, as it is not expected to arrive until this summer, with prices starting from €25,950.seat-cupra-mediacenter.com
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