- CUPRA Raval set for 2026 launch
- Compact EV - sibling to incoming VW ID. Polo
- Range of up to 280 miles
- Power of up to 226 PS
- Priced from 26,000€
CUPRA has confirmed its compact Raval EV will launch in 2026 - and it’s set to be a whole heap of hot hatch fun.
The Raval has been teased since way back in 2023, when we first glimpsed it as a concept, and now it’s nearing a full arrival.
It’s seen here in disguised pre-production form ahead of its debut next year.
And with power of up to 226 PS, bucket seats and low-slung sports suspension, CUPRA reckons the Raval ‘provides traction and cornering beyond the norm for a vehicle of this category’.
Here’s everything you need to know.
What is the CUPRA Raval?
The CUPRA Raval is a compact, fully-electric hatchback. It’ll be the baby brother to the larger CUPRA Born when it arrives in the UK in 2026.
In fact, the Raval sits on the same ‘MEB+ platform’ from parent company Volkswagen as both the Born and the VW. ID.3.
At 4,046mm long, 1,784mm wide, and 1,518mm high, the Raval is similar in size to the Peugeot E-208
But if we’re talking about comparison cars, you should look no further than the incoming VW ID. Polo (which we wrote about earlier this year).
Just as the CUPRA Born represents a more aggressive alternative to the ID.3, the CUPRA Raval will be the trouble-making, tearaway sibling to the ID. Polo.
It’s worth noting, though, that the ID. Polo will also be available in performance GTI trim, which will give lease customers some tantalising choices to ponder.
How powerful is the CUPRA Raval?
The CUPRA Raval should be a proper little handful when it enters the fray.
The Spanish manufacturer hasn’t yet confirmed battery sizes (though the suspicion is we’ll get a choice of two packs; a base 38 kWh unit and a larger 56 kWh option).
What we do know, though, is that all models are front-wheel drive and the Raval will launch in three distinct variants; Dynamic, Dynamic Plus, and VZ Extreme.
Those range-topping VZ Extreme models get 226 PS, 290Nm of torque, and a range of up to 249 miles between charges.
The Dynamic and Dynamic Plus variants get the same battery (we assume the 56 kWh pack) but lesser power of 210 PS. You do, though, get a larger range between charges - up to 280 miles.
Is the CUPRA Raval a proper hot hatch?
Yep, range-topping VZ Extreme versions of the CUPRA Raval can definitely be considered ‘hot’ and should be a riot to drive.
The chassis is lowered by 15mm (compared with other cars on the platform) and the suspension has been set up for a sportier ride.
Hit the ‘CUPRA mode’ button and the adaptive shock absorbers become stiffer, reducing body lean and enhancing driving dynamics.
You also get Dinamica bucket seats, large 19-inch alloys, and electronic slip differential to keep the power to the tarmac.
Away from the VZ Extreme model, the mid-range Dynamic Plus Raval also sounds particularly well-equipped, featuring Matrix LED headlights, intelligent parking functions, and a 12-speaker sound system from Sennheiser.
How much does the CUPRA Raval cost?
So far we’ve only got a price in euros - 26,000€ - which translates to around £22,856 in UK money.
So, it won’t be the cheapest compact EV going (cars like the BYD Dolphin Surf start from less than £20k) but it’ll still be tempting and should make for an affordable lease car.
CUPRA itself hopes the Raval will be a ‘true category challenger’ and a vehicle that ‘opens up electrification to a new audience that craves emotion and distinction’.
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