Revamped Cupra Raval compact car to introduce powerful 223 horsepower VZ version

The automotive world is abuzz with excitement as Cupra, the high-performance division of the Volkswagen Group, unveils its latest creation - the Cupra Raval. Scheduled to debut at the Munich motor show in 2025, this electric supermini is set to shake up the compact car market.

Shared Architecture, Unique Design

The Cupra Raval shares the same MEB entry architecture as its stablemates, the Volkswagen ID Polo, Volkswagen ID Cross, and Skoda Epiq. However, the production Raval has undergone some significant changes, most notably a simplified front grille compared to the UrbanRebel concept car. The production model, revealed with a camouflage wrap based on a street pattern of the Barcelona district it gets its name from, boasts large triangular headlights and a sharp-edged rear end with a wraparound light bar, setting it apart from its siblings.

Performance and Handling

Cupra previously suggested that the UrbanRebel concept could dispatch the 0-62mph sprint in 6.9 seconds, and the Raval is expected to deliver similar performance. The top-spec Raval VZ will have a power output matching that of the forthcoming ID Polo GTI, ensuring a thrilling driving experience. The VZ version will also receive sportier suspension, an electronic limited-slip differential, 19-inch wheels shod with wider 235mm tyres, and the ability to disable the stability control, further enhancing its sporty credentials.

Affordable and Accessible

Priced around £25,000, the Cupra Raval will be Cupra's smallest and most affordable model, making electric performance accessible to a wider audience. The Raval will be the Barcelona brand's smallest model upon its release, offering city dwellers a compact yet powerful electric vehicle option.

Production Details

The production of the Cupra Raval version for the 2026 model year, based on the MEB-Entry architecture, will take place in Spain at the Seat factory in Martorell near Barcelona, under the Volkswagen Group's Core brand group, which includes Cupra as the responsible company. All four models - Cupra Raval, Volkswagen ID Polo, Volkswagen ID Cross, and Skoda Epiq - will be produced at Cupra plants in Spain.

Range and Features

In long-range guise, the UrbanRebel concept had a range of 273 miles, which would put the production Raval on a par with the ID Polo. The Raval will feature bespoke steering and will offer a range-topping 223bhp VZ performance version.

Several key cues from the previous UrbanRebel concept car remain intact in the production Raval, ensuring that the spirit of the concept lives on in the final product. The Cupra Raval supermini is set to redefine expectations in the compact electric vehicle market, offering performance, style, and affordability in one package. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach its debut at the Munich motor show in 2025.