A new model with the markings of the very young, eight-year-old Cupra brand will soon arrive from Spain. We are talking about the Raval model, which is part of a wider family of small electric cars of the Volkswagen Group, known as the Electric Urban Car Family. All models share the same technical basis – the front-wheel drive MEB+ platform – and were developed in parallel to reduce production costs. In addition to the Cupra Raval, there are three other models that have already been written about. These are Volkswagen’s ID.Polo and ID.Cross models, as well as Škoda’s Epiq model, which is a small city SUV of the Czech brand. Almost two months ago, we had the opportunity to travel to Spain, specifically to Barcelona, where the leaders of the Cupra brand presented us with a new model. Covered by the veil of the embargo that expired this morning, we can finally share with you information about the model whose official launch starts today.
A neighborhood known for its young people
By the way, Raval is named after the city district of Barcelona, El Raval – the boldest, most creative and most defiant city district. The area is known for its constant flow of youthful spirit and creativity, making it the perfect name for a vehicle designed to disrupt the status quo and empower a new generation of drivers. By naming the vehicle after the liveliest neighborhood in Barcelona, Cupra aims to move away from the traditional concept of electric vehicles in order to connect with a progressive audience of enthusiasts, who do not want to compromise performance and design within sustainable mobility.
With its dynamic shape and helmet-inspired silhouette, the Cupra Raval conveys diversity and emotion, leaving a strong impression on the road. Characteristic details further highlight the character, from the Matrix LED headlights to the hidden illuminated door handles and the illuminated Cupra logo on the front and back make the Raval model unique, day and night. Precise, agile dynamics and sporty handling are announced, which enable a fun driving experience. The Raval has a 15 mm lower chassis compared to the aforementioned VW and Škoda models, which, along with optimized suspension and progressive steering, provides dynamic handling.
City proportions
The compactness of the new model is visible in the dimensions, so Raval measures 404.6 cm in length, is 178.4 cm wide and 151.8 cm high, and was created on a platform with a wheelbase of 260 cm. There is also a fairly good trunk with a volume of 430 liters. It is prepared with a number of customization options and new colors, including Plasma paint with an overflow effect or an exclusive matte lacquer with two two-tone combinations for the roof. This city model stands out for its compact proportions, sporty character and the well-known performance of the Cupra model. His strong stance and sharp, defiant lines convey emotion and a sense of difference.
The front end is dominated by a ‘shark nose’ design and sharp lines that create tension, character and muscularity. With the illuminated Cupra logo and Matrix LED main lights with effects, the Raval, when viewed from the front, makes a bold, high-tech impression. In addition to aesthetics, advanced lights automatically adapt to driving conditions and the road, providing an additional level of high technology in every drive. The sides of the vehicle contain hidden illuminated handles flush with the doors, which, admittedly, are being slowly phased out by automakers. The rear end features an accented diffuser and 3D lighting effects. The light strip extends across the entire width of the rear end, and contains an illuminated logo.
The lowest aerodynamic drag
The Raval has been designed and developed with special emphasis on aerodynamics to ensure best-in-class efficiency. Building on this principle, the vehicle integrates a fully optimized airflow strategy where components such as pronounced rear C-lines, front air curtains, aerodynamically optimized wheels, flush door handles, rear spoiler and active hood closure work together to control flow separation and reduce drag. Thus Raval has the lowest aerodynamic resistance of all Cupra models.
Numerous options for personalizing the exterior have been prepared. There are alloy wheels, with a choice of eight wheel designs from 17 to 19 inches in diameter, as well as seven exterior colors. Matte colors and colors with an iridescent effect have been prepared. The specialty is in the Plasma varnish with an iridescent effect, which changes through cyan, blue and indigo to rose-red, depending on the light. Matte finishes such as Manganese and Century Bronze are also attractive, further emphasizing the bold character of the vehicle. Individualization also extends to the roof with the offer of Manhattan gray or midnight black.
Operating system Android OS
The passenger cabin is focused on the driver. Lighting, digital integration, physical buttons, as well as control on the steering wheel and tactile details have been prepared. The center console frees up valuable storage space, while the intuitive layout ensures easy and reliable operation. Integrated interfaces for the air conditioner and the 12.9-inch infotainment system, with the new Android OS operating system, keep the cockpit clean. In front of the driver is a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel.
A progressive range of interior configurations is provided, each with its own distinctive character. The Pulse interior features 100% recycled fabric-covered sports seats in the center sections of the front and rear side seats, combining comfort and durability with a focus on sustainable materials selection. Stepping up, the Immersive interior introduces electrically adjustable sports seats with memory function, upholstered in Dinamica® fabric, made from 73% recycled microfibre on the backrests and headrests, which provide an enhanced sporty note. The center sections of the rear side seats are covered with fabrics made from 100% recycled material. Furthermore, the Feel interior offers a combination of sports seats with high-quality vegan leather. The fabrics on the headrests and center sections of the front seats as well as the side rear seats contain at least 36% recycled material. At the top of the range, the Ahead package brings CUP sports seats with fully 3D knitted upholstery. This innovative manufacturing technique knits each custom seat cover using 100% recycled material, reducing fabric waste while allowing greater freedom in design, individualization and bold aesthetics. 3D printed elements in this interior are also found on the instrument panel.
Projector integrated into the instrument panel
The interior lighting system is designed to be intelligent and enhance the atmosphere in the vehicle, adapting to different driving situations and moods. Ambient lighting brings a choice between seven environments with colors and dynamic animations. At the center of the cockpit, Smart Light Next Generation transforms lighting into an intuitive communication interface between vehicle and driver. Integrated into the instrument panel, it provides clear visual feedback linked to driver assistance systems, such as the blind spot detection system, while responding with distinctive animations during key performance moments, including the E-Launch function. The lighting becomes even more impressive through dynamic door projections, a unique feature in the segment. A projector integrated into the dashboard casts customizable animated graphics onto the door trims, extending the interior’s light language beyond traditional surfaces.
The Raval is designed to provide a dynamic and emotional driving experience that differentiates it from other city electric vehicles. It has front-wheel drive and a lower chassis than the jointly developed VW and Škoda models, and there’s an all-new, high-performance electric drivetrain. It uses the latest generation APP 290 electric motor, paired with a PowerCo battery with unified cells integrated into the chassis using cell-to-pack technology. By eliminating the module housing, this approach reduces weight and required space while increasing power density by about 10 percent, which directly translates into greater reach and efficiency. The driving dynamics and settings of the specific Cupra model express the sporty DNA of the Raval model. Adaptive chassis control (Dynamic Chassis Control) uses adaptive shock absorbers with up to 15 adjustment levels.
Two batteries and four power options
The E-Launch function adds a whole new emotional level to the driving experience. It provides the feeling of being at the start of a race through a coordinated sequence of lighting, cockpit animation and appropriate sound effects in the interior, turning every acceleration from rest into an exciting moment.
Customers will have a choice of different equipment versions with four engine and battery configurations available. The starting point is the Raval and combines a 37 kWh (LFP) battery and an 85 kW/116 HP engine. Along with the same battery, the Raval Plus brings a more powerful electric motor of 99 kW/135 hp. These two options have the possibility of AC charging up to 22 kW or DC charging of 90 kW, for a range of about 300 kilometers. The Endurance version comes with an NMC battery of 52 kWh and an electric motor of 155 kW/211 HP for a range of about 450 kilometers, and a more powerful DC charging of 130 kW. The top VZ edition comes with the same battery, which in turn has a 166 kW/226 HP EV engine. Its reach is 400 km. This latter edition is equipped with DCC Sport (Dynamic Chassis Control) suspension with higher stiffness (+5%), ESC OFF mode, 19-inch wheels with wider 235 mm tires and electronic differential lock.
Sporty tone
Exclusive to the VZ version, the electronic differential lock continuously monitors driving conditions via sensors and manages the distribution of torque between the wheels to ensure optimal grip, especially in tight corners. In addition, sports steering wheel joints with increased negative camber and a higher lean center provide a more reactive, engaging and direct response from the front axle.
During the launch, three exclusive versions will be available with a more powerful battery, each of which embodies the essence of the model from a unique perspective. Dynamic brings advanced battery technology, dynamic control and a range of about 450 km. Dynamic Plus with the same 155 kW EV engine combines dynamic driving settings with great comfort and technology. It is equipped with advanced driver support systems, intelligent parking functions, matrix LED headlights, sports seats and a high-quality 12-speaker audio system developed in collaboration with Sennheiser Mobility. The VZ Extreme combines great power and performance with a more powerful 166 kW engine. Strong driving dynamics are accompanied by sustainable materials and technologies. It’s not just the most powerful version, but a statement of how performance and responsibility can progress together. The Cupra Raval VZ Extreme comes with a full equipment specification, which includes CUP sports seats with 3D knit upholstery technology, 19-inch Sulfur Green alloy wheels with Performance tires and striking Manganese matte finish.
The Raval is designed and manufactured in the factory in Martorello, based on the advanced MEB+ platform, and will hit the market this summer, with a starting price of €26,000.
