Ive driven the new Cupra Raval and its proof that the hot hatch can live on
in the EV era

Date:
Sun, 02 Aug 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Description:
Cupra unleashes the first car on the new Volkswagen MEB+ platform and it's a proper pocket rocket

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Anyone with a keen interest in the European car market will know that Cupra parted ways with its sister company Seat way back in 2018 to become the high-performance , funky standalone brand to attract the attention of a more youthful buyer.

The gamble paid off, as Cupra now outsells Seat in most regions, thanks to
its heady line-up of handsomely styled SUVs and sporty hatchbacks, all with a fine selection of electrified powertrains.

This latest edition to the family, the relatively diminutive Raval, is the first of its kind to sit on parent company VWs MEB+ platform, which will also underpin the upcoming and equally spicy ID Polo (including the GTI ), the ID Cross and Skodas more crossover focused Epiq. Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch full video here: (Image credit: Cupra) But Cupra being Cupra has seen fit to endow the Raval with almost comically sporty proportions, a fabulously appointed interior and the sort of electric powertrain that is designed to have true driving fans won over. Having driven the top spec VZ models out on the beautifully flowing roads of northeastern Spain, its clear that there is still room for the compact, agile hot hatch in the often soulless world of modern EVs . You may like Ive driven the smallest Kia EV yet and theres a lot to love about the baby of the bunch I've driven the Honda Super-N and I'm in love with this seriously fun EV I've driven the Audi RS 5 and it mixes supercar pace with cutting-edge tech Seriously styled (Image credit: Cupra) You only have to take a look at one of the many recent Cupra events to
realize that the company approaches new product launches a little
differently.

These shindigs are typically held in warehouses and other industrial
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The overemphasized creases on the bonnet, super aggressive front lamps and chunky rear diffuser on this VZ model signal its racy intentions. The Raval
is all of this stuff distilled into a diminutive hatchback, with copper accents and contrast flourishes on the outside, myriad on-trend materials throughout the cockpit and the latest technology taking care of infotainment duties.

On the outside, the Raval rides low to the ground (well, as low as any modern EV can) and wears its squat proportions with pride.

The over-emphasized creases on the bonnet, super aggressive front lamps and chunky rear diffuser on this VZ model signal its racy intentions. What to
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It also rides on 19-inch Rebel rims and crams vegan leather bucket seats into the cockpit, as well as a 12.9-inch Android Automotive central display and a separate 10.25-inch digital cockpit that takes care of speed and whatnot. (Image credit: Cupra) Considering the Raval VZ starts at 34,9995 in the UK (thats around $47,000 / AU$65,000), it feels like a generous dose of premium car for the money.

But for those happy with the smaller wheels and smaller battery pack (more on that later), the range actually starts from 23,785 (around $32,000 / AU$45,000) for the 115hp, 37kWh models. Nice and spicy (Image credit: Cupra) Clearly, the VZ version driven here is a little spicier when it comes its performance credentials, as it features the larger 52kWh battery pack and a powertrain that delivers 222bhp and 214lb ft to the front wheels in proper
hot hatch fashion.

Prod the accelerator and the little Raval wants to move, whisking drivers and passengers from rest to 62mph in a respectable 6.8 seconds.

It even has a quasi launch control mode that sends little shudders and vibrations through the seat to make the process of accelerating feel more exciting.

Prod the accelerator and the little Raval wants to move, whisking drivers and passengers from rest to 62mph in a respectable 6.8 seconds. Granted, it feels a little gimmicky but Cupra has done an excellent job of making the Raval
feel as sprightly as its exterior lines would suggest.

Flick it into Cupra mode via a dedicated button on the steering wheel and, alongside a growling synthesized soundtrack, youre treated to massive levels of grip.

This results in the ability to round corners with all the thrills of a go-kart, while the dynamic chassis control fitted to this VZ model keeps things flat and firm when the mood takes. Thankfully, it is adjustable
through 15 stages, so you can easily get a set up that suits.

But when settling back down into Eco of Comfort modes, the Cupra does its
best impression of a sensible, grown-up VW Group product , proving almost perfectly quiet and comfortable when cruising along the highway. The ride quality really is excellent. Fuel for thought (Image credit: Cupra) Having driven almost too many EVs to remember, I have got into the habit of always checking battery efficiency after an event like this.

Its a great indication of real-world driving, often taking in faster, flowing sections of road (where the regen will help top-up batteries), slower city driving and battery-sapping highway miles.

The Cupra Raval revealed that we averaged around 4.5 miles per kWh after a
day of driving, which means we could have happily racked up over 200-miles from a single charge of the relatively small 52kWh NMC battery packs.

Cupras official WLTP rating has this pegged at 239-miles, which feels honest and achievable if driving sensibly which I wasnt during this particular test. (Image credit: Cupra) Ravals recharging game is strong too, with a 10-80% session taking just 24-minutes from a 105kW DC public charger. Its slightly longer than close rivals, such as the recent Renault 5 and Kia EV2, but neither of those cars can really be described as feisty.

But perhaps the most striking thing to note from the small, sporty hatchback is that theres a decent amount of room inside. Two adults can very
comfortably sit up front and theres just enough room in the back for a few friends.

Admittedly, leg room in the rear isnt exactly generous, but its very good in this segment, while the rear trunk is positively cavernous. Mounting the
motor at the front results in an impressive amount of space to store bulkier items. (Image credit: Cupra) Theres even a clever folding floor that can be set at various levels, making it easier to throw in shopping when space isnt required or free up a deeper hole for those weekend trips away.

The Cupra Raval offers a beguiling mix of sensible, grown up elements such
as the responsive Android Automotive -based infotainment system, practical interior space and premium-feeling fabrics and laces it with a hefty dose of fun.

Granted, this isnt the all-out hot hatch that we might be used to from the
ICE era, but it gets very close.

Plus, with VW set to unleash an ID Polo GTI later this year with eerily similar performance figures, it makes you wonder if its worth holding out for that revered badge when the Raval VZ is this good. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/vehicle-tech/hybrid-electric-vehicles/ive-driven-the -new-cupra-raval-and-its-proof-that-the-hot-hatch-can-live-on-in-the-ev-era


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