We preview Spain’s stylish alternative to VW’s ID.2, expected to launch in Europe and other select markets in 2025
6 hours ago
- The Cupra Raval is a new compact electric hatchback based on the VW ID.2.
- It features a bold and aggressive exterior design alongside a minimalist interior
- Two powertrain and battery options will provide a range of up to 280 miles.
Often labeled as the rebellious newcomer in the Volkswagen Group, Cupra is out to prove it’s not just another badge-engineered brand, rolling out sharp entries like the Formentor, Born VZ, Tavascan, and the soon-to-arrive Terramar SUV. These models aren’t just about filling gaps in the lineup; they’re Cupra’s way of showing it’s here to challenge the status quo within the VW Group.
Read: Cupra Officially Coming To America With 2 Electric Crossovers
Next up in Cupra’s drive to reinvent itself is the Raval, a compact electric hatchback built on Volkswagen’s ID.2/GTI platform. The Raval is shooting to be a stylish yet wallet-friendly pick in the EV world, targeting those who want a smart-looking, nimble electric car without the premium price tag that usually comes with it.
Despite Cupra’s plans to enter the U.S. market by the end of the decade, the Raval won’t be making the cut. Instead, Cupra is bringing two electric crossovers to our shores – the Formentor and a larger, yet unnamed model – aiming to tap into America’s never-ending love affair with bigger vehicles.
Radical Lines
Unlike many other concepts that get watered down for production, the Raval closely follows the wild look of the UrbanRebel Concept. With a captivating blend of aggression and elegance, the Spanish hatch sports a menacing face with sharp, angular LED headlights that seamlessly integrate into a vast, trapezoidal grille.
Lower down, the front bumper features large air intakes that enhance the vehicle’s aerodynamic efficiency and add to its assertive stance. From the side, the Raval showcases a dynamic profile characterized by a sweeping character line that diagonally tensions as it wraps around into the c-pillar. Unfortunately, the concept’s frameless windows haven’t made the cut, although retracting, flush-mount door handles add to the modern aesthetic.
At the rear, the Raval continues its bold design language with a wrap-around LED taillight cluster that sits within the curvaceously protruding bodywork; this enhances the car’s visual width and gives it a distinctive nighttime signature. The rear bumper mirrors the aerodynamic elements at the front, and a subtle roof spoiler and lower diffuser cement the dynamic look.
Interior Simplicity
Unlike the exterior, the sub-compact model’s cabin design is expected to be much more reserved than the futuristic, PlayStation-like aesthetic of the UrbanRebel. According to our intel, it will sport a minimalist dashboard dominated by a 12.9” infotainment screen plucked from the current VW parts bin. While that integrates many functions, essential controls will have a row of physical buttons as some things are (rightfully) too sacred to digitize.
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Other expected goodies include a digital instrument cluster, augmented-reality head-up display, Cupra connected services, Car2X functionality, remote park assist and clever under-seat rear storage. Despite its compact size (159.4 inches long), the Raval will have ample passenger space due to its EV-centric underpinnings.
So, while it may not dazzle like its concept brethren, it looks ready to deliver on practicality—if that’s more your speed.
Powertrain and Battery
Cupra previewed the Raval last year with this concept model (Photos Baldaudf/ten Brink).
Utilizing the same ‘MEB Short’ architecture and powertrain as the ID.2, the Raval is powered by a front-mounted 222 hp (166 kW) electric motor, capable of a 0 to 60 sprint in under 7 seconds. For those wanting that Veloz experience, there will be a VZ variant using the concept’s 340 horsepower (250kW) dual-motor setup, which makes 435 hp (320 kW) on over boost.
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The battery pack is tipped to come in two sizes, 38 and 56kWh, which is good for a WLTP range of 280 miles (450 km) for the larger battery. DC fast-charging will enable 10 to 80 per cent top-ups in 20 minutes with a 125kW peak charging capacity.
Rivals and Reveal
In the compact EV segment, the Raval’s primary competition comes in-house with Volkswagen’s under-skin-twin, the ID.2. Others include Renault’s 5, Peugeot e-208, Mini Cooper Electric, Kia EV3, Opel Corsa Electric, Renault 5, Lancia Ypsilon, BYD Dolphin, Great Wall Ora, Fiat 500e, and MG4. In a field packed with electric upstarts and revitalized classics, standing out won’t be a walk in the park, even with Cupra’s edgy branding.
Cupra is expected to reveal the Raval in the next six months as a 2025 offering, with pricing around €24,000 or about $27,000. However, don’t get too excited just yet; rumblings from within the Volkswagen Group hint at potential delays as they reconsider their EV roadmap. So, the Raval might just end up in a holding pattern, waiting for the green light.
Would you actually consider shelling out for a small EV like the Raval as your daily commuter, or does the idea of another sub-compact electric fighting for relevance in a saturated market leave you feeling indifferent? Share your thoughts in the comments below – if Cupra’s listening, now’s the time to speak up.
