Cupra Raval, autonomy, how it goes, prices: preview of the electric compact car

It hasn’t been officially revealed yet, but we were among the first to try it Martorellin the beating heart of its production. Near the factory where it will be born in 2026, we had the opportunity to drive an example of the Cupra Raval in definitive configuration, albeit still camouflaged to hide its lines. Sort of clinical test reserved for a few journalists in which, in addition to previewing the driving qualities of the new electric compact car, the engineers of the Spanish company owned by the group Volkswagen they wanted to hear the impressions of those who test new cars every day.

1Design, dimensions, exterior

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With a length of just 4.04 metersthe Raval presents itself as a compact city car, but the proportions suggest higher ambitions. Despite the camouflage, the front and rear light clusters already reveal details with a design strongly inspired by the figure triangularCupra’s stylistic signature. On the color front, however, a wide chromatic range is foreseen with numerous iridescent shades.

2Interiors, equipment and upholstery

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The impression, on board, is that of an airy interior from the perspective of the driver, but also of a large space for rear passengers and luggage, not a given for a compact electric car. Inside, one of the few details discovered is the door panel, characterized by plastics worked with a rough effect with refined geometries, also with a triangular theme, confirming a high level of attention to materials and qualitative perception. In this regard, the seats of the top-of-the-range versions of the Raval will debut an innovative solution 3D printing for the production of coverings. This technique in the experimental phase will allow the realization of the cover in a single solution by receiving it from recycled materials. Thus, a good part of the logistics for the creation of the individual components will be superfluous, with the consequent reduction in costs and emissions.

3Autonomy, engine and platform

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There Raval was born on the platform Meb+ with front-wheel drive. The version Vz Extremetested by us, is equipped with a 166 kW electric motor (226 HP) And 290 Nm of torque, powered by a battery that guarantees a maximum declared autonomy of approx 400km. There will also be 155 kW versions in the range (211 HP) with batteries with greater capacity and autonomy up to 450 km. The electrical system will be the same as other Volkswagen Group based cars Meb+ Entrysharing logic but with specific calibrations for Cupra.

4Sports care, driving modes and tyres

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Compared to other models that will be born on this platform, the frame of the Raval is lowered by 15 mm. In addition to this factor, it progressive steering and all-wheel disc brakes and adaptive control suspension suggest that the Raval is designed to emphasize driving dynamics. The top of the range version Vz Extreme includes a sportier package, with 19″ rims with 235 mm tyres, shell-shaped seats and an electronic differential with sports steering knuckles, capable of dynamically optimizing torque to the front wheels. The presence of deactivable stability control and a driving mode Cupradedicated to more emotional driving, completes the technical package.

5Equipment, prices and versions

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At launch, expected in 2026the Raval will be available in three variations: Dynamic (155 kW, with 450 km of autonomy), DynamicPlus (155 kW, with sports seats, system Sennheiseradvanced Matrix LED and Adas headlights) e Vz Extreme (166 kW, 400 km of autonomy, with specific set-up and differential). The price, for the access version, will be approximately 26 thousand euroswhile the more powerful versions should exceed 30 thousand euros.

6How’s it going, the test

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We drove the version VZ Extreme and, from the first metres, the sensation is that of being on a much more mature compact car. The road holding is remarkable and the steering is precise, well calibrated. In the mountain curves above Martorell the work of the electronic differential which works on the front wheels to better close the trajectories. The thrust of the engine is very good, but never brutal: the classic is missing kick in the back typical of some more aggressive electrics, but everything is perfectly balanced between comfort and sportiness. In mode Cupra a synthetic sound is also activated, which accompanies acceleration and makes the experience more engaging, while the seat belts tighten automatically by activating the launch control to further emphasize the sensation of speed.

7Pros and cons

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Below are the strengths and weaknesses of the Cupra Raval found during the road test carried out near Martorell, about thirty kilometers north-east of Barcelona:

• Pleases: balanced and engaging set-up, very good habitability for the size;

• Don’t like it: thrust is linear, but an even more aggressive delivery in Cupra mode wouldn’t go amiss.