Camouflaged Cupra Raval: Does it awaken the rebel in me?
The affordable small electric cars from the VW Group will finally be rolling out to us soon. The Cupra Raval, which we were already able to test drive in a slightly camouflaged version, will be the first to hit the market.
For once, we can't admire the dynamic lines, striking light signature, or sporty cockpit and interior of a new car model, but Autosprint gets to take the wheel of the still-camouflaged Cupra Raval long before its world premiere. The final shape of the Spanish compact car is hidden under a film depicting the maze of streets in the Barcelona neighborhood of the same name, «El Raval.» Nevertheless, the headlights, for example, already reveal the first details and the typical use of triangles by Cupra designers – exciting.
Critical inspection at the factory entrance
Things continue to be exciting in Martorell, Seat and Cupra's main factory located about 30 minutes outside Barcelona. At the entrance to the production and development site, which is about the size of 400 soccer fields and where around 12,000 employees manufacture and develop Seat models such as the Ibiza, Arona, and Leon, as well as Cupra models such as the Formentor, we are once again urged not to take any photos. Journalists don't normally belong here, and barely a minute later we pass a completely camouflaged prototype that we can't place in the current Seat and Cupra model range. Shortly afterwards, we stop in front of the new Cupra Raval – also camouflaged, but not nearly as extensively.
More spirited and agile
And the Spanish car already looks impressive. The electric compact car is 4.05 meters long, 1.78 meters wide, and 1.52 meters high. Even though Cupra calls it an urban rebel, it is certainly made for more than just city life. A first glance at the rear and trunk shows that there is plenty of space here. That's easily enough for cross-country trips and travel. The Raval is the first model on the VW Group's MEB+ platform and is therefore a technical twin of the VW ID. Polo and Skoda Epiq, which will also be launched in 2026. However, thanks to a sports chassis that is 15 mm lower than other models based on the platform, specially tuned suspension, and progressive steering, the Cupra Raval is said to be significantly more spirited and agile. An electric drive with 155 kW/210 hp or even 166 kW/226 hp and 290 Nm in each case is said to give the front-wheel drive vehicle the necessary power.
Excellent road holding
I now have the exclusive opportunity to test this performance with a development engineer in the passenger seat keeping an eye on things – cool! Just like my first impression of the sports bucket seats, which offer plenty of lateral support yet are very comfortable. Still obediently in convoy, we creep out of the factory grounds, past the gatekeeper who is still looking at us critically, and into the afternoon traffic of Martorell. After just a few minutes, we enter the hilly foothills of the Montserrat massif. The roads become more winding, and the fun begins, because the Raval has excellent road holding, outstanding handling, and, thanks to its electric drive, delivers the desired thrust at all times – impressive!
The red Cupra button beckons
The bold Urban Rebel makes it abundantly clear: it is certainly not only at home in the city. Thanks to its DCC sports suspension, a track that is 10 mm wider than other models on the same platform, and an electronic limited-slip differential, this front-wheel drive car puts a smile on my face after just a few corners and really encourages a sporty driving style. You don't even need to press the red Cupra button on the right-hand side of the steering wheel for more power. The Raval also impresses in the other driving modes. What's not my thing, however, is the artificially generated sound, which is intended to enhance the Cupra feeling and underline the Spanish car's performance. It's a matter of taste, and fortunately, you can also turn it off and race almost silently through the hills around Martorell.
World premiere on March 19, 2026
Of course, this kind of driving style is not exactly conducive to the range of the electric cars, which is 400 km for the VZ Extreme and 450 km for the Dynamic and Dynamic Plus versions. Those who want to drive more economically in the Raval can generate a few extra kilometers themselves using the three recuperation levels. Cupra officials are still keeping quiet about charging power and battery capacity, as well as the price. However, a look at the data for the ID. Polo, its technical twin, makes it clear that it will likely have a 52 kWh battery and charge at 11 kW with alternating current and 90 or 130 kW with direct current.
All will be revealed at the world premiere on March 19, 2026. That’s when the Cupra Raval will be unveiled for the first time, and further details will be provided about its advanced driver assistance systems and Matrix LED headlights. The latter will greet you with an impressive light ceremony, playing with various triangular shapes that can also be found throughout the interior of the Cupra – that much we can reveal!
