The Raval is the smallest electric Cupra to date but is also one of the most important models in the Spanish brand's brief history. Straddling the line between hatchback and compact crossover, the Cupra Raval is built on the Volkswagen Group's MEB+ platform, like the Skoda Epiq, and will be available in five versions with two battery sizes.
It sure does look sporty...
The Raval's design fits in perfectly with Cupra's positioning as a brand with edgy, modern looks with a performance theme in its DNA. It has stayed true to the original 'Urban Rebel' concept car's design and features sculpted lines and premium features usually only seen on larger cars - such as flush-fitting door handles that pop out from the bodywork when the car is unlocked.
Up front, Cupra equips all Ravals with its tri-LED headlight design - the brand logo on the bonnet is also illuminated. Cupra's 'shark nose' design that features across its range is present here too, with two distinct creases in the bonnet.
The entry-level Raval will ride on 17-inch wheels, with most of the range sitting on 18-inch alloys that are aerodynamically optimised. The range-topping Raval VZ gets prominent 19-inch wheels to underline its performance credentials, and it also features illumination behind the door handles.
On all models, sharp, upward creases in the rear doors extend to a thin, intricately designed wraparound light bar. This repeats the triple-triangle design and has an illuminated Cupra logo at the centre. All cars get a pronounced aerodynamic diffuser, giving them a distinct look.
Buyers will get the choice of seven paint options for the Raval, including some with matte finishes. For the first time, Cupra will offer a 'Plasma Iridescent' paint, which shifts through cyan, blue and indigo to 'Rose Red' depending on how the light hits it. There will also be options of Midnight Black and Manhattan Grey roof colours for a bi-tone look.
How big is the Cupra Raval?
The Cupra Raval is just over four metres in length - 4,046mm to be exact - which is 276mm (or almost a foot) shorter than the Cupra Born hatchback. However, the Raval has almost the same wheelbase as the Born, measuring 2,600mm.
That not only gives it a more striking exterior appearance, with the wheels pushed right out into the corners, but it also provides space for an interior that is quite roomy.
What is the Cupra Raval interior like?
The interior of the Raval features a driver-centric layout with a steering wheel featuring physical buttons, including two round satellite buttons that serve as shortcuts to the driving modes and the Cupra setting (standard on the 58kWh models).
Cupra's designers have toned down the copper accents that have previously been a signature of the brand, and inside the Raval there is more dark chrome, which gives the cabin a sophisticated, modern look.
An ambient light bar stretches from the tops of the front doors around the base of the windscreen, complementing the strip of downlighting from the dashboard's fascia.
Called 'Smart Light Next Generation', this system not only enhances the interior ambience but also provides visual feedback to the driver through animations for blind-spot detection and even launch control.
Taking interior lighting to a new level, the Raval features dynamic door projectors that shine a gently moving pattern onto the inner section of the doors. It's a first for this segment and brings a unique detail to the Raval's cabin.
Behind the steering wheel is a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, similar to what can be found in the updated Cupra Tavascan, and it can be configured in a number of ways.
A 12.9-inch touchscreen features the latest Android-powered operating system that includes many of Google's most popular apps, from Google Maps to YouTube. A wireless charging pad is available on higher-grade versions in addition to the usual USB-C charge ports.
There will be numerous interior upholstery packages with fabrics made from 100-per-cent recycled materials in the central sections. Sportier bucket seats are upholstered in Dinamica, a material made with 73-per-cent recycled content that provides a premium look and feel that complements the Raval's sporty theme.
Cupra will also offer a Cup Bucket seat featuring full 3D-knitted upholstery, a unique proposition in the segment. A new manufacturing process is said to create no waste material and gives the seats a distinctive appearance.
Rear passenger space is reasonably good considering the Raval's compact dimensions, with two adults being able to comfortably sit in the back. Both of the outer rear seats are equipped with IOSFIX anchor points, and the Raval gets 430 litres of boot space.
What versions of the Cupra Raval are coming?
There will be two battery sizes available in the Cupra Raval, starting with a 38kWh version that is fitted in conjunction with a 116hp electric motor to provide 318 kilometres of driving range.
A slightly more powerful version with 135hp is also going to be available with the same 38kWh battery, managing 323 kilometres of range. This one rides on 18-inch wheels and features vehicle-to-load (V2L) technology. This battery is capable of recharging at up to 90kW on DC chargers, going from 10 to 80 per cent in 27 minutes.
A 211hp Raval is the first to get the larger 52kWh battery, which will give it a driving range of 448 kilometres. This specification will come in two grades, the top one adding V2L functionality, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a reversing camera and other tech.
That 52kWh battery will be able to go from 10 to 80 per cent charge in as little as 23 minutes, thanks to a 130kW peak DC-charge rate.
Topping the Raval range is the VZ model, featuring the 52kWh battery but with a more powerful 226hp electric motor that also produces up to 290Nm. Its official range is 394 kilometres.
Acceleration is brisk, with 0-100km/h taking less than seven seconds. This model will also get DCC (Dynamic Chassis Control) with adjustable damper settings. It sits 15mm lower than standard and has a 10mm wider track, along with 19-inch alloy wheels with wider 235mm tyres and an electronically controlled differential.
How much will the Cupra Raval cost in Ireland?
The Cupra Raval is expected to cost from €26,000, inclusive of grants, when it goes on sale later this year, with first deliveries due to begin in September.