Cupra has confirmed the Raval will debut on April 9, and with just weeks to go, it’s dropped a teaser that gives us our first real taste of its smallest electric car yet. It’s only one image, but it’s enough to get us excited about a baby EV that should be both fun to drive and affordable.

The shot as provided by Cupra shows the rear end reflected in water, though flipping it reveals the details more clearly. The lighting signature is the standout feature. Triple triangle LED elements sit at each corner, connected by a full-width light bar with a textured, mesh-like look that feels suitably dramatic. An illuminated Cupra badge takes center stage, a detail we last saw on the facelifted Born.

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We can also make out a roof spoiler at the top of the hatch door and a set of black and bronze alloy wheels wrapped in chunky Bridgestone tires, hinting at a sportier edge than your average small EV, and probably telling us that we’re looking at the VZ hot hatch version.

The Raval rides on VW Group’s new front-wheel drive MEB+ platform and measures just over 4,000 mm (157.5 inches) long, placing it firmly in the subcompact class. It shares its underpinnings with the upcoming VW ID. Polo and Skoda Epiq, though Cupra has reportedly led chassis development.

The Driver’s Choice

That influence shows in the setup. Engineers have lowered the suspension by around 15 mm versus the VW and Skoda equivalents, even on the base cars, stiffened things up, and added progressive steering to give it a more engaging feel. It’s meant to be the enthusiast’s option in this trio.

Cupra

Power options though, cover a broad range. Entry-level versions are expected to offer 114 hp (116 PS / 85 kW) or an optional 133 hp (135 PS / 99 kW), both paired with a 38.5 kWh battery. Step up and you get a single, front-mounted electric motor producing around 208 hp (211 PS / 155 kW) with a 55 kWh pack.

That mid-tier setup should deliver a 0 to 62 mph time of around 7.2 seconds and a WLTP range of up to 278 miles or 450 km. It’s a solid balance of performance and efficiency for everyday use.

VZ Equals GTI

But we’re naturally drawn towards the VZ, Cupra’s take on the ID. Polo GTI, the first electric VW to wear that legendary hot hatch badge. With 233 hp (226 PS 166 kW), an electronic differential, and a wider track, it promises sharper responses and more punch, even if range dips to around 249 miles (400 km).

With prices expected to start around €26,000 (£23,000) and a funkier, more youthful design than its VW and Skoda cousins, the Raval looks set to bring some real personality to the affordable EV space.

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Automakers usually hide their future cars under enough camouflage to confuse a satellite. But the upcoming Cupra Raval has just been spotted testing completely undisguised, logos and all, as if someone forgot the secrecy memo.

From the outside, it’s exactly the feisty little hatch Cupra hinted at with its earlier teasers, only much more visible. The proportions are tight and athletic, and the design’s mix of chunky wheelarch trims and slim, tapering glass areas cleverly combines sporty hatch and crossover themes, rather than choosing one path over the other.

MEB Remastered

The Raval measures just over 4,000 mm (157.5 inches) long, which places it squarely in the subcompact class, along with its close cousins, the VW ID. Polo and Skoda Epiq, all of which ride on VW’s new front-wheel drive MEB+ platform. They’ll all be built in Spain, though Cupra reportedly led the chassis tuning development for the entire project.

That probably explains why the Raval is pitched as the spicy member of the family. Engineers lowered the suspension about 15 mm, stiffened the setup, and added progressive steering.

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Power should start with a single, front-mounted electric motor producing around 208 hp (211 PS / 155 kW) and mated to a 55 kWh battery, a setup that costs extra in the ID. Polo and Epiq. Their base models come with 114 hp (116 PS / 85 kW), or an optional 133 hp (135 PS / 99 kW) motor, both with a 38.5 kWh pack.

Based on what we know of the 208 hp Epiq, the entry-level Cupra with the same output should get to 62 mph (100 kmh) in around 7.2 seconds, and though Skoda claims 267 miles (430 km), the Spanish firm has previously promised 278 miles (450 km) of range on the WLTP cycle.

The Hot One

If you really want a Cupra that lives up to the brand’s sporty promise though, you’re going to want the VZ. It’s Cupra’s equivalent to the ID. Polo GTI and gets a 233 hp (226 PS / 166 kW) motor and electronic differential along with wider track widths and sportier chassis hardware. The range drops slightly to 249 miles (400 km), but the extra punch should make up for it.

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Cupra plans to launch the Raval in 2026 with prices expected to start around €26,000 ($30,000). Based on these undisguised prototypes, the production version looks ready, so the reveal must be imminent.

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