Cupra chose the IAA Mobility Show in Munich to reveal more details about the upcoming Raval, the fully electric subcompact hatchback that will be formally launched in 2026. The automaker showed a camouflaged series-production prototype of the sporty model that will be a sibling to the VW ID. Polo and wants to show that EVs “can be exciting and desirable”.

The Raval looks similar to the concept that debuted exactly two years ago, although a few details have slightly been toned down. Highlights include the aggressive LED headlights, the sporty bumper, the sharp taillights and the three-spoke alloy wheels finished in copper and black.

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The subcompact hatchback measures 4,046 mm (159.3 inches) long, 1,784 mm (70.2 inches) wide, and 1,518 mm (59.8 inches) tall, with a wheelbase of 2,600 mm (102.4 inches). This means it has a similar footprint to the ICE-powered Seat Ibiza from its sister brand.

An EV With Hot Hatch Traits

The Raval rides on the MEB+ architecture with a front-mounted electric motor at “several output stages” and two battery options. This is shared with the ID. Polo hatchback, as well as the upcoming ID. Cross and Skoda Epiq crossovers.

In order to differentiate it from its VW Group stablemates, Cupra gave the Raval a sport chassis to match its angry looks. All variants of the EV sit 15 mm (0.6 inches) closer to the ground and have a unique suspensions setup, progressive steering, and ESC Sport.

More: Cupra’s Futuristic New Concept Promises Something Drivers Have Never Seen Before

The performance-focused VZ trim takes things further as the evil twin of the ID. Polo GTI. More specifically, it will be fitted with a more potent electric motor generating 223 hp (166 kW / 226 PS), a VAQ electronic slip differential on the front axle, a DCC Sport suspension, an ESC Off mode, and 19-inch wheels shod in wider 235 mm (9.3-inch) tires. Cupra didn’t specify whether the Raval VZ will feature a different bodykit, but confirmed the presence of “CUPBucket” seats inside the cabin.

Safety equipment will include sophisticated ADAS like the Travel Assist with lane changing and traffic light recognition, the Intelligent Park Assist, and the 360° Area View camera.

Markus Haupt, Cupra’s Interim CEO, said regarding the brand’s new EV:

“The Cupra Raval is now shaping our future. Because with it, we’ve brought together everything Cupra stands for: emotion, striking design, electrifying performance and as always, driver focused. For us, the Cupra Raval is more than a car. What truly makes it special is the project behind it – the Electric Urban Car Family – which we are proud to be leading from Spain. We are strengthening synergies within the Brand Group Core and turning the country into a hub for electric mobility, making these cars accessible to millions.”.

Made In Spain

Cupra‘s entry-level EV will hit the roads in 2026 as the brand’s eighth model and will mark its eighth anniversary. The company expects to hit the milestone of one million deliveries sometime in the coming months.

Production of the Raval will take place at VW Group’s Martorell factory in Spain alongside the VW ID. Polo. Rivals will include the Renault 5 E-Tech, the Mini Cooper Electric, and the upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 3.

The Munich Motor Show is less than two months away and Cupra is looking to make a splash. As part of this effort, they’ll introduce a camouflaged Raval on September 7^th and an all-new concept on September 8^th.

Cupra isn’t saying much, but revealed the mysterious concept embodies their “brand vision and future design language.” The company went on to say it’s the “perfect symbiosis between human and machine, where the driving experience and emotions reach their fullest expression.”

More: Cupra Raval Spied As A Warm-Up Act For VW’s Crucial New EV

Marketing hyperbole aside, the teaser video shows a futuristic center console with a flowing metal band, minimalist switchgear, and an illuminated diamond-like element. We can also get a glimpse of diamond-shaped ribbed accents and a triangle made out of either crystal or glass.

The Raval, on the other hand, will be a series production model shown in disguise. Spy photographers snapped the electric hatchback last month and it’s a sister model to the Volkswagen ID.2. It’s slated to ride on the new MEB Entry platform and Volkswagen has hinted at a version with 223 hp (166 kW / 226 PS) and up to 280 miles (450 km) of range. Since the ID.2 is slated to spawn GTI and R variants, we can likely expect hotter Ravals as well.

The Raval will go into production next year at the Martorell assembly plant. That’s a slight delay as the model was originally slated to arrive in 2025.

Last but not least, Cupra announced plans to introduce Tribe Editions of the Formentor, Terramar, and Leon / Leon Sportstourer. The special editions are being billed as ideal for customers “looking for uniqueness and differentiation with a contemporary, sustainable twist.”

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