New spy photos show the smallest Cupra electric car during testing without any camouflage. This subcompact model shares the new Volkswagen Group MEB+ platform with the upcoming ID. Polo. The VZ modification, an analogue of GTI, will receive 233 horsepower and a sportier chassis setup.
Unexpected Appearance
Car manufacturers usually carefully hide their future novelties under camouflage. However, the upcoming Cupra Raval was spotted during testing completely unmasked, with logos and all details, as if someone forgot about secrecy.
The exterior fully corresponds to the bold compact hatchback that Cupra hinted at in its previous teasers, only now it can be seen much better. The proportions are neat and athletic, and the design combines robust wheel arch cladding with narrow, tapered window openings, successfully combining sporty hatchback and crossover themes instead of choosing one path.
Updated MEB Platform
The Raval’s length is just over 4,000 mm, clearly placing it in the subcompact class, along with its close relatives—the Volkswagen ID. Polo and Skoda Epiq. They are all built on Volkswagen’s new front-wheel-drive MEB+ platform. All these cars will be produced in Spain, although, according to rumors, it was Cupra that was responsible for the chassis development and tuning for the entire project.
This likely explains why the Raval is positioned as the most “sharp” model in the family. Engineers lowered the ground clearance by approximately 15 mm, made the suspension stiffer, and added progressive steering.
Technical Specifications
The base version is expected to be a single front electric motor with about 208 horsepower, paired with a 55 kWh battery. This combination will be an additional option for the ID. Polo and Epiq. Their base models will receive a 114 hp motor or an optional 133 hp one, both with a 38.5 kWh battery.
Judging by what is known about the 208 hp Epiq, the base Cupra with similar power should accelerate to 100 km/h in approximately 7.2 seconds. While Skoda claims a range of 430 km, the Spanish company previously promised 450 km on the WLTP cycle.
Sporty VZ Version
For those who really want a car that matches the sporty promise of the Cupra brand, there will be a VZ version. This is Cupra’s analogue of the ID. Polo GTI. It will receive a 233 hp motor, an electronic differential, a wider track, and sportier chassis components. The range will slightly decrease to 400 km, but the additional power should compensate for it.
Market Launch
Cupra plans to present the Raval in 2026, with an expected starting price of around 26,000 euros. Judging by these unmasked prototypes, the production version looks ready, so the official presentation should happen soon.
The appearance of a completely unmasked prototype usually signals the final phase of road testing before the start of series production. This may indicate that the company is confident in the design and technical solutions, or is intentionally creating hype around the novelty. The compact electric car market is becoming increasingly fierce, and Cupra seems to be betting on a clear sporty identity and dynamics to differentiate itself from the more conservative offerings of Volkswagen and Skoda. The success of the Raval may largely depend on how successfully the claimed driving qualities can be combined with real range and a competitive price in its segment.