CUPRA Raval Review: The Vertu VERDICT
“The CUPRA Raval is the small electric car you can really buy with your head and heart in unamimous agreement. On the surface it bristles with the attitude that is quickly becoming CUPRA's irresistable signature, yet under all of those sharp creases and stylish details, the Raval feels every inch a well thought out, user friendly and practical compact car. As capable turning heads in the urban jungle as it is dialling up the fun factor on the open road, the Raval gets all the sensibilities of a small car spot on, while always feeling just a little bit more special than the competition."
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CUPRA Raval: The Key Features
- CUPRA - a portmanteau of 'Cup' and 'Racing' - was launched as its own outright brand in 2018 by SEAT having originally debuted as a trim level designated to the Spanish marque's performance models
- The Formentor was the first standalone CUPRA to be launched, instead of being a modified version of a SEAT model
- The Raval is a fully electric model and slots into the range as CUPRA's smallest and most affordable car yet
- Available with a 37kWh or 52kWh battery returning range of between 186-miles and 277-miles
- Alloy wheels, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, full LED headlights, air-conditioning and rear parking sensors available on every model
- It has been awarded the maximum five-stars by EuroNCAP crash test assessment
- CUPRA Raval comes with a standard 5-year/90,000-mile manufacturer warranty
- Was crowned both Best Supermini and Best Hot Hatch of 2026 by Auto Express
Who is the CUPRA Raval Best Suited To?
- Young drivers who want a car that packs visual drama while being kind to the pennies and the environment
- Small families who will benefit from the class-leading practicality in a compact, frugal and easy-to-drive body style
- Image conscious buyers who will appreciate the CUPRA's trendy reputation and strong residuals
- Professionals wanting a daily commuter that is cheap to run
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CUPRA Raval Trim Levels & Equipment
CUPRA Raval Trims | Powertrain Options | Standard Equipment |
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CUPRA Raval Origin |
| 17-inch alloy wheels, electric door mirrors, full LED headlights, 3D LED rear combination lamp and illuminated logo, air-conditioning, leatherette steering wheel, 12.9-inch central infotainment system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, cruise control, rear park sensors, driver modes, ADAS safety suite |
| 18-inch DEFIER alloy wheels, dark tinted rear windows, illuminated door handles, heated steering wheel, multi-function steering wheel, dual-zone air-conditioning, navigation, voice assistant, heated front seats, rear view camera, keyless entry and go (in addition to Origin) | |
| 19-inch MAVERICK alloy wheels, multi-coloured nambient lighting, Sennheiser immersive premium audio with 12 speakers, heated door mirrors, bucket seats with copper stitching (in addition to V1) | |
| 19-inch VANDAL alloy wheels, Matrix LED headlights, top view camera, Intelligent Park Assist, Travel Assist 3.0 (in addition to V2) | |
| 19-inch REBEL alloy wheels, VZ lettering, cornering lights, copper-styling features, aluminium pedals, 'FEEL' CUP bucket seats, electrically adjustable seats, Dynamic Chassis Control suspension, limited slip differential (in addition to V2 Launch Edition) | |
| 19-inch REBEL alloy wheels, VZ Extreme styling, dark CUPRA logos, 'AHEAD' CUP bucket seats (in addition to VZ) |
CUPRA Raval Technical Specifications
[Scroll left on table for full specifications]
CUPRA Raval Technical Specifications | 37kWh 115PS | 37kWh 135PS | 52kWh 210PS | 52kWh 225PS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Type | Compact Hatchback | Compact Hatchback | Compact Hatchback | Compact Hatchback |
Seats | 5 Seats | 5 Seats | 5 Seats | 5 Seats |
Trims | Origin | V1, V2 | V1, V2, V2 Launch Edition | VZ, VZ Extreme |
Powertrain | BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) | BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) | BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) | BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) |
Power | 113bhp | 133bhp | 207bhp | 222bhp |
0-62mph | TBC | 9.5secs | 7.1secs | 6.8secs |
EV Range (WLTP) | TBC | 204-miles | 272-miles | 239-273-miles |
CO2 Emissions | 0g/km | 0g/km | 0g/km | 0g/km |
Rapid Charging (10-80%) | TBC | 23-mins | 24mins | 24-mins |
Boot Space (5 Seats) | 441-litres | 441-litres | 441-litres | 441-litres |
Insurance Group | TBC | TBC | TBC | TBC |
EuroNCAP Safety Rating | 5-Stars | 5-Stars | 5-Stars | 5-Stars |
What We Like About the CUPRA Raval
- The CUPRA Raval is one of the most exciting and stylish additions to the small hatchback space in years
- It blends form and function extraordinarily well, with impeccable attention to detail being displayed both inside and out
- We love the smart touches, such as the illuminated badging at the rear, the stylised alloy wheels unique to each trim and the moody colour schemes
- Matches the Renault 5 E-Tech for desirability but offers much more space and electric range
- Beyond the aesthetics, the well-laid out interior is superbly built and brimming with generous kit for the price
- It's also practical with the 441-litre boot being bigger than what you'll find in a VW Golf
- Top-tier trims offer hot hatch-level performance complemented by tuned suspension and a limited slip differential
- Mid-range models, however, strike the best balance between a fun driving experience and economy by returning an impressive 272 miles of range
- Base models offer excellent value-for-money and make the Raval one of the chepaest electric cars you can buy in the UK
- Is sportier and more exciting than the sister VW ID. Polo and Skoda Epiq
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Electric Hatchbacks To Also Consider...
Volkswagen ID. Polo
The iconic VW Polo is already one of the most recognisable - not to mention best-selling - small cars of all time, but the all-electric VW ID. Polo steers the popular nameplate into an exciting new era. As practical and as economical as the Raval, the ID. Polo will appeal to many as the more demure looking of the two, while it feels like a more grown-up car than other models in this class.
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Skoda Epiq
The third model in the VW Group's new MEB+ platform triumvirate, Skoda has eschewed the conventional hatchback format in favour of a small-SUV body style for its latest offering, the Skoda Epiq. More in-keeping with the Czechia marque's line-up, the Epiq blends all the best features of the Raval - great to drive, practical, frugal - with what Skoda does best; build handsome cars to an impeccable standard
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Renault 5 E-Tech
Proof that electric power and retro charm can co-exist, the Renault 5 E-Tech is one of the most desirable cars you can buy right now. The design is brimming with clever throwback details without ever feeling anything less than a modern, comfortable small electric car. While the looks will go a long way to selling the R5, it's also great to drive, feels well built and can be customised in myriad different ways.
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* Details correct at the time of publication (September 2026)
Review Published: September 2026
Updated: September 2026
- Electric
- New Cars
- Cupra