Cupra Raval, we tested the new compact electric car. Here's how it goes and what you need to know

"Going to test an electric compact car? What's more, built on a platform shared by several models of the Volkswagen group? It will be the usual washing machine on four wheels with insufficient autonomy to go to the seaside at the weekend," a comment before leaving for Barcelona, made "by the average car expert, opposed by definition to the electric car." A comment quoted because it gives a good idea of how ideology often stops a possible buyer even before entering the dealership, when in the case of the Raval the reality is decidedly different.

Because Cupra's first compact electric car wins you over with its driving pleasure, capable of entertaining you between the bends and taking your mind back to when manufacturers made cars around 4 metres long that could be used every day and still be enjoyable. All this with more than enough autonomy even for a weekend trip to the seaside, thanks to an average consumption recorded in our first compact of less than 15 kWh/100 km against a non-economy-run driving style.

On the dynamics front, the Raval can rely on a sports chassis lowered 15 mm compared to the platform, specially tuned and optimised suspension, a wider track, 10 mm wider than the platform, progressive steering that enhances agility and Esc Sport. Dynamic Chassis Control, with adaptive dampers, allows up to 15 levels of adjustment, giving the driver the option of adjusting set-up and suspension for maximum comfort or a more responsive and sporty ride. In Cupra mode, the dampers become stiffer, reducing body lean and improving dynamic response.

Built on the Meb+ platform, the Vw group's first front-wheel drive electric architecture and shared with the Vw ID.Polo, Skoda Epic and Vw ID.Cross, the Cupra Raval is 4,046 mm long, 1,784 mm wide, 1,518 mm high and has a wheelbase of 2,600 mm. More beautiful in person than photogenic, the front end displays the typical Cupra 'shark nose' design with sharp lines that enhance the car's road presence. Customisable with the illuminated logo, it mounts various Matrix LEDs with a customised sequence when switched on, depending on the version. On the sides come retractable handles with integrated lighting and alloy wheels range from 17 to 19 inches. The rear is characterised by the generous diffuser and 3D lighting effects provided by the full-width headlamps with frameless illuminated logo. Worthy of note is the exterior paint offering, including exclusive matt and iridescent tints among the seven available colours. In addition, Raval will be the first model to offer the exclusive Plasma Iridescent paint, which, depending on the light, changes from cyan, blue and indigo to pinkish red. Matt finishes such as Manganese and Century Bronze complete the palette. Customisation also extends to the roof, with a choice of Manhattan Grey or Midnight Black, creating a two-tone effect.

Climbing aboard the Raval and 'living' it for a hundred or so kilometres, we wondered how the team headed by Italian Francesca Sangalli managed to combine equipment and cost. Because with the exception of the 12.9" central touchscreen, from which to manage the Android operating system (used for the first time on a Cupra) and the push-button panel on the door panels, the Raval is completely detached from the electric compacts coming from Volkswagen and Skoda. And that's not all: the Raval starts "from the bottom" a series of innovations expected on all the future Cupra range, such as new technology for seat production that reduces environmental impact (all the supply chain is within 100 km of Martorell) and at the same time increases customisation and makes processes faster. Four interiors are on the way, starting with the Pulse with seats upholstered in 100 per cent recycled fabric in the centre sections of the front and rear side seats. The Immersive interior, on the other hand, introduces wraparound, electrically adjustable sports seats with memory function, upholstered in Dinamica and made from 73 per cent recycled microfibre in the back and headrest areas. The centre sections of the rear side seats contain fabrics made from 100 per cent recycled material. The Feel interior combines high-quality vegan leather with wraparound sports seats. The fabrics used for the headrests and centre sections of the front seats as well as the centre sections of the rear side seats contain at least 36 per cent recycled material. At the top of the range, the Ahead package introduces for the first time a fabric upholstery with 3D elements for the Cup Bucket wraparound sports seats, a unique proposition in the segment. This innovative production technique makes each seat upholstery on demand, using 100% recycled material, reducing fabric waste while offering greater freedom in design, customisation and bold aesthetics. The Ahead package is further distinguished by the introduction of 3D printed elements in the dashboard. Another innovation comes in the use of light, including dynamic light projections on the front doors. A projector integrated into the dashboard projects animated and customisable graphics onto the door panels. Rounding out the list of interior customisations is the optional 12-speaker, 475W Sennheiser Sound System. Luggage space is ample, with a capacity starting at 441 litres.

Small or big battery? This is the first distinction to be made for the Spanish compact car, with the 'Raval' entry-level trim offered in combination with the 37 kWh battery with around 300 kilometres of range in the 116 hp power steps with 11 kW ac or 50 kW DC charging and the 135 hp with 11 or 88 kW DC charging. The 52 kWh battery will be present on the 211 hp Endurance version with 450 km range and the 226 hp Cupra VZ with 400 km range. For both, recharging at 11 or 105 kW and 24 minutes to go from 10 to 80 per cent charge. For all of them comes Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology to use the car as a power-bank.

Goodbye cars without accessories. As we have already seen on other Cupra models where the basic version concept has been dropped from the list, the same happens with Raval. Because despite a starting price of around 26,000 euros for the 37 kWh battery version, the launch versions make the Raval with 52 kWh battery the most attractive. The offer starts with the 211hp Launch Edition with equipment that includes 18-inch alloy wheels, Dynamic wraparound seats, digital key, rear camera and heated steering wheel at around 30,000 euros. The Launch Edition Plus adds, for a surplus of around 4,000 euros, the Plasma colour with black roof, 19-inch wheels, intelligent parking functions, Matrix LED headlamps, sports seats in Dinamica, tinted glass, navigation system and a 12-speaker high-fidelity immersive sound system developed in collaboration with Sennheiser. At the top end of the launch offer, the Launch Edition Vz, priced at around 40,000 euros, comes with comprehensive equipment including Cup Bucket wraparound sports seats upholstered in 3D Knitting fabric, 19-inch Machined Sulfur Green alloy wheels with sports tyres and Manganese matt paint.