Cupra Raval, what the Spanish electric compact looks like and how much it costs

If already on the outside the Raval displays upper segment content, climbing aboard we questioned 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 upcoming Volkswagen and Skoda-branded electric compacts. 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.

Moving on to engines, batteries and range, the Raval will be offered in the 'Raval' entry version in combination with the 37 kWh battery with about 300 km 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. On the dynamics front, as already mentioned during the test drive of the camouflaged version, the Raval can rely on a sports chassis lowered by 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.

On sale starting at 26,000 euros for the entry version Raval with 37 kWh battery, the Raval follows what has already been seen on other models of the Spanish brand where it says goodbye to the 'base car' concept. There are three launch editions, all with a 52 kWh battery, starting with the 211 hp Launch Edition with equipment that includes 18-inch alloy wheels, wraparound seats in Dynamic, digital key, rear video camera and heated steering wheel for 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.