New Cupra Raval to get concept styling and next-gen EV tech
The all-electric Raval will maintain Cupra’s sporty image when it launches next year
Cupra’s next EV offering, the supermini-sized Raval, is now in the final stages of testing. And judging by the latest pictures of the camouflaged models, it will stick closely to the design of the Raval Concept, while making use of the latest Volkswagen Group technology in the shape of the MEB-Entry platform.
The Raval shares that platform with the incoming Volkswagen ID.2, but will beat its sister car to market, with an expected launch date of early 2025. And as these latest spy pictures show, the Raval will look much more aggressive.
The Raval Concept’s pugnacious styling has remained largely intact, marked out by a short wheelbase, large wheels and Cupra’s triangular lighting signatures in both the headlights and rear light bar.
Look a little closer and you’ll see other styling elements from the concept set to make production, including the flush-fitting door handles. However, the duct tape over the charging port will, of course, be replaced with something a little more sturdy when the production model is revealed.
With less camouflage to the rear we can see the rear diffuser-style bumper in better light, plus some faux side vents that help to give the Raval a more purposeful stance. Above, there’s what looks to be a full-width light bar, possibly including an illuminated Cupra badge in the middle, just as we saw on the concept.
Cupra designer Rafael Gordo told Auto Express: “We’re really really happy with the Raval design; we were given lots of great elements to work with and think it’s a really pure distillation of Cupra’s design language.”
As for the cabin, Gordo told us: “Inside, we’ve stopped using elements like textured plastics and complicated layering of materials for a simpler look.” However, Cupra will maintain the use of copper-coloured trim elements, ambient lighting and sporty, dark-coloured upholstery and trim.
As with other models on this platform, the Raval will need to factor in some technical compromises to reduce costs. These include the use of a simple torsion-beam rear suspension.
Volkswagen’s ID.2all concept utilises the MEB-Entry platform with the potential for 38kWh and 56kWh batteries. This would seem a likely match for the Raval, along with a front-mounted single motor with up to 223bhp.
We expect the new Raval to be revealed in full in 2025 – the first of an array of models from the Volkswagen Group brands to use this platform.
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